Analysis of Batman: the Animated Series Scene

I'll be analysing the soundtrack of a scene from the episode His Silicon Soul from Batman: The Animated Series.

In this scene, the android that Hardac made based on Batman is attempting to bring back Hardac by using the Batcomputer. He is interrupted when the real Batman shows up to stop him and they start fighting. Due to being programed to be just like the real Batman, they know all of each other's moves and tactics. As their fight takes them across the Batcave, they come across a deep pit that Batman falls in.

What is the diegetic sound in this scene?  Describe the diegetic sound?

The sounds of them hitting each other, various things breaking as they fight and their voices as they talk.

Diegetic sound is what the characters can hear.


What is the non diegetic sound? Describe the non diegetic in this scene

The background music, this includes Batman's leitmotif. It helps the feel of the scene.

Non-diegetic sound is what only the audience can hear


How is the music telling us how to feel?  Can you describe what the music sounds like - instrument, 

Both Batman and the adroid are evenly matched. It also uses Batman's leitmotif as the android duplicate is fighting back to show how similar they are.


Slows down and speeds up when they are fighting - why does it do this? Tension. 

The music slows down when they stop fighting to talk and again when the duplicate thinks Batman is dead. The music speeds up as they fight and when the duplicate starts smashing the Batcomputer.

Jaws

Whenever Jaws is approaching or on screen, his let motif plays. This is made up of a cello that starts off slow and speeds up as he gets closer. This creates tension as you wait for him to approach his victim.

Foley Recording Plan

1) Draw at least 3 individual technical diagrams on the attached sheet of how you will set up each of your Foley sounds on the Foley floor.

2) Whilst making your recordings, please take some photographs to show how you set up your Foley floor.






















3) Thinking back to what we covered in lesson (and looking back at the PowerPoint my Blog) when recording your sound effects how will you ensure that you get a good, clear recording? (positioning microphones / recording location / monitoring and controlling of recording levels via UV meters) fundamentals of decibels (dBs) / background noise


I will aim the microphone at the sounds to pick up the audio. I will record in the studio to reduce background sound.


4)What type of microphone will you use and why is this an appropriate microphone to use / how will it help you to get the best recording?


5) when recording what issues do you need to be aware of

1. Dodgy equipment

2. Peaking levels

3. Might drop something on someone

Parallel Sound in Jaws

What Parallel sounds are present in this scene?
The soundtrack, which includes Jaw's leitmotif

What are the Parallel sounds telling us about the scene?
That the shark (Jaws) is dangerous and the guy in the cage is in trouble.

Mood/narrative/nature of character (Jaws) / what is going to happen?
Jaws is attempting to break into the cage and eat the guy in there. The mood of the scene is supposed to be scary.

Soundtrack Quiz

	Terms: Non Diegetic, Diegetic, Bridge, Contrapuntal, Parallel Sound.
Sound that goes hand in hand with the image on screen	Parallel Sound
Sounds that the characters in a film cannot hear (outside of story space)	Non Diegetic
Sound that contrasts / juxtaposes the image on screen	Contrapuntal
Sounds that the characters in a film can hear or sounds whose sound source is visible on screen or implied (inside the story space)	Diegetic
When music or sounds continue into the next scene. It creates smooth transitions from scene to scene.	Bridge

Treatment

Treatment

Name of Production: Shaun of the Dead

• What feel or mood are you hoping to achieve with the sound for this clip (i.e. how do you want the audience to feel and at which points in the scene?  Describe the music/soundscape are you going to add to the clip  (pace, tone, style, pitch - you can use the musical terms we have discussed in class) and what response you hope to elicit in a listener.    

I tried to mimic the feel from the original clip.

• Where will you get your music from? (pre-recorded music; public domain, licensed, own) and what considerations do you need to be aware of when using music/sounds?

I will get royalty free music from Incompetech so I can use it for free.

• What foley sounds are you going to record in the studio and add to this clip and what will they add to the scene:

I will make a few basic sound effects (eg: putting down the basket)

• Do you need to record any sounds out on location, if so which?

I won't be able to go out for any recordings so all recording will have to be done in the studio

• Who will be in your recording crew to help you get your sounds and what are their individual roles and responsibilities?

I will be working with Ryan Case for recording the sound effects.