7 Ways to Get Involved in Pre Production Sound Design

Earlier this week we discussed the importance of beginning Sound Design in the Pre Production stages of a film or video game. At 344 Audio we believe that every project can be enhanced with the early involvement of the Audio Post Production team. There was a good response from Directors and Sound Designers alike, so we decided to put together a list of 7 ways to get involved early on.

1. Analyse the script.

While reading through the script, get your creative juices flowing by noting what kind of sound effects might help to tell the story more effectively. Look for passages that refer to sound, or opportunities to world build with atmospheric effects.

2. Provide sound effects to use on set.

Some productions will call for sound effects to help shape the actors performance on set, more notably on larger budgets. When making a film about a huge monster, it is much easier for an actor to react on set when it's sound is triggered in line with their performance.

3. Help source the crew.

Sound Designers often have quite a lot of connections in Location Sound, and will likely be more than happy to advise on your choices if you bring them on in Pre Production. They will also know Foley Artists, Dialogue Editors and Re-recording Mixers, all of which you will likely need.

4. Help with any technical issues that may arise.

Getting your Audio Post Production team in early means that we can help with advising on your location choices, perhaps the rooms chosen are too reverberent, or too noisy? From a budget perspective this knowledge is invaluable for saving on ADR time and costs. We can also take a listen to your rushes to advise on possible ADR before your actors disappear into the wilderness!

5. Help to shape the workflow.

The workflow for Post Sound still remains a mystery to many Directors and Producers. When we have the time to guide you through the delivery of media to us, it makes both our lives so much easier and leaves more time for creativity. The way your Editor lays out the dialogue and music tracks is much easier corrected from the beginning, rather than being passed on as an issue further down the line.

6. Collect and implement the directors notes.

Let's face it, Directors like to tinker. Why not, it's their film? Getting involved early allows you to start tackling challenging sound cues, getting their feedback before the post production schedule starts and experimenting with lots of source material like field recordings and manipulated effects.

7. Help to shape the edit.

Good Directors know that sound and picture work as one seamless tool together, so don't be afraid to let your Sound Design inform the edit. If the Editor shaving off a frame helps sync the rhythm of the scene better, pitch this to the team and see what they think.

Let us know in the comments section if there are any other ways that you get involved in Pre Production Sound Design!

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