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Master Creative Audio Director

Fast facts

  • Department

    Design

  • Stand/version

    2020

  • Standard period of study (semester)

    3

  • ECTS

    90

Study plan

  • Compulsory elective modules 1. Semester

  • Compulsory elective modules 2. Semester

  • Compulsory elective modules 3. Semester

Module overview

1. Semester of study

Audio-visuelle Analyse
  • PF
  • 4 SWS
  • 8 ECTS

  • Number

    FM+SM 3T

  • Language(s)

    de

  • Duration (semester)

    1

  • Contact time

    4 SWS

  • Self-study

    195 h


Learning outcomes/competences

Students should be able to break down film expositions in audio-visual detail and come to their own conclusions. They will be able to analyze and name films both visually (image and lighting design, legible logos) and aurally (language, music, atmospheres, effects, sounds). They can link both levels in an audio-visual analysis and name audio-visual interactions using Michel Chion's terminology. They will be able to recognize the dominant elements of the design and decipher the filmmaker's concept based on the localized synchronization points. The student can present the results of their analysis in the form of an audio-visual presentation to an audience and create a compact instructional video with accompanying handout (written document + analysis score) and make it available for upload.

Contents

Preparation and presentation of two analysis papers on given expositions of two films from the canon

Preparation and provision (upload to ILIAS) of one instructional video on each of the analyses in four chapters

Preparation and provision (upload to ILIAS) of a written/graphic handout for each analysis (including analysis score)

Teaching methods

Seminar project

Forms of examination

Development of two film analyses (film exposures) using the masking method (according to Chion)

Lecture on the analyses on two dates in the semester

Development of 2 instructional videos with four chapters each (film author presentation, visual analysis, auditory analysis, audiovisual analysis with findings and conclusion)

Handouts for both analyses in the form of the instructional video, a written summary and a graphic
Deconstruction score (also permitted as a DAW session)

Requirements for the awarding of credit points

Development of two film analyses (film exposures) using the masking method (according to Chion)

Lecture on the analyses on two dates in the semester

Development of 2 instructional videos with four chapters each (film author presentation, visual analysis, auditory analysis, audiovisual analysis with findings and conclusion)

Handouts for both analyses in the form of the instructional video, a written summary and a graphic
Deconstruction score (also permitted as a DAW session)

Applicability of the module (in other degree programs)

S

Importance of the grade for the final grade

Unit A 1
Unit B 1
Instructional videos (2 each) 4
Handouts (including score) 2

Audiodesign
  • PF
  • 4 SWS
  • 10 ECTS

  • Number

    SM 1

  • Language(s)

    de

  • Duration (semester)

    1

  • Contact time

    4 SWS

  • Self-study

    255 h


Learning outcomes/competences

The student should be able to deal with a given task (possibly in cooperation with "customers") for an audio design project in such a way that he/she can make concrete sound suggestions and develop an overall acoustic concept derived from it, which can be used in many ways (e.g. as trailers, video clips, internet or telephone loops, ambience, podcasts, etc.). This creative and layout work should be presented in such a way
in such a way that it can be presented professionally in written form (dossier), with concrete sound layouts in digital form, as well as in an audio-visual presentation. Finally, a handout in the form of a presentation video must be prepared for the "customers".

Contents

Written and oral presentation on a topic from the relevant specialist literature on the field of audio design (topic will be assigned by the seminar leader) 
Researching best-off examples on this topic and deriving an expert opinion from these examples 
Development of an own design concept in written-graphic form combined with the creation of sound layouts
Development of a public presentation of the work results and a presentation video

Forms of examination

Presentation and lecture on a given task as a presentation and as an instructional video

Preparation of a written expertise (analysis and documentation of the approach and description of
solutions) with added sound examples (upload to ILIAS) for a creative task

Development of a design dossier (min. 5 designed pages) with added sound examples (upload in
ILIAS - several realized sound layouts for the proposed audio design project)

Public presentation of the work results in lecture form and as a presentation video

Requirements for the awarding of credit points

Presentation and lecture on a given task as a presentation and as an instructional video

Preparation of a written expertise (analysis and documentation of the approach and description of
solutions) with added sound examples (upload to ILIAS) for a creative task

Development of a design dossier (min. 5 designed pages) with added sound examples (upload in
ILIAS - several realized sound layouts for the proposed audio design project)

Public presentation of the work results in lecture form and as a presentation video

Applicability of the module (in other degree programs)

SM5

Importance of the grade for the final grade

Weightings:
Unit 1
Expertise 2
Design dossier with layouts 3
Presentation 1
Presentation video 1

Auditives Ausstellungsdesign
  • PF
  • 4 SWS
  • 8 ECTS

  • Number

    SM 2

  • Language(s)

    de

  • Duration (semester)

    1

  • Contact time

    4 SWS

  • Self-study

    195


Learning outcomes/competences

The student should be able to supplement a concrete exhibition concept (scenography) with an auditory concept. They will be able to design and realize a well-designed audio guide with several stations, as well as create and implement a sound design for the exhibition rooms. He is also able to design a technical concept and playback options as a specialist planner so that it can be implemented by an AV company and both the audio guide and the room display can be used.

