The Importance of Sound

You might think video production is all about, well, video, but sound connects an audience to what they are seeing. It adds emotion, supports the visuals, and every edit cut and it defines the overall mood and tone of your narrative. Whether it's language, sound design, music or even silence, sound can completely transform your video. And the bad sound – well, it can completely ruin it. Even now, we still find that audio is often left as an after-thought for post-production, which is crazy because no amount of editing magic can fix the bad sound, shoddy animation, slipshod editing or amateur camera work.

However, when it comes to creating a complete audience experience – audio is arguably more crucial than video quality. Here are the basics of effective sound design.

Get a boom op

Boom ops are not boom optional.

Corporate videos are an investment. By all means, blow the budget on cool special effects and awesome locations, but if you don't consider sound a priority from the start, you're wasting your time and money. When it comes to choosing a video production company to work with, make sure they push the need for a boom operator right from the beginning. If the standard approach is to let the camera microphone do all the work, then run away - and fast! And if budget is an issue, look for other areas to scale back. Cut back on catering or content - no one likes a stale sandwich and repetitive scenes are unnecessary.

By hiring a sound specialist, it means there is one dedicated person looking after the sound. And, it means less stress for the rest of the crew (they'll love you for it!).

Audio checklist

At TopLine Film, we understand the importance of sound in video production - from live-action to animation.
Our production process is thorough, creative, and makes sure that our client’s message is both seen and heard. Here are some of our tips and tricks for getting the audio right:

Invest in good audio equipment and a talented soundie.
Monitor the audio while recording.
Choose a location carefully to minimize background noise (turn off computers, ACs, and chatty people!).
Check frequencies and levels – some people speak louder than others.
Triple check that the audio is fully synced with the video during the edit.
Make sure all audio points are marked for easy edit.
Pump some iron (biceps are good for holding booms out of shot).
Work with an editor who understands audio.

Remember, when it comes to creating a memorable, immersive audience experience – audio is just as important, if not more, than the quality of your video’s picture.