READING & WRITING:
When it comes to sound effects, Blazer warns that, “restraint is key.” Chapter 7 of Animated Storytelling suggests making a list of sound effects that you would like to add to your animation and then cut them in half. However, that does not mean sound is not important, on the contrary it is recommended that sound be a foremost consideration at the beginning of your project, placing it on par with writing and design of production.
Lead with sound.
Liz Blazer
Sound comes in many different forms, sound effects, music, dialogue, narration and voice over. We are most familiar with music. as it has guided our experiences in film. However, I was not aware that there are two types of sound diegetic and non-diegetic sound. Diegetic sound is sound that is visible on screen or implied off screen and comes from the physical world. However, non-diegetic sound is sound that is not visible but adds to the mood of the scene. In my own projects, I have used both types of sound, however, I have most often used sound more as an afterthought. I am embarrassed to admit that I have been guilty of picking music after an animation is complete. Without hesitation, I will definitely revamp my sound production process, as Blazer recommends being more intentional with sound.
Yes, and….
Blazer
Chapter 8 circles back to the importance of yes, and…when creating new environments. To do this well, Blazer recommends you use inspiration. Music, movies, myths. tales, animations, films, poetry, and the natural world. However, to make your world believable, consider time and place, natural and social order, and visual order. By taking the time to develop these ‘rules’ no matter how bizarre your idea, your world will become more plausible. One of the most helpful tips of the chapter was the suggestion to study core values of whatever brand you are studying, and then design a world around those core values. You could say the same for learning materials.
RESEARCH TO INFORM:
Text Animation 1:
Fast-paced this Campfire Ad, does a great job of using text to engage attention. I specifically like the transitions, words traveling up/down, left/right, flipping, stretching and repeating patterns.
Sound Design 1:
This short film is by one of my favorite animators. Beginning with granny’s creaky movement, to the clicking of a glass merlot bottle, every frame movement has a delightful sound effect! So inspiring and worth watching!
Sound Design 2:
The music on this piece does a perfect job of encapsulating the travelers lost at sea and her “drifting physche.” It is moody, melancholy, and mysterious. A great example of how to match music to mood of animation.
Title Animation 2:
This is simple but a beautiful example of a hand-drawn title animation. The movement from left to right hints of magical story to come.
CREATE:
Well, here you go, my first ever stop motion animation. I can see why jokes are made surrounding its addictive quality (think The Office). I am already hooked on making stuff move in After Effects, however, adding stop motion to the mix just adds another fun and challenging dynamic.
Lighting by far was the biggest obstacle, I used one constant light source with a nice large soft box. However, after watching several tutorials using at least two light sources would give and even more consistent look to the piece and soften the shadows even more. Another tip is to carefully choose where you will set up your stop-motion studio. I made the mistake of setting up the ‘studio’ on the floor, which meant I spent hours in the oddest positions moving cars around. The final complication was using a cell phone tripod, which meant occasionally I had a hard time focusing on my subject because the mechanism to hold the cell phone was in the way on the shot.
Overall I was amazed at the iphone capabilities and will definitely play around with stop-motion in the future.
Music: Alternate Endings is a project by Marshall Usinger (Be Still The Earth, Acreage) that focuses on cinematic trailer, commercial, and gaming music. https://app.soundstripe.com/artists/313
Sound Effects: https://orangefreesounds.com
by nikolai 
Leave a comment