Course description for 2026/27
Production Sound
FTV1025
Course description for 2026/27
Production Sound
FTV1025
Production Sound is an introductory exploration of the world of sound as it relates to Film/TV production.
Production Sound will include a mixture of theory and practice. Theory includes discussion of Level, Microphones, Meters, and Mixers, while the practical portion focuses on ear training, microphone technique, location sound recording, studio Voice Over (VO) and Sound Effects (SFX) recording, and basic post-production sound manipulation.
Restricted to students admitted to the Bachelor in Film and TV Production.
Knowledge
- has knowledge of production‑sound workflow, on‑set roles and communication
- has knowledge of microphone types, polar patterns and placement strategies for recording
- has knowledge of wireless/RF basics, gain structure, metering and headroom, and timecode/sync principles
- knows how to identify and assess relative quality of recorded tracks through acquired critical listening skills (Ear training)
Skills
- can capture usable dialogue and sound effects in a variety of field and studio situations
- can perform basic boom operator tasks, and plan microphone placement
- can maintain clean signals through correct mic choice/placement, gain staging, and clothing‑noise mitigation
- can Perform basic audio cleanup, editing, and mixing in standard non-linear video editors and/or digital audio workstations
- can produce complete sound reports and organise media for turnover to post
General competence
- can plan and communicate a sound strategy for a shoot, make time‑pressured trade‑offs, and collaborate professionally with the crew
- has insight into safe working practices, hearing conservation and ethical conduct on set
- can reflect on results, identify risks, and propose improvements for future shoots
In addition to the semester fee and curriculum literature, it is assumed that the student has a laptop computer at his/her disposal.
Mandatory
Teaching combines short demonstrations and safety briefings with hands‑on field labs and supervised set exercises (pairs/crews). Students rotate duties (mixer/boom/assistant/editor), run checklists, record dialogue and room tone, manage wireless, and produce documentation. Interim feedback and a final portfolio review support reflective improvement.
Evaluation using mid-term and final surveys. Students are also encouraged to participate in the central quality surveys.
Portfolio (MA) individual (100/100)
1) Recorded scene package
2) Reflection & checklist: Sound report, checklist and short reflection on risks/mitigations and what to improve.
Graded: Pass/Fail
Generating responses using ChatGPT or similar generative artificial intelligence and submitting them wholly or partially as your own work is considered plagiarism.
Basic familiarity with any DAW and audio recording is an advantage.