Contents

  • Preparation and presentation of a paper on a given task as a presentation
  • .
  • Creation of a corresponding instructional video and upload to ILIAS
  • Development of a design dossier
  • Development of a technical implementation dossier
  • Development of sound examples (upload to ILIAS - several realized sound layouts for the proposed exhibition project)
  • Public presentation of the work results in lecture form
  • Development of a presentation video and upload to ILIAS

Forms of examination

Presentation and lecture on a given task as a presentation and as an instructional video

Development of a design and technical implementation dossier (min. 5 designed pages) with added sound examples (upload to ILIAS -several realized sound layouts for the proposed exhibition project)

Public presentation of the work results in lecture form and as a presentation video

Requirements for the awarding of credit points

Presentation and lecture on a given task as a presentation and as an instructional video

Development of a design and technical implementation dossier (min. 5 designed pages) with added sound examples (upload to ILIAS -several realized sound layouts for the proposed exhibition project)

Public presentation of the work results in lecture form and as a presentation video

Applicability of the module (in other degree programs)

SM6

Importance of the grade for the final grade

Unit 1
Dossier with layouts 3
Presentation 1
Presentation video 1

Creative Leadership
  • PF
  • 2 SWS
  • 4 ECTS

  • Number

    FM+SM 4SK

  • Language(s)

    de

  • Duration (semester)

    1

  • Contact time

    4 SWS

  • Self-study

    75 h


Learning outcomes/competences

After successfully completing this module, students should be able to
  • Develop material and carry out preparatory work for a creative production (film)
  • develop topic ideas, assess the legal situation, obtain rights
  • Developing projects, appointing directors and key creative positions, seeking financing & co-production partners and concluding production contracts
  • organize finances, create calculations and cost-adjusted versions of a script
  • understand and take out necessary project insurance
  • during the shooting phase: to carry out production controlling
  • to know post-production processes and coordinate them up to technical approval
  • to operate press and marketing/to be able to delegate professionally

Contents

The seminar follows the step-by-step development of a production from the perspective of the producer and covers the following content:

SUBJECT DEVELOPMENT AND PREPARATION (from the idea to filming):
Copyright, acquisition of rights, broadcasting contracts, drafting contracts with authors and other creators,
Classic project development process (from exposé to production order)
Project-specific financing steps, film-specific insurances

SHOOTING WORK:
Shooting and production controlling

POSTPRODUCTION:
Coordination of the individual post-production steps through to technical approval
Excursus: press relations and marketing
 

Teaching methods

Seminar lecture

Requirements for the awarding of credit points

Passed module examination

Applicability of the module (in other degree programs)

SM 8 SK

2. Semester of study

Film- oder Musikwissenschaften
  • PF
  • 4 SWS
  • 6 ECTS

  • Number

    SM 7 W

  • Language(s)

    de

  • Duration (semester)

    1

  • Contact time

    4 SWS

  • Self-study

    135


Learning outcomes/competences

When choosing Film Studies
After completing this module, the student will be able to
  •  historically situate the history of moving image media in its basic features in relation to music and written panels (silent film) and in interaction with a parallel running soundtrack.
  •  be able to explain the main technical developments of the sound-image components.
  •  differentiate between historical-technical and content-related strategies in the use of images, editing and sound with regard to time-based media.
  • to be able to understand directing styles in their film dramaturgical significance in relation to technical, geographical and social developments.
When choosing Musicology
the module description of the Folkwang University of the Arts (Historical Musicology or Music and Cultural Studies) applies

Contents

Film Studies: This module expands the skills acquired in the first semester - especially analytical skills - to include topics relating to the historical interaction of technology, reception behavior and location, as well as semantic and social references. To this end, exemplary important directorial works are discussed in their development and differentiation and analysis of exemplary film genres and styles. Sociological analysis of forms of reception, production and media distribution - thematically, stylistically, geographically and ethically-politically parallel to  social, media and artistic production are just as much content as the comparison of film dramaturgy to silent films, to sound films and currently to surround processes (3D audio) in connection with 3D cinema.

