Last Blog (#10 for Week 11)...

FOR THE BLOG:

Find websites for audio designers/sound designers/ composers, etc. (game art, theatre, film, web development, interactive media, composer, whatever)

Choose the website that you find to be the most user-friendly, interactive and informational and give the class your assessment of it. What do like and why? what would you like to see? OR How would you present it differently?

REMINDER:

For the delivery of all your exercises and projects for the end of the quarter you will need to prepare the following:A course portfolio in 11” x 17” format, any visual elements to your work should go here; audio color wheel, any charts or graphs you create, artwork for CD packaging, game box covers, etc. For Game Artists: Include your game document here, but lay it out in 11 x 17 for portfolio. For IMD: include a graphic representation of your ambient audio environment. For Animation: Include storyboards. You do not need to buy a plastic portfolio for this, just bring me the 11 x 17 COLOR prints paper-clipped together. No staples.

Blog # 9 for Week 10 and other stuff...

1 of 4) FOR THE BLOG: Find articles and information on sound and psychology and/or emotions and post your findings.

2 of 4)HOMEWORK EXERCISE: Using the information that Zach posted in the previous blog as well as the sound psychology blog as inspiration to create audio that has a mind altering effect (hunger, sleepiness, someone in class mentioned horniness), and maybe even try to improve on the so called "addictive" sounds Zach put in the drop off. Try to find a way to present this with a visual component as well.

3 of 4) REMINDER: For the delivery of all your exercises and projects for the end of the quarter you will need to prepare the following:A course portfolio in 11” x 17” format, any visual elements to your work should go here; audio color wheel, any charts or graphs you create, artwork for CD packaging, game box covers, etc. For Game Artists: Include your game document here, but lay it out in 11 x 17 for portfolio. For IMD: include a graphic representation of your ambient audio environment. For Animation: Include storyboards. You do not need to buy a plastic portfolio for this, just bring me the 11 x 17 COLOR prints paper-clipped together. No staples.

4 of 4) KEN NEEDS TO GIVE US IMAGES TO GO WITH YOUR LATEST MUSICAL COLLABORATION.

Blog # 8 for Week 9 and other assignments...

1 of 5) BLOG FOR NEXT WEEK: Each member of the class find your own article on the Internet or in the Ai library having to do with audio and share with class in the blog. You are also free to use any of the links That I have have put on the drop off or posted on previous blogs that have not been used yet.

2 of 5) REMINDER: For the delivery of all your exercises and projects for the end of the quarter you will need to prepare the following:

• A course portfolio in 11” x 17” format, any visual elements to your work should go here; audio color wheel, any charts or graphs you create, artwork for CD packaging, game box covers, etc. For Game Artists: Include your game document here, but lay it out in 11 x 17 for portfolio. For IMD: include a graphic representation of your ambient audio environment. For Animation: Include storyboards. You do not need to buy a plastic portfolio for this, just bring me the 11 x 17 COLOR prints paper-clipped together. No staples.


• Final CD: Two (2) copies of all of your audio exercises and projects on disk. Make sure that they are organized and track-listed with cover art and are in a universal mpg format. Both the CDs and the 11 x17 pages are for archival purposes as well as for grading and will not be returned to you.

3 of 5) MAKE UP ASSIGNMENTS: Go back and make sure to turn in assignments you are behind on.

4 0f 5) MUSIC JAM AND RECORDING NEXT WEEK: Ian and Zach (and anybody else who have some) are bringing some musical instruments, so we can set up some recording next door.

5 of 5) PODCAST: Due Next Week at top of class for presentation.

Thanks, Off you go.

Tim

Blog # 7 for Week 8, Homework and Deliverables for Final...

1) For the Blog: Podcasting. Find some articles and tutorials on podcasting and be prepared to work in class on creating a podcast. The subject of your podcast can be whatever you like, but perhaps an advertisement or presentation of material related to your final project would be useful. Remember the website I recommended earlier this quarter: http://studio.odeo.com/create/home


2) To turn in to drop off at top of next class: Read this article,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intercultural_communication_principles
Cross – cultural communication principles described

Then answer these questions in 1-2 short paragraphs

A. Which of the tips for improving cross-cultural communication do you perceive to be a potential threat to our structured design process in sound design?

B. Describe a potential worst-case scenario involving this issue in your class project.


3) For the delivery of all your exercises and projects for the end of the quarter you will need to prepare the following:

• A course portfolio in 11” x 17” format, any visual elements to your work should go here; audio color wheel, any charts or graphs you create, artwork for CD packaging, game box covers, etc. For Game Artists: Include your game document here, but lay it out in 11 x 17 for portfolio. For IMD: include a graphic representation of your ambient audio environment. For Animation: Include storyboards. You do not need to buy a plastic portfolio for this, just bring me the 11 x 17 COLOR prints paper-clipped together. No staples.


