What are some of the most iconic sounds in cinema history? Sure two lightsabers clashing or even the suspenseful score of Jaws make that list. However, one sound effect has been used throughout movies of all genres for over fifty years. It is none other than the iconic Wilhelm Scream. You may have heard it and asked yourself “What is that same scream in all movies?” What is the Wilhelm Scream and where did the original Wilhelm Scream come from? In this article, we’ll be taking a look at one of the most iconic sounds in film and how filmmakers…
We’ve all been there. You want free music or free stock audio for a project, but don’t know where to look. One of the best sources for royalty free music is the YouTube Audio Library. That’s right, it’s an extensive collection of free music for YouTube, by YouTube, on YouTube. So how do you crack into it? Let us guide you. We’ll give you tips on how to use the YouTube Audio Library to add music and audio to your content. Read this article, gain expertise, and unlock free music for videos.Continue reading Guide to the YouTube Audio Library &…
What is a leitmotif? What makes it different from a theme song? How is it used in cinema? These are the questions we’re going to answer as we look at the leitmotif definition and examples. We’re also going to show you how masterclass composers like John Williams apply leitmotifs to their films. By the end, you’ll be ready to apply a ‘leading motif’ to your own production!Continue reading What is a Leitmotif? Definition and Examples
Music plays an integral role in how a movie communicates tone. When thinking about a movie, we often recall back to a moment when the soundtrack swelled at the perfect moment, how it transported us to other worlds, or interweaved popular culture into the narrative. We can learn a lot from how filmmakers use music in their films, so without further ado, here’s our list of the best movie soundtracks of all time.Note on criteria: No orchestral scores appear on this list. Although we’re huge fans of composers like Hans Zimmer, John Williams, Joe Hisaishi, and Ennio Morricone, we thought…
From 2001: A Space Odyssey to pretty much every Edgar Wright film, some of the best films of all time have effectively used needle drops to take their films to the next level. This list runs through the best movie songs of all time, and as you go through the scenes, you will find they all have one thing in common. They all enhance what’s happening in the scene.Continue reading 60 Best Movie Songs Of All Time — Top Needle Drops, Ranked
Using non-diegetic sound is a great way for filmmakers to support the worlds that they build. You may have heard this fancy term before but what is non-diegetic sound? The answer is much less complicated than you think. In this article, we’re going to define what non-diegetic sound is. Then, we’ll look at examples from cinema history that show us how to properly and creatively use it.Continue reading What is Non-Diegetic Sound — Definition and Examples
Being a filmmaker, it’s essential to know the different types of sound in film. For example, what is diegetic sound and how is it used? In this article, we’re going to define diegetic sound in a short and simple way. Then we’re going to look at key examples to show you how experts incorporate diegetic sound into their works. We'll also answer what is the difference between diegetic and non-diegetic sound. Headphones on, let's get to it.Continue reading What is Diegetic Sound — Definition, Examples & How It Works
Storytelling may start with an idea and a script. Along the way, it may garner tons of attention and praise for its directing and star-studded cast. But what can sound do for a story? Sound design involves much more than level dialogue and explosions. It’s highly technical, but requires an enormous amount of creativity. If done well, it can tell a truly powerful story. For the typical movie-goer, sound editing vs sound mixing can sometimes be confused with each other, but they are different. The two serve completely different purposes, and both are necessary for a truly cinematic experience.Continue reading…
Maybe you’ve seen a “behind the scenes” clip of an actor recording audio for a Pixar movie or an author reading their audio-book and thought, “That doesn’t seem that hard.” But how do you become a voice actor? Voice acting, though often less physically strenuous than sprinting in an action movie, has its own set of difficulties, techniques, and styles. In this article, we’re going to define the role of the “voice actor” and how it factors into the Entertainment business well beyond the sound booth.Continue reading What is Voice Acting — How to Become a Voice Actor
A theme song can be the defining sound of a television show, movie, or even a personal brand. It's a melodic and catchy tune that encapsulates the essence, mood, and tone of the subject it represents. Its importance is often underestimated, yet its power is undeniable. This article will delve into the significance of a theme song, exploring its role and impact in various contexts. Continue reading What is a Theme Song — How Music Sets the Stage
