What Every FilmMaker Needs to Know About Audio & Sound Design

[@wilfredojuloya6677]

the movie UP is always a good example Gene

[@LuisGomes.]

Totalmente 👊🏼

[@RudyAyoub]

lmfao when he mentioned UP

[@francisamolieulieu]

Sup bro you play bass ?

[@istiancabusas]

Dude hahahaha so funny literally made me cry 😂

[@SebBrosig]

I didn't get the joke about Up! but my personal opinion of the film is I didn't like it... the whole message of the thing is messed up, vindictive nonsense. I do like most Pixar films but this one, it's bad. When Steve Jobs brought down the iPad tablet and sold it as somehow completely new and "transformative", and then featured Up, he lost the last bit of credibility he still had for me.

[@KenSTACKS]

IKR that place had me ded

[@KenSTACKS]

@@SebBrosig The joke about the whole Up thing isn't even about Up. It's about how Mr.Potato Jet himself looks like the kid from Up. It's been a running joke for the channel

[@hauntedbytheliving1175]

It’s as though Alex was made in a lab to teach audio… his poise, pace and candor are exquisite. He has a gift for conveying ideas with perfect economy; distilling complex issues to their essence. Bravo 👏🏻

[@arproxc2]

Damn, I can't stop laughing when he brings up "UP" movie. Gene's face is so priceless 🤣

[@ddames]

Wow. Never would’ve thought I’d spend half an hour watching a video on sound design. But this was amazing! As someone constantly trying to be better as a video producer for my on channel, this was extremely informative and helpful. Great job editing too and putting visual ques to assist in understanding some of these concepts 🙏🏽

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

Sound design is so important.

[@DoctorSani]

i've been waiting for this video for so long. Loved the previous one with Alex. He's voice is like caramel melting.

[@radiozelaza]

As for ADR, Polish movies were notorious for it because filmmakers could not record good audio on set usually (for whatever reason). And we were subjected to all these obvious replaced dialogues which sounded artificial and bizarre.

[@FenceOnAWall]

The UP integration, that was brilliant. And it makes sense with the theme too. Bravo

[@Athandatu]

The “unsubscribe” intro was so funny. Very Potato Jet

[@marsgizmo]

love this collab with Alex! wonderful insights!

[@13_cmi]

Aaaah marzgizmo too

[@phucmapvlog]

A previous video you did with Alex literally shaped recent "Audio Adjustments". That dude is legit.

[@MuhammadIlyas-dk2lb]

Everywhere i go i see your comment

[@ChudsBbq]

As an audio engineer / bbq KZbinr I found all of this fascinating

[@ErisedMediaCo]

You know what’s so funny… I’m actually an audio engineer (although I haven’t worked in the field in some time), and I totally forgot about the concept of room tone. It really is SO helpful when something is dialogue heavy to capture room tone!

[@sicnaunders]

I love it when you bring Alex on! He brings so much knowledge, explains sound so well and makes it entertaining. Love the sound layered in the video alongside as well

[@ChrisParayno]

Love these deep dives into topics with professionals, not just youtube people's thinking they are film makers.

[@scottvogel8477]

I love these ‘podcast’ style videos.

[@daveb.8426]

I totally agree, audio is basically more important than visuals. Might be biased cause I started as an audio engineer though 😄

[@Mu3azOsman]

an amazing episode! love how this video has some awesome great sound design as well that explains everything that's talked about

[@Brandon4Weiss]

Every time Alex opens his mouth is an audio master class.

[@soubhiksaha9555]

This was really so much information-packed, but also a special mention to the editor of this video. Sam/Gene/Dylan did a great job adding those sound effects and visuals on top of this. Looks great, sounds great!

[@amplifydreality8869]

Love Alex's input. As an up and coming sound designer and production recordist it's great to hear from pros this type of stuff. Great video! (as usual)

[@FenceOnAWall]

The sound design stuff and the animations as the concepts were being explained, it's just so good

[@francesconavarro2725]

Awesome interview... note to self - remember to record "room tone" consistently.

