Film Sound Production

The BFA Film Sound Production programme is under the Film Techniques Department. The programme encompasses modern theoretical and practical underpinnings of designing and producing great sound for film, TV, animation, documentaries, radio, web content and a host of multimedia installations and programmes as well as live sound reinforcement. The growing innovation of digital technology in media has changed the perspective on audio post-production for Film and Television. There is now a convergence and harmonization of the various fields of specialization in sound production. The industry is now driven by the advent of digital audio, video and effects within digital audio workstations.

This programme has been structured to meet the demand and need for astute multi-skilled sound professionals who are technology savvy and able to creatively apply their knowledge and skills to problem-solving. Students train using the industry-standard Pro Tools digital audio workstation and Final Cut Pro, Rythmo band, Voice Q and EdiCue. They develop the necessary skills to work on multiple platforms and audio workstations as a result.  The programme also teaches students how to design, record, edit, mix and digitally master their audio using sophisticated solid-state Logic recording modules.

Sound Production for Film and TV teaches students specific techniques and strategies used by working professionals in all the phases of the sound production process. With professional audio recording studios as their classrooms, students work with practising faculty members and industry professionals to develop, challenge and support their unique talents. Students are surrounded and inspired by other talented, creatively driven students.

The course begins with a real-world overview of sound production and audio post-production including its evolution, methods, crew, and media formats. It explores techniques and tips for recording location sound, using sound effects libraries, editing production dialogue, and directing and recording Foley as well as ADR sessions. Students learn strategies for working with composers and music supervisors, how to edit songs to fit a scene, and how to record and mix score music. In addition, they learn how to assemble a pre-dub or temp mix (to a group and sub-mix tracks into stems for the final dub), create the final dub, and prepare the mix for foreign distribution and final delivery.

Throughout the course, students have numerous opportunities to apply the techniques they learn to real-world situations. By the end of the course, students will be competent in the techniques for sound production and audio post-production, including sound design (sound effects), Foley Artistry, dialogue recording and replacement, and music scoring and design. In addition, they would have acquired the knowledge and skills needed to gain employment in this fast-paced and exciting industry.