• Final CD: Two (2) copies of all of your audio exercises and projects on disk. Make sure that they are organized and track-listed with cover art and are in a universal mpg format. Both the CDs and the 11 x17 pages are for archival purposes as well as for grading and will not be returned to you.


4) Remix Planet: Bring in for presentation to the class your two remixed/cut and paste exercises.

A. A song created by you by sampling the work of others, perhaps 3 to 4 song samples mixed together. Soundtrack Pro is good for this project, but you are free to use any PC program that you wish.
B. A remix of four sound effects that when combined are not recognizable as the originals.

• Make sure to bring all sample originals so we can compare.

Other useful information:
Some basic laws you SHOULD know (read, midterm material) from the US copyright office website - http://www.copyright.gov/

1. http://www.copyright.gov/register/sound.html - how to register sound recordings

2. http://www.copyright.gov/title17/92chap11.html - Sound Recordings and Music Videos

3. http://www.copyright.gov/title17/92chap10.html - Digital Audio Recording Devices and Media (too long, know the sections, and have an idea what they talk about.)

Thanks and off you go.

Blog #6 for Week 7 and homework...

1) If you missed class there is a set of links in the drop off in the WK 6 folder on design proposals. For your midterm you must put in the drop off by tomorrow (Friday) your design proposal for your final audio project. A fully realized game design with emphasis on sound or a game document with emphasis on sound. In either case, the sound files need to exist on cd format for turn in. Other majors than game art will obviously diverge from this format, Talk to me as needed. Two copies of final cd please, and make sure to address your packaging with cover art.

2) The blog: Audio sampling, Napster, etc. Go to Wired.com and find in the magazine archives July, 2005 set of articles under the category of Remix Planet (read all the articles and blog on what jumps out at you. BE PREPARED TO DISCUSS IN CLASS).

3) Homework (due in drop off at top off class):

A. What does the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) say?

B. According to that act, is ‘anon’ in the forum below at risk of breaking the law?
http://discuss.joelonsoftware.com/default.asp?biz.5.479603.7

Type up a paragraph indicating your opinion and what factors you believe would make him safe or not safe under his circumstances. Put your paragraph on the drop off for this class.

4) Watch the movie Nosferatu (1922): Compare it to any dark fantasy game of which you are familiar. With emphasis on the sound components, how could Nosferatu be translated into a game?

5) Bring to class: music that you can take samples from for an original piece as well as sound effects that you can remix to make a second original piece. WE WILL BE USING SOUNDTRACK PRO IN CLASS FOR THIS EXERCISE, IF YOU HAVE NOT HAD A CHANCE TO GET FAMILIAR WITH THAT PROGRAM YET MAKE SURE TO DO SO BEFORE NEXT WEEK.

Blog #5 for Week 6...

For the blog: Research and discuss legal and copyright issues in design and art AND project proposals for design.

Make sure you have any assignments complete and in the the drop off or on the blog (as applicable)for mid term grading.

Be prepared to start in class a final design project proposal for this class (we will discuss individual needs based on each person's major and level in program).

Thanks, Off you go.

Blog #4 for Week 5 and AUDIO LOG

Blog Assignments:

1) Now that you have watched Blade Runner I want you to choose another film on your own to compare and contrast with it. Include in your blog a synopsis of your movie choice in case there are others in the class who have not seen it.

For the comparison of both films:

Describe the use and effectiveness of

The musical score and underscore
The sound effects and Foley
The effect of sound and music on the theme, mood of the films.

2) Web search articles on designing for clients and share your findings (any type of design not just audio).

AUDIO LOGS ARE DUE NEXT WEEK (WEEK 5)

Thanks, off you go!

Blog #3: Due Week 4 and Homework...

Weekly Blog Assignment:
Audio Articles (see below) AND Designing for Clients (not just audio design, but design in general)

Homework:
Write up a brief designer's statement for yourself as a designer, and then based on that mood/style/artistic signature, select what would be YOUR theme song or sound (the song/sound that would play every time you walked into a room). Bring a recording of TWO (2) sounds to class. The first sound needs to be an original song/sound; the second sound should be a piece of found music or sound effect. NOTE: Google "artist statement"

Continue Previous assignments from weeks 1-3 (check drop off)

Reading assignments/possible blog materials from the following websites:

http://www.filmsound.org/foley/

Good Links for Blogging about

Sound design for Game development
Quicktime movie:and article
Head of Game Audio for Skywalker Sound speaks to Sound Design students.
http://www.vfs.com/news.php?id=11&news_id=353

Design in Film to Game Crossovers
3 page article on developing games based on movies.
http://www.vfs.com/news.php?id=11&news_id=353
Game Development Gallery
Music and Sound Effects
Short biographies of 53 sound designers and composers in the video game industry.
http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/galleries.php?gallery_id=21

Video game music
An article on everything on history and current of video game music.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Video_game_music#Current_application_and_future_developments


Current application and future developments in game music.(part of same wikipedia source above)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Video_game_music#Current_application_and_future_developments

