Screams and Bad Dreams: Sound Design and Score for Sci-Fi and Horror Films
Membership plan: Going Deeper | Topics: Music Production, Sound Design
Course overview
This engaging and educational workshop exploring the sound design and scores of iconic sci-fi and horror films. We are delving into classics like Alien 3, Hereditary, Insidious, The Hunger, and more, uncovering the creative processes behind their unforgettable audio signatures.
Participants gain insights into film history as well as practical knowledge on using VSTs to produce orchestral sounds, production techniques for crafting the eerie noises of otherworldly creatures, vessels, and imaginary landscapes, collaboration between sound designers and composers, and more. The workshop also covers writing for horror trailers, focusing on structure, design, and the differences between writing for score and trailer.
Helen shares examples from her own work, demonstrating sound design techniques and score writing methods throughout the session. Prepare to be inspired and equipped with new skills to enhance your own projects and develop your unique voice.
What you'll learn
- Analyze sound design and scoring techniques in iconic sci-fi and horror films.
- Utilize VSTs to produce orchestral sounds and create eerie noises.
- Collaborate effectively with composers and sound designers.
- Write and structure music specifically for horror trailers.
Who is this course for?
- Aspiring and professional sound designers in the sci-fi and horror genres.
- Composers specializing in film scores and trailer music.
- Film students and enthusiasts interested in sound design and scoring.
- Audio engineers expanding their expertise in cinematic sound production.
Course content
- 1. Introduction
- 2. The Versatility of Horror Scoring
- 3. Overcoming Last-Minute Challenges
- 4. Hereditary_ Introduction to Film and Director
- 5. Colin Stetson’s Unique Sound Palette
- 6. The Power of Silence and Atmosphere in Horror
- 7. Incorporating Vocals into Horror Scores
- 8. The Witch_ Crafting a Sonic Identity
- 9. Creating Unique Instruments for Horror
- 10. Experimenting with Non-Traditional Instruments
- 11. Alien 3_ Orchestration and Dynamics in a Chaotic Production
- 12. The Importance of Dynamic Balance in Orchestration
- 13. Conclusion_ Using Visuals and Scoring Techniques in Horror
Requirements
- Basic understanding of sound design and music production concepts.
- Familiarity with using Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) and VST plugins.
- A laptop with a DAW installed and basic VST plugins for orchestral sounds.
- Headphones or speakers for listening to audio examples and exercises.
Meet your instructor
Helen Noir (she/her) is a London-based soprano, composer, orchestrator & producer. She writes soundtracks for film, fashion and theatre, most recently for Joseph Wilson's Isn't it a Beautiful World, which premiered at BFI London Film Festival in October 2021. She works specifically with directors and designers to take music from initial composition through recording, orchestration, production and mixing. She also performs regularly with cult performance art group Theo Adams Company, and is an operatic session vocalist.
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