[@OCUBOX]

Sound is the most important because, your ears were the first way you started getting signals from the outside world. So yeah, audio is definitely more important than a video's dynamic range, for you camera and lens gear-heads... Note on position of FetHead... The guest's mic has it incorrectly, any cable noise or interference will be amplified since the +20dB or whatever FetHead amplified sound signal, now has to pass through all that cable...and be amplified again by the pre-amp...Funny how it's on the audio expert's mic, and he didn't notice it. Though not everyone notices the BIG & the small things.

[@jaythecreative7506]

When Gene says "I'm not upset" I lost it 😂😂😂

[@cjcarlos0323]

A great example of that cut to dead silent to change mood is in the film "3 idiots" they were singing and dancing and as soon as the camera revealed the hanging body the music cut, biiiiig mood swing...

[@MonzonMedia]

1:05 "My eyes are burning....with love" LMAO! You guys are hilarious! 😆

[@StupidRaisins]

Awesome interview! Thanks for coming on the show Alex! I really enjoyed learning more about audio & sound design.

[@LarryFlaxman]

Very helpful info, thanks for sharing! Will definitely utilize some of the tips to up my game.

[@johnmcintyre6969]

7:32 - *points ate gene* "his name is Russell" 🤣🤣🤣

[@tusslemania]

this guy is a genius and i love his knowledge. also his mic always sounds so fuggin crispy and perfect. it’s true, sound is incredibly engaging and has the potential to captivate you easily

[@RPProds]

Great conversation!! I died at the part when UP is mentioned 🤣

[@d.j.harris2355]

I've watched this video like 3 times and it doesn't stop being interesting.

[@dag221]

Two minutes and I had to stop the video because I was so disappointed we didn't get to hear more about 'sound alikes'. I could tell Alex had some interesting takes on the subject. Also I get way more interested and excited about audio,lighting and grip than I ever do about cameras.

[@maheshdevops4060]

Alex is the real deal. Long term subscriber and love his content

[@MagivaIT]

how good is this guys voice, crazily engaging video....edited perfectly with the sounds and on screen stuff.. nice!

[@guillermohernandez5268]

People are interested in sound, that’s great. -“I’m not” His face 🤣🤣🤣

[@BassManNv]

I hate that audio is more important than video, but he is ABSOLUTELY correct. I couldn’t agree more.

[@JulioBHJ]

To be fair, Alex does have a great speaking voice. If he were a telemarketer and called me to talk to me about my car insurance, I'd listen intently, even though I don't own a car.

[@nabilbouziane1269]

First in line here !!! Sound is almost a third of production and overall quality of any video!!! Here is a great exemple!!! Try to watch this video with the sounds off!!! Potato jet to the moon

[@axk]

Only a third??

[@nabilbouziane1269]

@@axk yes . Third for the video quality ( story)And the other third is for editing

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Excellent video. Thanks for making it

[@ajtuck120]

“Man of steal? Oh I’ve seen that porno!” -Potato Jet

[@perspective4882]

aye yo that comment had me crying XD

[@ScottJWaldron]

Great information as usual Alex! Not that I watch broadcast TV anymore, but it is funny how they are so specific about audio but always had commercials obnoxiously loud compared to the shows.

[@RazabladeTvVlogs]

The audio in this video is PERFECT

[@ItsArmanLopez]

I really enjoyed listening to his sound knowledge. Felt like a small lecture haha. You should do more of these with all the other aspects of filmmaking!

[@AlvinZhu]

super helpful stuff!! collabs with alex are actually my favourite hahha

[@kiranxl995]

Thanks for the great video ❤️

[@1MichaelRWeir]

Huge thank you to Alex for doing this! Really fantastic info!

[@mariusdobre497]

love the editing on this! sound subtitles are amazing

[@TheProVideo]

Sounds is more important 👌

[@DaveSy]

15:50 can't imagine being the sound editor for one of the Fast movies! Awesome to see Alex back on this channel.

[@frostvertical9862]

Always UP for another awesome video by potato jet

[@_akf_official]

As a Film making student this video gave me so many things...❣️

[@NickBB]

Everyone that shoots video should learn more about audio...fantastic interview with Alex. I have a Sennheiser 8060...low self noise :)

[@MrTee_ZA]

This vid is informative, I have learned a lot that I thought did not matter in production before... Thank you, guys.

