Around the World in 80 Days: Sound design (direction, amplification, music, sound effects)

Around the World in 80 Days: Sound design (direction, amplification, music, sound effects)

Sound Design Significance

  • Sound Design in “Around the World in 80 Days” is crucial to help convey the various settings, from bustling cities to remote jungles.
  • Consider how sound can portray changes in time – day to night, or the passing of the days during the journey.
  • The use of silence is key; it can create suspense, anticipation and contrast to intellectually and emotionally engage the viewers.
  • Remember, sound design is not just about the sounds the audience hears directly, but also about how these sounds affect the setting, characters and tone of the piece. Communicate through your sound design thoughtful consideration of these factors.

Strategic Uses of Sound

  • The direction of sound should be considered carefully; offstage sounds can hint at events occurring out of sight, giving the audience a broader sense of the world outside the stage.
  • Amplification can be used to denote locations and mood changes. For instance, louder sounds could indicate busy cityscapes, while softer sounds may depict calm, peaceful environments.

Music and Character Emotions

  • The music utilized within the performance should match the period and various locales. The 19th-century setting could be captured by orchestral music, while traditional local music could portray the different countries visited.
  • The tone and rhythm of sound and music should align with character’s emotions and actions. High tempo music could signify urgency, while slow rhythm may depict relaxed or tense moments.

Sounds and Scene Settings

  • Sound effects are used to enhance the staging and actions of the characters. For instance, the sound of a bustling crowd or the noise of a steamboat can create an immersive atmosphere, placing the audience into the context of the scene.
  • The sound should evolve as Phileas Fogg travels from one location to another, thus reflecting his journey in the sound design. Different environmental sounds and music genres will help to differentiate between geographical regions.
  • Soundscape is essential for making transitions smooth and suited to the fast-paced narrative of the story.