Course Title: Implement sound designs
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term2 2022
Course Code: VART6418C
Course Title: Implement sound designs
Important Information:
Please note that this course may have compulsory in-person attendance requirements for some teaching activities.
To participate in any RMIT course in-person activities or assessment, you will need to comply with RMIT vaccination requirements which are applicable during the duration of the course. This RMIT requirement includes being vaccinated against COVID-19 or holding a valid medical exemption.
Please read this RMIT Enrolment Procedure as it has important information regarding COVID vaccination and your study at RMIT: https://policies.rmit.edu.au/document/view.php?id=209.
Please read the Student website for additional requirements of in-person attendance: https://www.rmit.edu.au/covid/coming-to-campus
Please check your Canvas course shell closer to when the course starts to see if this course requires mandatory in-person attendance. The delivery method of the course might have to change quickly in response to changes in the local state/national directive regarding in-person course attendance.
School: 515T Creative Industries
Campus: City Campus
Program: C6172 - Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media (Directing)
Course Contact: Jesse Roberts
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4107
Course Contact Email: jesse.roberts2@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Teacher: Mark Johnson
Email: mark.johnson3@rmit.edu.au
Nominal Hours: 50
Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.
Pre-requisites and Co-requisites
None
Course Description
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to implement a design for any productions requiring sound.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
CUASOU505 Implement sound designs |
Element: |
1. Confirm sound design specifications |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Consult relevant people to confirm sound design specifications meet production requirements 1.2 Identify and confirm people needed to meet production requirements 1.3 Confirm content, quality and duration of sound components 1.4 Research copyright requirements to confirm sound design will comply with legislation 1.5 Liaise with relevant people to consider and incorporate additional or changed production requirements and new ideas as required |
Element: |
2. Implement sound design |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Devise or obtain sound components to meet sound design specificat io ns 2.2 Record sound effects as required 2.3 Manipulate sound components to achieve desired sonic finish and style 2.4 Identify changes required, seek feedback from relevant people about work in progress, and modify as required 2.5 Direct, advise and assist technical staff as required 2.6 Save master copy of sound design recording in required format for playback media 2.7 Make backup copies of sound design recording in line with production requirements and organisational procedures |
Element: |
3. Finalise operations |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Prepare and update production documentation as required 3.2 Label, log and store recorded masters, version copies and backups according to production requirements and organisational procedures 3.3 Evaluate implementation of sound design specifications in consultation with relevant personnel 3.4 Evaluate own performance, and note areas for improvement 3.5 Provide feedback to team members on their performance as required 3.6 Document evaluation outcomes according to organisational procedures |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to understand, participate in, and implement various stages of sound production and sound design implementation for screen based media, and be able to address the needs of clients in this area.
Details of Learning Activities
In this program, structured learning occurs in the classroom and through completion of assessment. However, as an independent learner you will also be engaged in unstructured activities such as private study and practice of technical skills required in using cameras, lighting and sound equipment and editing tools . You are also expected to familiarise yourself with different aspects of the screen and media industry. This includes spending time engaged in attending films and film festivals, watching streamed content, attending industry events and exhibitions and building relationships with industry bodies such as the Screen Producers Association and the Australian Society of Cinematographers.
In-class learning activities include, but are not limited to:
- demonstrations and practical application
- peer teaching and class presentations
- group discussions
- screenings
- online research
- independent project based work
- teacher directed group activities/projects
- Industry examples and case studies
Out-of class activities include, but are not limited to:
- reading set texts
- research
- screenings
- production work
- independent project based work
Teaching Schedule
Please note: While your teacher will cover all the material in this schedule, the weekly order is subject to change depending on class needs and availability resources.
Week |
Class content |
Assessment |
1 |
Overview of the course, assessment and tools Basic sound design ideology including editing music for storytelling and “Acoustic gap” Brief Introduction to Audition focusing on audio editing. Explanation/discussion of the 3 main audio compartments for on screen sound- Present a video clip with no sound for students to copy and practice sound design implementation. -Importance of Acoustics when recording Sound Fx/Foley.
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2 |
Explanation of the five main types of Sound FX in the film world;
Explanation of correct microphones and techniques used for recording atmospheres and ambiences Continue familiarisation with Audition for audio editing.
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3 |
Recording Background sound and atmospheres and ambiences, techniques and procedures. Re-iterate/reinforce importance of eliminating “acoustic gap” Importance of correct file logging and copying with emphasis on file descriptions and versions (V1-V2-near mic-far mic etc)
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Assessment 1 due next week |
4 |
Offscreen sound and implementation of various atmosphere, ambience and background sounds for dynamic filming. Use of sound in continuous shots/scenes in multiple rooms-areas. Discuss-re-iterate ”acoustic gap” and importance of matching atmospheres and ambience for shifting camera perspectives. Introduction of performing and recording Foley and Voice for a screen edit. Foley to screen practice. Discussion and practice; collation of Sound effects sourcing and or recording for screen edit. Discussion and practice-collation of appropriate music or musical sound design for screen edit. In class research scenes and sound design technique presentations
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Assessment 1 Due |
5 |
Foley to screen practice and re-iteration. Audition intensive session covering demonstrations of its editing features and layering techniques.
