Sound Post Production Overview
Once film shoots have wrapped (been completed) the Post Production Sound Department begin work on constructing the sonic identity of the film. This involves a variety of work, ranging from creating the noises of giant explosions or car crashes to the art of adding subtle sounds that enrich the language and feeling of films.
During film shoots, members of the Sound Department ensure that the recorded dialogue is suitably clear and free of unwanted noises. If the dialogue is not clear, or there are other problems with the recording, the actors' dialogue can be re-recorded after the shoot (post-syncing) for use by the Post Production Sound Department.
They also use the atmosphere (without dialogue) or "wild" tracks recorded on set to enhance the editing process. The original sound recorded during the shoot, and any re-recorded dialogue or additional sound effects are track-laid (the ordering and placement of different audio tracks) and after much refining and reworking, are blended together (mixed) by an experienced Re-Recording Mixer.
On a big film Sound Editing is overseen by the Supervising Sound Editor (who may also be the Sound Designer). Editing dialogue, ADR, music or sound effects are highly creative areas of work, requiring specialist skills which must be acquired over many years of on the job experience.
All Post Production Sound crew members must have a thorough knowledge of acoustics, and of sound recording and editing techniques (analogue and digital), precise attention to detail, and excellent communication skills. They may start work at junior levels or as Runners at Post Production Facilities Houses before eventually progressing to Assistant, Sound Editor or Sound Designer.
During film shoots, members of the Sound Department ensure that the recorded dialogue is suitably clear and free of unwanted noises. If the dialogue is not clear, or there are other problems with the recording, the actors' dialogue can be re-recorded after the shoot (post-syncing) for use by the Post Production Sound Department.
They also use the atmosphere (without dialogue) or "wild" tracks recorded on set to enhance the editing process. The original sound recorded during the shoot, and any re-recorded dialogue or additional sound effects are track-laid (the ordering and placement of different audio tracks) and after much refining and reworking, are blended together (mixed) by an experienced Re-Recording Mixer.
On a big film Sound Editing is overseen by the Supervising Sound Editor (who may also be the Sound Designer). Editing dialogue, ADR, music or sound effects are highly creative areas of work, requiring specialist skills which must be acquired over many years of on the job experience.
All Post Production Sound crew members must have a thorough knowledge of acoustics, and of sound recording and editing techniques (analogue and digital), precise attention to detail, and excellent communication skills. They may start work at junior levels or as Runners at Post Production Facilities Houses before eventually progressing to Assistant, Sound Editor or Sound Designer.
