BCM115
When designing the soundscape for my video, I wanted to go beyond just adding background noise or music—I aimed to create an immersive audio experience that would deepen the viewer’s connection to the story. Sound is such a powerful narrative tool, and I wanted every sound in the video to have a purpose. By carefully layering ambient sounds and choosing the right moments to bring certain audio elements forward, I tried to use sound as a storytelling device, inspired by some of the major cinematic techniques that have evolved over the years.
My Approach to Storytelling with Sound
To set the tone and immerse viewers in the story, I looked to Murray Schafer’s concept of the “soundscape.” Schafer emphasizes how natural and constructed sounds can transport an audience into a specific environment (Schafer, 1994). In my video, I leaned into this by incorporating ambient sounds like footsteps, rustling leaves, or subtle background noise during quieter moments, which allowed me to create a sense of place and mood. For instance, soft sounds help to create an atmosphere of calm or introspection, while louder, more jarring sounds signal moments of tension or conflict. This blend of natural and intentional sound elements was key to establishing the story’s rhythm.
Inspired by Walter Murch’s idea of sound hierarchy, where certain sounds should stand out more than others to guide the viewer’s focus, I layered in certain sounds to emphasize particular moments (Murch, 2000). For example, by amplifying footsteps or a sudden, sharp noise, I was able to subtly draw attention to shifts in the narrative. This technique of layering audio, which Murch often uses, helps create a soundscape that feels rich but also carefully controlled to keep the audience’s attention right where I wanted it.
Learning from Sound’s Role in Cinema
I drew a lot of inspiration from films that creatively use sound as a narrative tool. One classic example is Citizen Kane (1941), which uses sound layers to add depth to both the setting and the characters. Orson Welles was one of the first filmmakers to experiment with sound layering, and his techniques helped me think about how sound can give a scene more dimension. Similarly, Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho (1960) inspired me, particularly in the way sound is used to create suspense. In my soundscape, I tried to channel this by using audio to enhance moments of uncertainty or build up tension.
More recently, I’ve been inspired by directors like Christopher Nolan, who uses sound dynamics in films like Inception to keep the audience engaged. Following this approach, I adjusted the volume and intensity of certain sounds in my project to signal emotional shifts or increase anticipation, allowing the soundscape to mirror the story’s journey. This method of shifting sound dynamics helped to keep the viewer more connected to the narrative and heightened the emotional impact of each scene.
Wrapping It All Together
By grounding my sound choices in these cinematic techniques, I wanted my video’s soundscape to do more than just accompany the visuals; I wanted it to tell a story. My goal was to take viewers on an audio journey that adds another layer to the visual experience, creating something that feels rich and intentional. This assignment helped me appreciate how sound can transform a narrative, allowing the audience to feel more connected and invested in the story.
References
- Murch, Walter. “In the Blink of an Eye: A Perspective on Film Editing (Silman.” (2001).
- Schafer, R. Murray. The soundscape: Our sonic environment and the tuning of the world. Simon and Schuster, 1993.
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