FILM SOUND DESIGN

Kick things off by meeting your instructor, getting the lay of the land, and seeing what’s in store. We’ll break down the course, the assignments, and the final project — so you know exactly what you’re signing up for. Let’s dive in!

• Instructor intro
• Course structure
• Assignments & final project overview

Understand what makes film sound design tick — who does what, how the industry is evolving, and what tools you’ll need to create immersive audio. Plus, break down legendary soundscapes from films that set the gold standard.

• Sound designer vs. sound editor vs. mix engineer
• Industry workflows, trends, emerging tech 
• Essential tools: DAW, plugins, speakers, hardware, and more 
• Case study: Analyzing iconic sound: A Quiet Place, Lost Highway, Heat, Eraserhead

Sound in film isn’t about mimicking reality — it’s about making the audience feel something. In this session, we’ll break down the creative (and sometimes bizarre) choices that bring movies to life, from lightsabers that hum like old projectors to Balrogs that sound like dragged cinder blocks. Get ready to explore how sound shapes emotion, builds tension, and transforms storytelling.

• The goal of a sound designer 
• Emotional impact & psychological effects
• Brief history of sound in film & its effect 
• Diegetic vs. non-diegetic sound & why it matters
• Case study: Unusual creative choices in iconic films 

Assignment #1: Sound Design Analysis
Break down a short film scene: Identify diegetic vs. non-diegetic sounds, spot exaggerated or fabricated audio, distinguish production recordings from post-added sounds, and analyze how sound design shapes the narrative.

Great sound design isn’t a solo act — it’s a team sport. This class breaks down who does what in post-production, how to collaborate across departments, and why a tiny sound (like mustard on a hot dog) can make or break a scene. Plus, a guest speaker to give you the inside scoop.

• The post-production team: Sound editors, film editors, ADR, producers, etc. 
• Working from the creative brief
• The “spotting” process: Identifying opportunities to contribute 
• Workflow optimization: Sound & visual departments 
• Final approval
• Guest speaker: Industry insights 

Make sound effects work for you, not against you. Learn how to source, manage, and integrate effects seamlessly — while keeping clients, contracts, and compliance in check. Get hands-on with a custom SFX demo that brings it all together.

• Using libraries vs. recording custom effects
• End User License Agreements (EULAs) for sound libraries 
• Asset managers & metadata (SoundMiner, BaseHead, Sound Particles’ Explorer)
• Timeline & timecode, SMPTE, preparing DAW sessions 
• Integrating sound effects with music & dialogue 
• Demo: Crafting a custom sound effect for a short scene using pre-existing assets

Assignment #2 (Optional): Asset Sync
Using only a folder of provided assets, sync them seamlessly to a given clip.

Capture the world’s organic sounds. From handheld recorders to mobile mics, we’ll cover everything you need for effective field recording — whether it’s battling wind noise or syncing your clips for a final production. Hear from a seasoned sound expert who’s been behind the scenes of AAA films.

• Hardware considerations: Recorders, microphones, windscreens, and more
• Sample rate & bit depth revisited 
• Microphone arrays & polar patterns 
• Recording strategies 
• Processing & preparing field recordings for sync & re-use 
• Guest speaker: Location sound 

Get hands-on with the art of foley sound — footsteps, gunshots, creature roars, you name it. You’ll dive into creating custom sound assets, syncing them with on-screen action, and mastering techniques to breathe life into scenes. By the end, you'll know how to build epic soundscapes using just a few tools and a lot of creativity.

• Understanding foley 
• Modern foley: Sound libraries, plugins 
• Syncing foley with on-screen movement 
• Using recordings for syncing 
• Creating variations from a limited number of assets 
• Demo: A live foley performance of a creature sound

Experiment with sound on a whole new level. You’ll learn how to break down complex sounds into components, then combine them into powerful, mind-blowing effects. From pitch-shifting to time-stretching, you'll master techniques that make everything from robot footsteps to massive trucks sound epic.

