Written By Natalia Saavedra Brychcy, MPSE
Sound Effects Editor, Boom Box Post
With such a wide variety of TV shows, our sound effects editors can end up designing some pretty out-of-this-world sound effects builds, like balloon nightmares, interdimensional time jumps, and even monster armies! For another imaginative look into some of the exciting sound effects we create at Boom Box Post, sound effects editor Natalia is sharing a deep dive into how she approached designing a magical tree transformation. Read more to learn how finding unique library sounds can contribute to a supernatural metamorphosis.
WHAT WAS YOUR BRAINSTORMING PROCESS?
As with any type of build, what I think of first is what are the beginning, middle and ending sounds? Since this is a transformation, I needed an activation for the magical transformation to start, a steady or constant magical element where the transformation is happening, and an ending to the magic to finish the transformation. Then, I ask myself about the type of magic and the type of character that is performing it, and implement those elements into my process. In this case, an actual tree is making the magic happen, and it should be fun but still powerful, since the transformation occurs inside a tornado of sorts. So, I incorporated elements of leaves, wind gusts, chimes, and fire to create this.
COULD YOU GIVE A STEP BY STEP PROCESS OF WHAT YOU ADDED?
My first step was finding the initial magic power to start the transformation. In this case, to keep it fun and appropriate for the type of character, I decided to create a poof. For this, I have a layer of a classic ‘poof’ sound that is very airy and cuts through the mix. Then, I added two different types of explosions, one with a firework whistle to have more of a high-end element, and one in the more lower end of the frequency spectrum. Next, I added a fire burst to create direction in the poof and some foliage movement to represent the tree’s character and add some texture.
For the second part of the build, I needed to add the tornado elements. To create this, I edited in various sounds such as lava, fast wind gusts, fireballs, and a laser. I wanted something that had more texture and had a bit more of weight than just being super airy. To start the steady right after the poof, I added a rapid leaves whoosh to have the transition from the poof to the steady be smooth.
Finally, to finish the transformation, I needed an ending that wrapped the magic but still felt powerful. So for this, I layered some fire whooshes to wrap up the steady tornado together with wind chimes and some glowing-type sounds to make it feel magical. Also, I added a file of LFE to give it a bit more weight and make it feel grand.
WHAT WOULD YOU SUGGEST TO NEW EDITORS ON HOW TO GO ABOUT THIS SPECIFIC DESIGN WORK?
I think for any type of transformation, you need to view it as the steps that the design needs to sound as a whole (in this case, where it starts, what’s the middle, and how it ends). So just go through the steps the build needs, and make it appropriate to the character and story.
HOW DID YOU MAKE THIS UNIQUE?
I think I tried to use elements that involve more movement and texture, since it has to be punchy and quick. Your classic tornado would have more of a windy aspect, but I wanted to give it more of a body. I instead gravitated towards fire elements and just accented them with chimes, leaves, and fireworks to tie it to the character and make it more fun.
If you enjoyed this blog, check out these:
HOW TO DESIGN A FUNNY SOUND EFFECT WITHOUT GETTING TOONY
LUNCH AND LEARN: RECREATING A MUSICAL TUNE AS A SOUND EFFECT
HOW TO DESIGN AN INTERDIMENSIONAL TIME JUMPS