ABSTRACT
Cheryl Ottenritter was able to layer in sounds of the timbers falling to synchronize with the footage. The effect was to reinforce the memory, to bring the audience into the story. Audiences respond to pacing changes. Whether filmmakers are producing a long-form documentary or a short training film, pacing is an essential tool for effective storytelling. Authenticity in sound is crucial in any piece, but authenticity is essential in nonfiction storytelling. Sound effects, used judiciously, offer yet another auditory texture in filmmakers' storytelling toolkit. Their scripting and preproduction process should be full of sound ideas as well as visual ones. Filmmakers can use sound effects to propel characters, emphasize a particular beat of music, or trigger an emotion. Whether they are producing a training film or a feature-length documentary, sound plays a vital role in conveying emotion and information to their audience. Other opportunities for storytelling with sound happen in the mixing suite.
