MATTHEW BOGAN
Sound Design | Film | Television | Video Games
ALIEN ISOLATION SOUND DUB
Year Three | Advanced Digital Audio Applications | UJ909002
During my third year of studies, I began to focus my workflow towards sound design much further. This assignment required a full sound dub of a two minute trailer for Creative Assembly's 'Alien Isolation'.
This triumphant survival horror video game, based on the original Alien film, sets the player into an atmosphere of constant dread and mortal fear. Playing as Amanda, you are constantly underprepared and helpless, leading to a constant battle for resources and improvisation to survive the onslaught of the Xenomorph.
MUSIC PRODUCTION
In order to fully understand the world of Alien Isolation, it is essential to research the source material. The iconic, avant-garde score to the original film, composed by Jerry Goldsmith, served as the inspiration for this project. This soundtrack is considered to be one of his best, and makes use of dissonant elements to create a bleak atmosphere that instills the sense of dread.
The production for my soundscape consisted of a series of strings, synthesizers, large pads, and precussion elements. Chord progressions were written with the key element of dissonance, in order to replicate the atmosphere of the original score.
Due to the time of production, all work was complete using my at-home studio equipment. All writing, performing, and recording was complete digitally using the DAW Pro Tools and the vast collection of plug-ins compatible with the software.
FOLEY RECORDING
The trailer is focussed on the main character, in order to breathe life into her character it was essential to introduce vocals - not necessarily dialogue, but elements such as breathing or screaming. Within the video, volunteer Brooke Duncan can be heard providing the ideal vocal qualities required to develop this character.
Using previous location recording, audio processing, multiband mixing, and video synchronisation skills, all foley elements were implemented to a professional standard. All adhering to EBU R128 loudness standards.
FINAL VIDEO
Find below the resulting final sound dub of the Alien Isolation trailer. This project was submitted and evaluated as part of the Advanced Digital Audio Applications module.
