Introduction to FilmMusic and Sound

History

1926, Don Juan First movie that came out with a record

of sound effects and music. Industry laughed since silent films were

so easy to follow. 1927, The Jazz Singer

First full length movie where songs and speech synched with the action.

Al Jolson’s “You ain’t heard nothing yet.” “Talkies” were born.

History

1929 – Over 300 sound films. 1931 – Last silent film is made. Impact of sound in films

Comedy became less slapstick and more dialogue

Some actors with accents lost their jobs No more organs in theaters

Musical Score

Early on most music made from existing songs.

1933, King Kong First score written

entirely for film. Leitmotif – theme for

different characters and situations

Jaws example

Songs

Musicals Singing in the Rain Moulin Rouge Chicago

Animations Toy Story Beauty and the Beast

Dramas Gangs of New York Titanic

Sounds Almost all sound effects are created

for the shot Independence Day

Space ship engines – baboons screaming Saving Private Ryan

Bullets entering water – fly lines being cast in water

Raiders of the Lost Ark Punches – combo of leather jacket hitting

a truck and ripe fruit being dropped on floor

Foley Artist

Named after Jack Foley Artist who records live sound effects

in synchronization with the picture. Footsteps Rustle of clothes Breathing Weapon noises

Wilhelm Scream

The most famous sound effect you’ve all heard and didn’t know about.

Has been used in over 150 films, plus numerous TV shows and video games.