[@imJMB]

I'm so upset that Wall-E wasn't brought up during the Pixar conversation! Not only is it one of my favorite movies, but it had hardly any dialogue in the first half of the movie. It's an incredible modern example of how sound design, effects and music can help to convey emotions and intent without the aid of dialogue. Regardless though, lots of wonderful tidbits and information in this video. Thanks for the upload!

[@cinematicsounds]

Great video guys! We need more education here on KZbin on how to utilize audio for storytelling. Enhanced sound design will surely 5x every creator's story and production value. Good sound and sound design are very often overlooked by the beginning creator. Great sound design focuses on the emotions of the story, how you want the story to feel. Sound creates the heart of the story ❤️

[@mirzaangon]

Gene’s reaction when he brings up “Up” literally had me laugh out loud xD

[@javierpaez2258]

This podcast is gold

[@KarleyCottrell]

I love the explanation on room tone. I really learned a lot from this video. Now let’s try to apply this to my next video...

[@firstsyntheticmind]

Potato Jet, you're the best!

[@yusakuvlog]

Just remembered my previous semester Sound Design Production. This could be so double learn for me. Although I missed it and very interesting to hear about sound Design Production again.

[@RedStoneProductions]

Kudos to you guys!! Sound professional and university lecturer, I love the conversation!!

[@tommih597]

Peter is one of the KZbinrs that Does a really good job with audio in a lot of his videos. They sound great and look awesome. Always solid videos 👍

[@JoshFromPerth]

Agreed, sound is far more important than video.

[@dotavi9690]

Wow! This is quality! Love the insights. The length of the video was a concern but ended up watching the whole thing. The audio visualization GFX worked well too. Keep it up!

[@leumasgh]

Lol at the "unsubscribed" when they showed his channel

[@mdturnerinoz]

Alex has a new follower. I really enjoyed this episode, PJ; and the effects on top of the conversation were a hoot! Oh, and I've not as yet seen "Up", but I will now!

[@SatanSupimpa]

I've been subscribed to Alex since his first appearance in the channel.

[@OneManOneCamera]

16:47 - ADR issues. Yep. So many movies on youtube have horrible sound in certain parts. The people are talking in a car and it does not sound like they are in a car. Ugh. Bird sounds are nice but take care in making sure that the birds are from the area in the film AND it's the right season. Years ago, one of the networks added chirping birds to the background of a golf tournament... The network got plenty of complaints from people telling them that those birds are not in the area during this time of the year. lol.

[@ThongNguyen-fl9jp]

i like this new potato podcast format

[@My123Tutorials]

Another great video with Alex. 👍🏼

[@TiagoNugentComposer]

I think it would be great if you did an episode like this specifically on music. There's so much more to music than just having happy music or sad music. A great score can tell the story of the film by itself (just listen to the Star Wars soundtrack by itself). It's such a deep topic that I think another video would be beneficial (ofc I'm biased since I write music haha) :)

[@FishyBusiness]

Good take aways on this .Like the You Tube Db question and answer.

[@kevinbarraco4913]

really enjoyed this interview. Great info

[@gstpierre69]

Thank god I’ve been waiting for this one!!! Thanks Mr. Potato!

[@sbk_nef]

I NEEDED THIS. ❤️ Thank You Mr. Potato

[@Rob1656]

excellent interview. Keep up the great work.

[@topicruben]

Thank you so much for this video. Pure gold 🙏🙏🙏

[@yigalkatyusha]

maaann i didn't know sound can be this important. great video !

[@Ed-davies]

Epic! Alex is one of my favourite KZbinrs, Gene try not to get UPset about all those comments, don’t forget we are in the potato zone!

[@DylanSaliba]

GET ROOM TONE!!!! I love it!

[@lospopularos]

It’s totally true what the soundman says (that sound is more important than picture). That’s why, in the early radio days, they had radio “shows" and they’ll never have picture “plays." I forever had these kinds of arguments in film school where people obsessed about visuals. If it’s true that an image is worth a thousand words, then a word is worth an infinite number of images. If the opposite were true we would have had cave drawings instead of the bible, for example.

