Audio Post Production Explained Part 3: Planning for Audio Part 1

Planning for Audio Part 1 – The Script & Pre-Production​

Now that we have established what makes up and who performs the audio post process, let’s take a look at how to plan for a great sounding film.  Please note, that some of the examples below may contain spoilers. 
 
There are several stages of the filmmaking process for which a film’s soundtrack can and should be developed. So when should we start planning?
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Stage 1: The script

A good screenwriter will write audio cues into their script to help story development and pace, whether it is as simple as a telephone ring or something as subtle as an eerie drone. Horror screenwriters often reference ‘creaky doors’ and ‘howling wind’ but all genres of film can benefit from writing audio into scripts. It helps build the world around the characters, adds depth and guides the reader - as well as the Director and Supervising Sound Editor later in the process. For a great example of using sound in a script see the screenplay for 'A Quiet Place' written by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods. The sound in this film is integral to the story and in their script, they have underlined moments that are related to sound.

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