Sound Designer

What do Sound Designers do?

Sound Designers are responsible for providing any required sounds to accompany a production. They may work in film or TV, theatre, video, or computer and hand held games. Most Sound Designers are experienced supervising sound editors who have managerial responsibilities. They manage the entire sound post production process, as well as creating the sound concept for the production. Sound design involves both creating the sounds for major events such as a battle or a shipwreck, and creating the ambient sound that creates the atmosphere and feeling of a production. Sound effects are usually added during the editing process of the production to create a particular location or mood. Sound Designers are responsible for creating these sound effects and making sure they are used effectively and correctly.

Sound Designers may be employed by audio post production houses, or they may work on a freelance basis using their own digital audio workstations. They usually own their own recording equipment. They need to work long hours to meet a demanding schedule of deadlines.

There are three main kinds of sound effects that are required. They are spot effects (such as a door closing, or a dog barking), atmosphere effects, (such as birdsong or traffic), and sound design effects (such as spaceships or dinosaurs). A Sound Designer will need to either design and record original new material or source it from elsewhere. A Sound Designer will also manage any music required for the production.

Designing original material is a highly creative process and a high level of technical expertise is also required. Sound Designers will use a digital audio workstation (DAW), or a computer with dedicated software.

Sound Designers usually start out as sound enthusiasts and have usually spent years recording and experimenting with sounds before entering the industry. Sound design is highly competitive and the majority of Sound Designers start in junior roles, progressing from runners in audio post production facilities houses, to assistant re-recording mixers or assistant sound editors before becoming sound editors then designers. Sound Designers may also have a background in music.

Competition to become a Sound Designer is increasingly high and there are many professional courses and qualifications available, including at post-graduate level.