What makes something creepy?
When creating our OTS it is important that we pay attention to not just the visual side of things but also the audio that we use. Having a well-crafted soundtrack is important for controlling tension, making footage more effective and in our instance of horror, creating false insecurities and levels of fear.
There are four different elements to sound design that can make something creepy which we will aim to use when creating our OTS:
One of the best ways to achieve a 'creepy' soundscape is through the use of scooped mids. In order to establish a sense of something big and dangerous, low frequencies/bass can be used. On the other hand, if wanting to establish something small with no danger being present, high frequencies/treble can be used. In the instance of our OTS, we will aim to use low frequencies with bass attempting to fill gaps in the hope that we can create a sense of danger and overshadowing fear.
As well as the use of scooped mids, low woodwinds and high strings can be used to achieve a 'creepy' soundscape. Unstable waveforms can lead to an upsetting atmosphere while high strings are typically symbolic, representing cries for help to create empathy for characters on screen.
It is also important that we can create a 'marriage' between our visuals and the audio chosen for the best effect possible.
There are four different elements to sound design that can make something creepy which we will aim to use when creating our OTS:
- A contrast between a situation and the sound included
- Conditioning of the human brain, e.g. lullabies
- Nature of the human brain (high frequencies)
- Confusion and uncertainty towards danger
One of the best ways to achieve a 'creepy' soundscape is through the use of scooped mids. In order to establish a sense of something big and dangerous, low frequencies/bass can be used. On the other hand, if wanting to establish something small with no danger being present, high frequencies/treble can be used. In the instance of our OTS, we will aim to use low frequencies with bass attempting to fill gaps in the hope that we can create a sense of danger and overshadowing fear.
As well as the use of scooped mids, low woodwinds and high strings can be used to achieve a 'creepy' soundscape. Unstable waveforms can lead to an upsetting atmosphere while high strings are typically symbolic, representing cries for help to create empathy for characters on screen.
It is also important that we can create a 'marriage' between our visuals and the audio chosen for the best effect possible.
How can we make 'scary' audio?
There are several techniques that we can use when creating the soundscape for our OTS. In order to create the most effective audio, we will aim to combine each of them together.
Reverse
Reverse refers to effectively flipping a piece of sound back to front - the end will be heard before the beginning. By reversing a piece of audio, the audience may feel disorientated which will assist with creating the desired mood for our OTS.
Reverb
Reverb is how audio reflects off of surfaces before decaying over time.
Echo
Echo is the difference between when an audio signal is emitted to when the listener receives it.
Panning
Panning occurs when audio in a stereo channel moves from the left channel to the right or vice-versa.