WAC PRO Masterclass: Sound – lead by Seamus Stewart-Skinner (he/him)
Written by GMAC Film intern, Miriam Mathie
Did you know that the original Star Wars lightsaber sound was a fork ran through a tape recorder multiple times and distorted? Well, in a warm meeting room at GMAC, the wild wind crashed against the windows, and blew in this week’s WAC PRO Masterclass guest – Sound Recordist Seamus Stewart-Skinner.
Working as a sound freelancer as well as a Lecturer at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, he was ready to take the participants through a crash course of everything – and anything – sound related. Fuelled by Tunnock’s Teacakes, the atmosphere of the group was buzzing with chatter and excitement.
“The job of anyone working within sound, is first and foremost, rolling out carpet” said Seamus, greeted by a few chuckles, “It makes up a massive chunk of my time on set! So, get ready for the thrill that is carpeting!”
Carpeting aside, Seamus explained the foundations of sound to the participants, guiding them through frequencies, decibels, and soundwaves which have one of the biggest – if not the most – impacts on the audience as they divulge the recent blockbuster in the reclining seats of the cinema.
“Sound brings on a visceral experience with the audience. Deep bass sounds hit you in your gut, while higher pitched or faster-paced sounds create a sense of anxiety or unease. The audience feels things thanks to sound, yet do not always realise how impactful it is on their experience.”
Can horror be terrifying without the eerie or heart-thumping music attached? Can romance be as emotional without intimate dialogue? Or would any fantasy or sci-fi franchise be the same without its Oscar-worthy soundtrack? Seamus highlighted how important every aspect of sound is within the film and broadcast industry, an area that is often overlooked.
Weaving in his stories and experiences of various sets, like the BBC’s River City, he talked the participants through Dynamic and Condenser microphones, and the polar patterns they can achieve. “Each one achieves a different effect, depending on what you’re shooting and wanting to obtain” adds Seamus, in the middle of explaining the names of each one. “For example, the Figure 8 pattern is commonly seen in talk shows or radio programmes where two people are having a dialogue with a microphone in the middle, while omnidirectional is similar to the sound that can be achieved on your mobile phone.”
“Sound may be overlooked but is one of the most interesting sectors to know and be involved in within the film industry. Knowing its importance and playing into that will always create a great final product.”
Yes, Seamus, the participants of this week’s WAC PRO masterclass hear you loud and clear… no microphone needed!