A listing of jobs for game designers including Sound Designer.
Working So Others Can Play: Jobs in Video Game Development
Part 2: Artists and Sound Designers
http://www.gignews.com/crosby2.htm

A Brief Timeline Of Video Game Music History.
A concise history with pictures of video games and their developing sounds/soundtracks.
http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/video/vg_music/

The (Early Days) Brief timeline in video game sound/music. From 1972-2001.
http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/video/vg_music/p2_01.html

three short quicktime movies examples of soud esign & Sound FX by this company:The Recordist
http://www.therecordist.com/pages/sc_video1.html





An article about women working in a perceived male dominated field that has been also primarily for a male market. Stay Free magazine interviews Two such women.
Video Sound Design: 
Interview with the Pros
http://www.stayfreemagazine.org/archives/13/video_game.html

portfolio works of Xavier Dang Composer of music for video games. Includes list of software he used.
http://mv.hellven.org/portfolio.html

A nice video with sound designers explaining the importance of and how they designed sound for play station 2 game: God Of War.
http://www.us.playstation.com/Media/Inside_the_Game/16101/God_of_War_II_In_Game_Sound_Design?DCMP=ILC-RSS-Media

This is Really interesting and futuristic! Something called the Heliodisplay. Video games that are projected onto thin air “Like something out of Star Wars” as one of the game developer says.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Q_n0dKe9jk


Audio director Zak Belica talks about creating soundscapes and weapon sounds for SiN Episodes: Emergence.
http://www.ritual.com/index.php?section=podcast/overview

Jobs in game development
http://www.gamedev.net/directory/careers/

a list of game development companies:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_video_game_developers


The description of the dream job for many video game players:Game Tester.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Game_tester

International Game Developers Association. Breaking In Preparing For Your Career In Game Development
http://www.igda.org/breakingin/


Profiles of Audio engineers in Game development from the same site as above.
http://www.igda.org/breakingin/path_audio.htm

Spider Man 3 Game developer interview
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nr_bQfML6bE

10 Hours in the Life of a Game Developer
Tome Lapse Photography set to music.actual time 2:03
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1CFqIEnf6Q

Assasin's Creed Game Developer Interview 2:45
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tt0xRr8j_co

Brand New Innovations In Game Design:
Assassin's Creed X06 Onstage Demonstration
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEpR6a5A0gw&mode=related&search=


Off you go.

Blog #2: Due Week 3 and other homework...

Following this blog posting will be a complete list (five items) of of what we need to have ready for class next week (Week 3).

THE BLOG.
Find articles to report on from web or periodical searches on the following topics: Audio Branding and Magnolia the movie (directed by Paul Thomas Anderson.

Find out all you can about the two topics and give us on the blog a rundown of what you find. Come to the blog more than once during the week and respond to each other's thoughts and findings.

OTHER ASSIGNMENTS.
1) For Game Art Designers-
• Create profiles of 3 games and/or interactive entities that use audio as their key element. Research their history and development. Use analysis techniques and points of discussion that will be introduced throughout the quarter to build this research. This is research that will help you design your final project: An interactive game that focuses on audio.
For IMD/Web Designers-
• Try to find a client for whom you can design environmental or 'ambient' sound. The only requirements are that the building or business has more than one space/room. Think outside the box; 'spaces' not rooms, 'sound' not music. We will work with this client through the design process for the rest of the quarter. This is research that will help you design this space as your final project. Remember: INTERACTIVE.
• The class will work together on certain aspects of this process, role-playing client/designer relationships and the client profile and needs analysis (more on this later).

2)On Week 1 I handed out a hard copy of the project brief for The Audio Log. That is due Week 5 and the brief is also in the drop off in the Week 1 folder.

3) What is your favorite sound? Frito Lay project.

4) Get on a Mac at school this week and open up Garage Band and get familiar with its workings. There will be an assignment that starts in class next week using that application. There are some good online tutorials as well as the help section of the app itself.

5) Get access to equipment you can do some easy recording with: digital voice recorders, iPods, digital camera, cell phone. anything you can get an mp3 clip from so that you have options for making your own original recordings taht you can manipulate in your designs (this is not due next week, just something you may want to have for your projects).

Off you go.

P.S. Make use of this website: http://studio.odeo.com/create/home

Blog# 1 due Week 2

Try not to do your blog the night before class. I would much rather see you go on the blog a couple of times during the week and discuss each other's comments.

Put a little effort into this and it will pay off. Remember the blogs count as 20% of your final grade.

Blog #1:

Name 3 favorite game soundtracks and submit a report on each citing what about those soundtracks makes them so compelling. Also submit a sample recording (:30 – 1:00) from each soundtrack.

Michael, you are free to do game soundtracks as well or you can choose to do movie soundtracks.

Look at game reviews, music reviews and movie reviews as inspiration for your reports. You can quote reviews of your particular games, but make sure to include plenty of your own impressions of the works listened to.

Off you go.