LO2: Report into the creation of a sound track

Ben Burtt is a renowned foley artist in the industry. From 1975, he has worked on several big name movies ranging from Star Wars to Wall-E.

To create sounds Burtt uses techniques and instruments. As well as using more traditional methods and instruments such as strings and drums, Burtt also uses a custom machines to make the specific sound desired by the productions, such as rain makers and gravel trays. Ben Burrt is also uses vocals to create sound as well as gathering sounds from the real world for his films.

The sounds which Ben Burtt creates is then recorded using microphones. The location and proximity of the microphone to the sound affects the resulting audio clip. He would also vary which microphones he uses as a more sensitive would be best suited to capturing audio from subtle sound sources also known as gain. Where as a boom mic would be best suited to recording exterior sound or directional audio.

One of the best examples of Ben Burrt's work is when he created sounds for the film Wall-E. The animation required a large and varied range of sound effects and audio to dub over the animation. This would take.a professional sound engineer because these sounds are all original and unique. One such sound effect is a futuristic gun shot, he achieved this by using a spring to recreate the sound which was then edited with adjustments to pitch and speed etc. Changes in pitch and speed are prevalent throughout the work of sound designers with Burrt speaking greatly of how speed of playing an instrument contributes to its effect. 

Sound is key at connecting the film to the target audience. Within the film Wall E the exciting, energetic and loud sounds designed by Ben Burtt appeals to Disney’s younger target audience for the film, with ages ranging from 8 to 13. The sound design also reinforces the genre of the piece. The stylised sounds used throughout the film fit well with the sci-fi genre and are prevalent throughout similar styled movies.