Live and Let Die SFX Show
Live and Let Die SFX Show
Special FX 2 & Sound Design
For Personal Projects
Final Piece of performance
What is Sound Design?
Sound Design is a blend of three elements, which are music, effects and reinforcement. To create an aural environment supportive of the production concept for a production.
The principles of Sound design.
The main principles of sound design is the use audio effects, sound editing, mixing or Foley and there are many more ...
Audio effects - are the use of artificial noises made for movies, tv series, video games and theatre
Sound editing - is the use of mixing, sampling and changing the pitch, timbre and texture.
Ambience - is background sounds that set the scene and tell the story by the use of weather or creaks.
Voice over - a narrator who's voice tells the story and says what is happening, what the character is thinking and feeling.
Mixing includes
Dialogue - should be clear and concise
Time Stretching - which includes shortening or lengthening a sound file.
Layering and processing sounds - Combining audio elements to achieve a textured result.
Foley Creation
What is Foley?
Foley is the creation of recorded sound effects by using Household products such as bubblewrap, bacon being fried, or shoes.
In the videos below I have created a sound board by designing different types of sound effects through the use of Foley
This was made by typing on a keyboard
This was created by recording someone walking
This was created by tearing tape
This was created by recording by scrunching plastic
This was created by recording someone walking fast
This was made by recording someone running
This was created by recording someone walking in high heels
This was created by recording someone walking slowly
This was created by tearing tape
This was created by recording someone running
Analysis of the difference between a Live Production and a Music Video
In these two videos it shows the difference between a live production on stage and a music video of a song really well, on Stage the performers backing track acoustic levels are increased and there is a higher amount of bass added to the original sounds, within this performance the sound is more interactive with the lighting and special fx to make the audience more enticed to the performance.
Where as in the music video the bass levels are decreased and as there is a lot less needed. You can also tell a clear difference with the backing track even though its the same song,
Design development
So part of my design development I have requested to use the Taylor Theatre for this Live and let die project. This will include the use of strobe and other effects for this project which will be for a recorded setting, I plan to keep an ongoing theme throughout which will keep to the James bond setting that I agreed with the directors on what to use,
The way I am going to research into this are looking at different videos on YouTube for people who have done a similar special fx show and use inspiration from them on how to create different lighting patterns and different effects.
Plans for the performance
The plan for the special Fx Live and Let Die Show, when speaking with the director about the initial ideas we came up with a set plan of how we want the show to look, in this meeting we identified that the show would be a James Bond themed special fx interactive show with different lighting effect through the use of strobe and other effects where the lighting would react to the sound track of Live and Let Die by Paul McCartney and The Wings.
Different types of Special FX
The different types of special fx you can use for a performance are the following:
Pyrotechnics can be used for controlled explosions, flames and smoke effects
Animatronics can also be used such as mechanical creatures (like K9 in Doctor Who)
Miniature models can also be used to make objects like usual
Confetti and Streamers can also be used for dramatic effects
Snow machines can be used to create an atmosphere
Lighting effects can be used to create dramatic and effective effects
Projection can also be used to create scenery
Trends in the Industry:
Health and safety regulations within Special FX
Within my brief for my production of a special fx interactive lighting show I had to look into the health and safety procedures for the different types of special fx, looking into this I have identified that Strobe may come into play as the use of lighting may effect epilepsy and other aspects to health conditions and because I will be using the smoke/haze machines that I will have to look into the risks of that as well.
For example the risks for the smoke machines can be the following
■freeze burns or frostbite caused by skin contact with liquid nitrogen or blocks of dry ice;
■ skin irritation from mineral oils or glycols;
■ asphyxiation due to high concentrations of carbon dioxide or nitrogen gases;
■ toxic substances in smokes or vapours;
■ reduced visibility due to smoke or vapours increasing the risk of slips, trips or falls;
■ slips due to spilt oil or condensation from dry ice;
■ leakages or misuse due to incorrect storage of any substances being used.
■ the possibility of effects obscuring fire escapes and associated signs;
■ how the smoke will be directed to the desired area and away from areas it should not get to, eg the audience;
To minimise the risks of smoke/haze within a performance you can use gloves when pouring the liquid into the smoke/haze machines so that the liquid does not cause harm to your skin. you also should test the equipment before using in a show making sure any leakages or damaged equipment are checked before you use them for an audience. when it comes to obscuring visions of finding fire escapes and the accociated signs, keep the smoke to a minimum amount so that you can still clearly see the exits incase of an emergency.
For example the risk for the use of strobe can be the following:
A proportion of people with photo-sensitive epilepsy may be affected by strobe lighting, and the effect may also produce undesirable sensations amongst the general population if used without due regard.
Certain people with epilepsy and photosensitivity may suffer a seizure if exposed to flashing or strobe lighting
Disturbed vision leading to trips or falls.
To limit these risks when having an audience online or in person you can use a disclaimer identifying this before a show starts by putting them on a ticket website or on the ticket, the entrance door before coming in. or if online you specify that before the video starts.
Evaluation
Useful Website Links
Website Links