To many starting out in video, it’s all about the visuals. But good video is about bringing all the elements of the medium together. Sound. It’s the lifeblood of a film. Here’s why we think so.
Have you ever tried muting a film and watching it? If not, try it today. You will be shocked. It is so hard to get into the film, however captivating the screenplay and cinematography. You really are missing so much story. Not just the spoken words but the ambience noises and the mood of the score. Everything gets its context from what we hear.
Even Charlie Chaplin needed music. And what he wouldn’t give for more than that.
Thinking Through How To Use Audio in Video
Strategically using sound in a video is a skill that takes a life of practice to hone. Ambient sounds can be distracting but often help make a video feel authentic. So always muting them may not be a good idea. Silence can be golden and help pave the way for a crescendo. No music can also have a large impact on the overall piece.
A good editor will know just the amount or level to have your music, ambient sounds, and spoken word at. Consider hiring an audio engineer (if your production team doesn’t have one) to help bring the levels ‘home’ at the end of your video process.
When Audio Can’t Be Used
There may be times when your video just can’t rely on it’s amazing superpower of good audio. For instance we work with companies that do trade shows where reliance upon audio and a spoken track would be futile. Subtitles may be just the ticket to help aid in this setting.
Social media also may not play your audio automatically until someone hits the volume button. In this case titles may be the only option.
But don’t let these type of situations determine how you make your video. Audio will make the ‘take’ with it, the best version of all.