To start this blog, I will admit that audio production is something that I have no strong interest in. Yes, I do find sound significant in the overall outcome of movies and such, and it does leave an impression on me—noting my strong satisfaction in watching ASMRs and mukbangs—but it never crossed my mind to dig deeper about the subject. I do come across certain media that explains this topic albeit in small discussions, like tidbits of trivia. I once watched a video about foley in filmmaking and was both amazed and bamboozled that most sounds in films were recorded in a studio separate from the actual scene, and that certain sounds were reproduced using materials that one wouldn't normally associate that sound to (e.g. celery to create sounds of breaking bones). However, when I first read about the project we'll be doing, the idea that immediately came to mind was audio drama—a mix of voice acting and sound effects.
While this was something that I have never done before, it is something that I thought about doing at least once. I really like listening to audio dramas, especially the POV ones where the listener is included as a character in the story. It is a concept that I find really fun and interesting, hence my desire to emulate it. But I never really gotten the chance to get to it, partly because of my lack of knowledge on how to go about it and that I didn't have a strong enough reason to proceed. This project gave me the opportunity to cross out those reasons as I read up on the topics and learn about audio in multimedia.
Prior to the course, I never really expected that the subject had a broad coverage involving more than just sound itself. The only piece of sound equipment I was familiar with is an amplifier and those things that DJs use. But now I also came to know other instruments that are just as important in sound production. I also learned that different types of audio products require different sets of equipment. I further realized this as I was skimming through my classmates' pre-production plan, seeing that some involves certain equipment while others don't depending on what they are trying to do.
Among the topics covered, the one I found most interesting is audio mixing. I believe that it is both the most fun and difficult part of the production. As I have no proper experience with it, I might encounter some challenges as I work towards the goal of my project. This is something that I am feeling nervous about, yet there is still excitement of seeing my vision come to life.
I mentioned in my pre-production plan that a large part of me wanting to do a POV audio drama is because I was interested in voice acting. In truth, I debated whether I should do the vocal in my project or have someone experienced to do it under my direction, but ultimately, I decided to do myself as the whole reason I went for the concept was because I wanted to do voice acting. The reason for this internal debate is because I worry that I'm biting off more than what I can chew and deliver a subpar performance. I know that being a talent is not important for this project, but I still want my output to sound nice, though in the end I ended up the one to do it. Fingers crossed that all those times watching anime and listening to VAs had rubbed off on me.
I was not able to attend to attend the F2F session this time, but I am open on the possibility of collaborating more with my classmates. I think producing an audio drama with other people and with different other voices would be fun. Currently, I'm at the beginning of the recording phase for the project. The script and plan had just recently been completed and I'm planning to move forward with the recording in the coming days. While I am nervous for the mixing stage, I will make sure not to rush recording just to extend my time for mixing. This audio drama is something that I have been wanting to do and if I am going to do it, then I want to do it it properly and at least make something that I can listen back to and not cringe at.
8 Aug 2025