• How to think about sound: Identifying component sounds
• Creating complex effects with many simple effects 
• Sound variations revisited
• Demo: Creating a group of heavily-armored people marching 
• Demo: Creating a gigantic truck rolling down a hill 

Assignment #3: Large from Small
Create the sound of a massive metal vehicle crashing onto concrete — using only a few small metal clanks.

Elevate your sound mixing game. Learn how to balance multiple assets on a single bus, master multi-channel mixes, and perfect your EQ skills. By the end, you'll know how to confidently automate complex tasks, ensuring your mixes meet both technical standards and creative vibes, all while staying on deadline.

• Managing multiple assets 
• Levels, compliance, LUFS 
• Nyquist, Fletcher Munson, RMS 
• Removing unwanted peaks & resonances with EQ: How to read an analyzer
• Match EQ & automation
• Delivery example

Dive into the topic of spectral editing and AI-driven sound design, where you'll learn to "see" sound, tackle noisy tones, and seamlessly replace problem areas. Also, explore how AI is shaking up the future of audio — now and beyond. Get ready to enhance your sound game with practical, next-level techniques.

• Spectral editing: Relatively new & essential
• How to read a spectral editor
• Recognizing tonal vs. noise 
• Practical applications overview 
• The role of AI & future trends 

Assignment #4: Spectral Editing
Surgically remove one of two overlapping sounds from a provided file using spectral editing — without leaving audible artifacts.

Get your hands dirty with audio restoration and noise reduction. Learn to tackle everything from hums and buzzes to restoring those precious lost frequencies. By the end, you'll gain the skills to clean, enhance, and elevate any audio to pro-quality.

• Cleaning up noise, hum, buzz, chirps, etc.
• Match EQ revisited
• Reclaiming “lost” low-end & high-end 
• Restoring legacy recordings 
• A brief guide on mixing & enhancing dialogue

Assignment #5: Audio Enhancement
Clean up a dialogue track by removing background noise (e.g., bird chirps, room echo). Modernize vintage sounds (60+ years old) by restoring highs/lows and enhancing the stereo field.

Learn to experiment with sounds like never before. You’ll dive into creating otherworldly Sci-Fi effects like light sabers and futuristic machines, then switch gears to craft immersive environmental soundscapes, from nature ambiences to earthquake rumblings. Let’s learn to make those sound worlds feel real — and unreal!

• Sci-Fi 
• Environmental 

Assignment #6:Custom Sounds
Design two original sounds using only self-made assets: 1) A sci-fi cannon with a rising “charge-up” sound and a powerful blast; 2) A realistic earthquake, from deep rumbles to escalating destruction, then fading back. Describe your process (plugins, synth patches, etc.).

Now, unleash the sounds that make hearts race and chills run down spines. In this class, we’ll tackle action-packed soundscapes like weapon fire and close combat, plus dive into the eerie horror theme with creepy veggie foley and spine-tingling tonal effects. By the end, you’ll know how to craft sounds that punch and haunt.

• Action 
• Horror 

Assignment #7: Custom Sounds Pt.2
Design two more original sounds: 1) A jet whooshing past, incorporating Doppler and frequency shifts; 2) A jump-scare sound for a horror reveal — big, bold, and beyond clichés. Describe your methods and tools used.

Sharpen your skills by reviewing your peers’ work and getting valuable feedback on your own. In this collaborative session, you'll learn to spot trends, offer constructive critiques, and refine your own project with fresh insights. Let’s make each other better.

• Reviewing each other’s projects 
• Highlighting key takeaways, trends, and improvements 

Assignment #8: Course Project: Creative Brief
Apply everything learned in a final sound design project. Using a short scene, students will create and modify assets; sync sound convincingly with on-screen action; clean and enhance dialogue; deliver a polished final mix that meets industry standards.

Ready to kickstart your career in film sound design? Learn how to build a standout portfolio and demo reel, network like a pro, and explore both freelance and in-house paths. We’ll also dive into how to connect with the right people (without spamming) and get paid in all kinds of creative ways.

• Building a portfolio & demo reel for the film industry 
• Reaching out & networking with film pros & studios 
• Exploring freelance vs. in-house career paths 
• The many ways you can be paid
• Sound design certificate & professional internships
• Sound design skills & other media