[@linsin1993]

Was checking back your previous videos with Alex for the parametric EQ tips just a few days back and thought "Hey!! It's about darn time they released Gene's fart ringtone to the community!"

[@Oceansta]

LOVED this episode ❤️

[@DiveHard]

Great interview dudes! Entertaining and informative!

[@ealanosborne]

Yeah…from the start, I set the precedent to incorporate engaging visuals and sound design in my videos, so they take much longer to edit than just me talking into a camera. But that’s the sacrifice I make for the continued growth of my channel! “For the greater good,” as they say in Hot Fuzz. 😄🙌 Alex is a beast. Y’all make me laugh. Good work with this video, fellas. 💯

[@rohan_das]

When he said animated, I also remembered UP 🥺❤ The bestest ever ❤

[@4Dcruz]

he's such a great teacher. loved the discussion!

[@aimankuaci]

i've been waiting for this one !!

[@edgarricardopadillanates4160]

Really like your channel Alex, keep it up!

[@TheMetalist]

Hi Potato 😁 I'm looking for a microphone that only records into one direction. In my videos, the machine is always running in the background, which means that I always have annoying background noises. Any good recommend? at the moment i use the rode videomic!

[@AZx_0]

32:25 - Alex praises the Deity D3 Pro's off-axis rejection (meaning it focuses clearly on whatever the camera/mic is pointed at but rejects sounds out of frame like background noise)

[@Dmogul]

This video is amazing!! Thank you 🙏 I watched all the way through and was engaged the whole time. Great info

[@PATRICKCASTILLO]

So good! Great great great great show!

[@kewei4767]

Great tutorial! Thanks for the effort!

[@amediaproductions5795]

Love this video! Definitely going to use everything talked about.

[@ZGBrickfilms]

This was so informative! Thanks for an amazing video!

[@MaximumDiver]

About audio levels, I always hated in movies when the action was super loud almost deafening and the moment after, when they talk, the audio levels are so low that a fly in the room would be louder than their voices. I hate this. Please movies: fix your damn audio levels!

[@DaCarnival]

This effect (too-loud-then-too-quiet) is usually the result of a sub-par listening environment and audio set-up, not a bad mix. A dynamic mix is crucial to the experience of quality Film or TV drama - audio, just like video, is not just there for clear information delivery. It's what constructs and guides the mood of the piece. That said, post production tries to make a decent, intelligible stereo mix for home delivery, but when the original intention and purpose of a (Dolby Atmos) mix was to bathe the audience in an aural experience, boiling it all down to something that works on TV speakers is no mean feat, and not an automatic process. They do their best!

[@hauntedbytheliving1175]

I find that the worst practitioners of this are horror movie productions… when the jump scares/horror elements are multitudes louder than the normal audio. I’m an audio engineer of 24 years, done feature films, film shorts, commercials, TV and music libraries on the East Coast. Routinely professional audio mixers get pushed by directors or producers to exaggerate things inappropriately and we’re forced to advocate within our scope of influence for reasonable levels… we don’t always win. In these instances it’s almost definitely not due to sub par listening environments of the engineers themselves, as larger projects are produced in professional, tuned facilities. But it CAN be the result of directors/producers listening to mixes/drafts on laptops or imperfect home theater set ups, then requesting iteration changes based on those poor listening environments. That’s why screenings are done at sound stages/studios and personally, there is a dynamics/loudness contrast scale I mix within… The damage is done when theaters adjust films’ volume by taste so that the softer parts are slightly too loud… then those loud passages thunder out across the audience at illegal levels. I could have ACTUALLY punched the director of “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark” in the face if I ever meet him for my girlfriend and I having to cover our ears in the theater for the scares. It was literally a painful experience and I NEED my ears for my profession. Human hearing is extremely sensitive to volume changes, they REALLY don’t have to be so drastic for the sake of impact. …oh, and no offense to his fans, but Christopher Nolan is a routine offender in this area, too.

[@wallybeng]

Thanks for sharing this! ✨

[@samswenson6434]

Wow he got real “UP”set

[@ArtMorera]

Haaaa