University of Technology Sydney

50825 Screen Soundtrack Production

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

Subject handbook information prior to 2024 is available in the Archives.

UTS: Communication: MAP and Sound and Music Design
Credit points: 8 cp
Result type: Grade and marks

Requisite(s): 40 credit points of completed study in spk(s): MAJ10025 Music and Sound Design Major BMusSoundDes OR 48 credit points of completed study in spk(s): MAJ10062 80cp Music and Sound Design Major OR 48 credit points of completed study in spk(s): MAJ10063 80cp Music and Sound Design Major
Anti-requisite(s): 50839 Sound for Time-based Media AND 50855 Sound for Time-based Media

Description

This subject considers screen soundtrack production from a theoretical and practical perspective. Students examine how the soundtrack develops narrative, character, genre and affect for screen, with particular emphasis on different media forms and modes of address. Key historical and technological developments are highlighted, and a variety of screen sound productions considered. Current industry models are given specific attention. Assessment allows students to follow their interests in analysis and creative design, with the opportunity to demonstrate new innovative approaches to screen soundtrack production in their final work. Opportunities for collaboration are encouraged both within and beyond the scope of this subject.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

a. Analyse the role of the screen soundtrack in multimedia communication
b. Evaluate screen sound productions, using appropriate research and examples
c. Critique the nuances of specific screen soundtracks across media forms
d. Create responses to existing screen soundtracks in written or other formats

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)

This subject engages with the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs), which are tailored to the Graduate Attributes set for all graduates of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences:

  • Graduates possess a well-developed awareness of culture and professional practice of music and sound in the context of the technological and creative industries (1.1)
  • Graduates are able to present, explain and evaluate their own and others' work in independent and collaborative contexts (1.2)
  • Graduates are reflexive critical thinkers and creative practitioners who are intellectually curious, imaginative and innovative (2.1)
  • Graduates possess the awareness and skills to behave ethically in personal and professional contexts (5.1)
  • Graduates possess reflective and analytical skills enabling them to synthesise ideas from a diverse range of sources and communicate effectively to different audiences using appropriate media and modes (6.1)
  • Graduates possess the technical and creative skills to express themselves in multi-platform contexts (6.2)

Teaching and learning strategies

This subject will develop students’ knowledge and interest in screen soundtrack production, however this development relies on a shared commitment by students and teaching staff. The teaching and learning strategies in this subject include delivery of face-to-face, online and ‘in the field’ activities, with the effectiveness of these determined by each student’s regular participation. The subject includes a mixture of collaborative in class exercises and interactive educational resources. Students are required to engage with online, pre-class learning materials before coming to tutorials, with formative feedback provided during these activities.

All required references will be made available on UTS online, with links to the library resources and other repositories as required. This subject relies on a ‘flipped’ model of learning, which expects students have done the required preparation before coming to class. This will ensure that feedback can be provided regularly and in person prior to assessments, and thus aid in deeper learning and understanding.

Content (topics)

This subject examines screen sound production by combining theoretical perspectives with practical experience and new industry innovations. Topics covered include Why and how sound matters in screen storytelling; Understanding the soundtrack’s role in narrative development; Understanding the soundtrack’s role in character development; Understanding the soundtrack’s role in establishing time and place; Genre and agenda setting – moving beyond the Wilhem Scream; Working with other screen producers (taking and giving direction); Learning when (and how) to negotiate); Giving, receiving and taking feedback and Ethics, innovations and industry expectations (relating specifically to copyright and the acknowledgment of adapted or derivative works).

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Screen Soundtrack Production - Practical task

Objective(s):

a, b, c and d

Weight: 30%
Length:

The length is 90 seconds

Criteria linkages:
Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs
Alignment of the overall soundtrack to the genre, character and narrative asked for in the given brief 20 a 1.1
Contribution of individual to creative sound design/composition 25 d 1.2
Clarity of use of subject materials to inform choices made in the production 25 b 6.2
Depth and quality of analysis and reflection 30 c 2.1
SLOs: subject learning objectives
CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Assessment task 2: Screen Soundtrack Production - Practical task

Objective(s):

a and b

Weight: 40%
Length:

Composition/sound design task - students will be given short screen works of up to 5 minutes to produce their soundtracks for

Criteria linkages:
Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs
Alignment of the soundtrack to the genre, character and narrative asked for in the given brief (group mark) 60 a 6.1
Clarity of use of subject materials to inform choices made in the production (group mark) 15 b 1.2
Contribution of individual to creative sound design/composition 25 a 6.1
SLOs: subject learning objectives
CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Assessment task 3: Screen Soundtrack Production - Written task

Objective(s):

a, b, c and d

Weight: 30%
Length:

1200 words plus references

Criteria linkages:
Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs
Alignment of the overall soundtrack to the genre, character and narrative asked for in the given brief 15 a 6.1
Contribution of individual to creative sound design/composition 20 a 6.1
Clarity of use of subject materials to inform choices made in the production 15 b 1.2
Articulation of ethical considerations 10 c 5.1
Depth and quality of analysis and reflection 40 d 1.2
SLOs: subject learning objectives
CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Minimum requirements

Classes are based on a collaborative approach that involves essential work-shopping and interchange of ideas with other students and the tutor.

In this subject assessment tasks are cumulative so that each task builds understanding and/or skills, informed by formative feedback. Consequently, all assessments must be submitted in order for you to receive feedback. Students who do not submit all assessments will not pass the subject.