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6 |
Introduction to Assessment Task 2 Foley recording exercise. Understanding routing in Adobe Audition. BUS tracks and Effects sends
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7 |
Dialogue to Screen exercise Discuss and explain requirements and techniques ideas required to complete assessment.
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8 |
Assessment task 2 work-discussion. Focus on work done so far and how it applies to final assessment(project) Discuss the importance of Logging all sound files introduction to setting up a final mix with all elements in software. CUE sheets, sound spotting
|
Assessment 2 due week 15 |
9 |
Continuation of final mixdown in software. Emphasis on correct/useful implementation of Equalisation, Compression, Fade in/out, looping and layering. Discuss limitations of Premiere Pro as it pertains to flexible audio editing.(i.e.: it is a Video editor not audio so make sure all thematic and artistic decisions are final before final mixdown begins in Premiere Pro. Workshop Audition and dynamic link with Premiere
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10 |
Creation of Cinematic textures with enhanced Sound design techniques. Use of existing libraries. Further exercises on layering sound to create atmospheres.
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11 |
Assessment Task 2 Discuss, consult, suggest-reiterate and reinforce all previous learning for successful completion of Final Mixdown.
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12 |
Assessment Task 2 Techniques of mixing 5:1 sound. How to set up workspace. How to mix audio for different channels.
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13 |
Assessment Task 2 Continue working on sound mix Consultation with tutor
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14 |
Assessment Task 2 Channel separation. Further equalisation and compression. Mastering audio. Further discussions on metering and Loudness units
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Assessment 2 due next week |
15 |
Assessment Task 2 - Finalise and submit Finalise mix and submit completed work to Canvas.
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Assessment 2 Due |
16 |
Review of Assessment 2
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Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Other Resources
Other resources for this course are available on Canvas.
Overview of Assessment
Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge and understanding of course content is assessed through participation in class exercises, oral/written presentations and through the application of learned skills and insights. Full assessment briefs will be provided and can be found on CANVAS.
Assessment Tasks
Students enrolled in Vocational Education and Training qualifications are assessed for Competency. To be assessed competent means you have consistently demonstrated the required knowledge and skills at a standard expected in the workplace. To be assessed as Competent in this course, you will need to complete each assessment task to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback from the teacher at the conclusion of each assessment task.
For each assessment task you will receive a detailed brief specifying requirements
To demonstrate competency in this course you will need to complete the following assessments to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback on all assessments.
Assessment 1 - Knowledge Assessment Task - This assessment is a short-answer knowledge task designed to assess the following - researching key factors of sound design, ability to understand copyright legislation around using Sound in Film; and understanding of acoustic principles of sound design. Date Due: week 4
Assessment 2 - Short Film - Major Project - A key skill required by sound operators is the ability to compile, edit, re-record and mix location sound, music, and post-produced sound fx/foley, atmospheres/ambiences and sound design for a screen production. This assessment is an individual practical task where you will be required to re-record, assemble edit and mix the three main streams of film sound (1-dialogue, 2-sound fx/foley/atmospheres, 3-music/soundtrack) for your short film in a post-production sound editing capacity. You are required to do this on your (own) film. Date Due: week 15
Assessment Tasks 1 and 2 are to be finalised by no later than end of semester 2 Week 16.
Results that apply to courses that are delivered and assessed in accordance with competency-based assessment are:
CA: Competency Achieved
NYC: Not Yet Competent
DNS: Did not Submit for Assessment
Assessment Matrix
The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant Unit of Competency. These are available through the course contact in Program administration.
Other Information
Attendance:
Your learning experience will involve class-based teaching, discussion, demonstration and practical exercises
It is strongly advised that you attend all timetabled sessions. This will allow you to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring you the maximum opportunity to complete this course successfully.
Information about your studies:
You can access My Studies through the RMIT website for information about timetables, important dates, assessment dates, results and progress, Canvas etc.
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students
Assessment:
Information on assessment including Special consideration, Adjustments to assessment, (eg. applying for an extension of time):
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment
Academic Integrity and Plagiarism:
RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy.
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/academic-integrity
Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning:
Credit transfer is the recognition of previously completed formal learning (an officially accredited qualification).
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that allows you to demonstrate competence using the skills you have gained through experience in the workplace, voluntary work, informal or formal training or other life experiences.
Recognition of Current Competency (RCC) RCC applies only if you have previously successfully demonstrated competence in a unit of competency, and now require to be reassessed to ensure that the competence is being maintained.
Please speak to your teacher if you wish to discuss applying for Credit Transfer, RPL, or RCC for the unit(s) of competency addressed in this course.
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/enrolment/apply-for-credit
Course Overview: Access Course Overview