In video games, like in blockbuster movies, the visual effects usually hog all the attention. Gamers often judge a game on how “realistic” the graphics look. But as any experienced film producer could tell you, sound is equally (if not more) important in creating a visceral, realistic environment. So it’s always interesting to see how top-notch game designers approach sound design. The SoundWorks Collection has just released their sound profile of the new Halo game, and the video has some fascinating insights from the Bungie team:
“Games definitely have a set of challenges that no other medium has. My game engine is juggling somewhere in the neighborhood of 60,000+ audio assets during the course of the game” -Jay Weinland, Audio Lead, Bungie Studios
Film sound design suddenly seems very simple and static after thinking about the infinite possible sound environments in a video game world. A grenade, for example, will sound different depending on how far away it explodes, what type of floor it lands on, and whether it’s indoors or outdoors. And on top of all that, a close grenade explosion will give you momentary “hearing loss”. Game sound has come a long way since Pac Man!
South Africa’s team is now officially out of the running, but in honor of their valiant effort, we present…a post dedicated to the infamous South African vuvuzela!
The noisy tradition of vuvuzela “playing” has gotten a bad rap this year. Maybe it’s not the most beautiful instrument in the world, but it can at least produce sounds beyond the droning buzz heard in crowded stadiums.
This Vuvuzela Orchestra has fun with them and knows how to make them sound at least halfway decent:
Dr. Bruce Copley is pretty passionate about raising the profile of his instrument:
Today there are 4 Spanish speaking countries playing in the World Cup so we thought we’d treat you to this 2006 advert from Adidas:
Up there as one of the classic football ads, this ad uses two great tracks for the two different sections. RJD2’s “De L’Aouette” is used during the picking of the teams and only helps with the dry wit and casual attitude of this surreal situation. As the teams kick off, Jim Noir’s “Eanie Meany” plays. The upbeat and lighter tones again just add to the sense of fun and transform the advert from good…to inspired!
In all the great football-themed adverts, the music plays a vital role in accompanying the visuals and setting the right mood. Over the next few weeks we’ll be featuring plenty more inspirational football ads so keep an eye out for your favourites!
As thousands of air travellers wallowed in self-pity and cursed a disruptive remote Icelandic volcano, photographer Sean Stiegemeier was inspired to travel into the eye of the storm and came back with the stunning film below. The music is from Sigur Rós’lead singer,Jónsi’s solo album. You can watch more of Sean Stiegemeier’s beautiful images here.
Feeling lackluster, unmotivated or just plain fed-up? Well click on the image below and watch an amusing, yet inspiring, compilation of 40 great cinematic speeches from some of history’s greatest orators: William Wallace, General Patton & Fozzie Bear.
For the latest installment in our Inspired! series, we have selected these series of commercials made for Google’s Chrome browser by BBH in New York. Every creation is built by hand, filmed in camera, with no special effects added. Even the music is played by a harpist live on set.
Here’s a peek into the production process where you can see a little of the intensity and excitement that results when you gather a bunch of geeks, designers, artists and a harpist together in a small studio. The knitted props were actually knitted by the Director, pretty much there and then.
Welcome to ‘Inspired!‘ our soon-to-be regular blog post where we share what’s inspiring us at the moment… and will hopefully inspire you too. Our first post has three films that are floating our boat – you lucky things!
'Open Your Heart' by Mia Doi Todd. Directed by Michel Gondry.
'The Sandpit'. Directed by Sam O'Hare.
Ok Go 'This Too Shall Pass'. Directed by Rube Goldberg.
