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As an audio professional, do these words ring a familiar bell to you?
Can't you fix it in post?
We're trying to free up some budget for audio - we spent all of our money on set.
We had our friend record the sound!
We've already added the SFX, all we need is some mixing and tweaking.
It's even in the name - 'Audio Post-Production'. Those working in sound have generally become accustomed to following visual cues and concepts, letting them shape and inspire our work.
What if we flipped the script and gave audio a place at the head of the table - what possibilities could emerge?
THE ROLE OF SOUND IN PRE-PRODUCTION
Getting the sound team in the room early isn't just a practical move, but a creative one that can transform your project from good to magical. When audio has a voice during pre-production, it becomes one of the creative drivers rather than a reactive element.
Audio shapes the narrative early:
Sound design and music can define tone, emotion, and atmosphere from the start, creating cohesive storytelling and improving the overall vision of the project.
Early collaboration reduces time and costs down the line:
The audio department can assess and flag challenges, synchronize with production, and streamline workflow. The audio lead will also have ample time to assemble a strong team. In complex projects like video games, where technical hurdles are common, having an experienced audio team in place early ensures smoother problem-solving and better results.
Early Involvement = Better Audience Engagement:
The audience want to be immersed in the world you're building and transporting them to. Early involvement ensures sound isn't just an afterthought but a vital storytelling element.
Building the soundscape to fit the vision:
The audio team can build custom SFX libraries tailored to the project, saving time later and ensuring a seamless, unique soundscape. Additionally, creating bespoke SFX eliminates the legal complexities of using third-party sounds, such as paying royalties, obtaining licenses, and handling credits.
For Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League, Rocksteady’s audio team dedicated months to capturing authentic weather recordings across the US, going to the lengths of posting a recorder from the UK, strapped with extended battery packs, to capture these sounds. This early involvement allowed them to stay true to their key audio pillars, which included the commitment to recording every sound rather than taking from pre-existing SFX libraries, and account for any technical obstacles.
Darren Scott, a film director, gives us great insight on when he started thinking about sound for his musical film.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The best projects, both creatively and financially, are often the ones where sound is brought into the conversation from the very beginning. When the audio team is involved early, they not only help craft a richer, more immersive experience but also work proactively to address challenges and streamline the production process. The result? A seamless integration of sound and visuals that elevates the entire project. By giving audio the attention it deserves at the outset, you’re setting the stage for a more cohesive, compelling, and ultimately successful outcome.
For further reading, we highly recommend the book Leading with Sound: Proactive Sound Practices in Video Game Development by Rob Bridgett.
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