Musicology: The module description of the Folkwang University of the Arts applies (Historical Musicology or Musicology and Cultural Studies)

Participation requirements

F+SM 3 T

Requirements for the awarding of credit points

Passed module examination

Applicability of the module (in other degree programs)

SM 11 T

Immersive Audio-Visual Design
  • PF
  • 4 SWS
  • 10 ECTS

  • Number

    SM 5

  • Language(s)

    de

  • Duration (semester)

    1

  • Contact time

    4 SWS

  • Self-study

    255 h


Learning outcomes/competences

After completing this module, the student knows exemplary 3D concepts and is competent in programming 3D object-oriented
sound design.
She/he can design and technically implement immersive sound concepts

She/He is able to prepare feeds in various systems for the creation of a public presentation / performance

She/he is also able to plan audio installations and competently "drive" the sound for a public immersive presentation / performance

Contents

Design, technical planning and realization of a 3D audio concept for a public presentation / performance

Programming or track creation of the audio concept in a DAW and in the 3D sound object system

Setup, programming and driving of the public presentation / performance in 3D sound

Written documentation of the entire project

Teaching methods

Seminar project

Participation requirements

SM1

Forms of examination

Realization of a 3D-auditive work for a film or
Dome projection
Public presentation of the work

Applicability of the module (in other degree programs)

SM9

Importance of the grade for the final grade

Design 70%,
Teamwork 10%,
Presentation 10%,
Written documentation 10%

Kreativwirtschaft
  • PF
  • 2 SWS
  • 4 ECTS

  • Number

    SM 8 SK

  • Language(s)

    de

  • Duration (semester)

    1

  • Self-study

    75


Learning outcomes/competences

The aim of the seminar is to enable students to independently found a company in the media industry. This includes developing business plans for start-ups and putting them into practice, submitting and justifying applications for state or foundation funding. assessing opportunities and the competitive situation.

Contents

Discussion of aspects that are necessary for the successful establishment of a company in the media industry. Financing of operating and project costs. Copyright law, labor law and business accounting in the media industry.

Participation requirements

FM+SM 4 SK

Requirements for the awarding of credit points

Module examination

Applicability of the module (in other degree programs)

SM 9

Sounddesign (Production)
  • PF
  • 4 SWS
  • 10 ECTS

  • Number

    SM 6

  • Language(s)

    de

  • Duration (semester)

    1

  • Contact time

    4 SWS

  • Self-study

    255 h


Learning outcomes/competences

This seminar serves as an intensive examination of all aspects of original sound work for both scenic and documentary productions. The technical and technical skills should enable students to work comprehensively and professionally in the field of original sound in scenic and documentary film productions. The skills learned are applied and practiced in practical exercises and by participating in film shoots. The pure sound recording technique is supplemented by the technical aspects that are not directly related to the recording of the original sound, but which are also the responsibility of the original sound recordist in film productions - e.g. timecode linking, sound feeds, setting up monitoring options for the director/script, etc.
The seminar units on the subject of field recording deal with sound recording technology and the conceptual considerations required to create high-quality sound/noise/effects recordings away from a film set or sound studio for later use in sound design. The knowledge acquired in field recording can of course also be put to good use in original sound work.

Contents

  • Technical conception
  • Shooting routines and methodologies for original sound work (fishing guidance and handling of clip-on microphones, metadata management / sound reports)
  • Only tones, after-speakers, room tones
  • Radio systems and frequency management
  • Timecode linking, provision of monitoring options, audio feeds, etc.
  • Practical participation in filming
  • Organization and implementation of field recordings
  • Mono/multi-channel miking

Teaching methods

Seminar project

Participation requirements

SM1

Forms of examination

  1. Execution of original sound recordings
  2. Execution of field recordings

Requirements for the awarding of credit points

  1. Execution of original sound recordings
  2. Execution of field recordings
Module examination - one examination grade

Applicability of the module (in other degree programs)

SM10

Importance of the grade for the final grade

  1. Execution of original sound recordings
  2. Execution of field recordings
Weighted average of the 2 partial performances

3. Semester of study

Sound Studies
  • PF
  • 2 SWS
  • 6 ECTS

  • Number

    SM 11 T

  • Language(s)

    de

  • Duration (semester)

    1

  • Contact time

    2 SWS

  • Self-study

    57,5


Learning outcomes/competences

After successfully completing this module, the student will be competent in musical and general sound knowledge as well as in specific audio-visual vocabulary
She/He has in-depth knowledge of various discourses on sound art, radio plays, audio-visual forms of design and new music
She/He has knowledge of methods of graphic music, sound and noise notation
She/He is familiar with various approaches to analyzing audio-visual or purely sound-based works

Contents

theoretical and scientific reflection on audio art and auditory culture with a focus on study methods for
audio culture,
musicology,
art theory,
Design and media theory,
audio vision,
and philosophy.

Teaching methods

Seminar project

Participation requirements

SM 7 W

Forms of examination

Module examination - one examination grade

Requirements for the awarding of credit points

Passed module examination

Importance of the grade for the final grade

Module examination - one examination grade

Sounddesign (Post-Production)
  • PF
  • 4 SWS
  • 10 ECTS

  • Number

    SM 10

  • Language(s)

    de

  • Duration (semester)

    1

  • Contact time

    4 SWS

  • Self-study

    255 h


Learning outcomes/competences

After successfully completing this module, the student will be able to:
develop a sound concept for a project (film), present it in writing and in a pitching session and compose a work package for it carry out several sound editing tasks themselves in a DAW and delegate individual tasks and monitor them as an audio director create an automated surround mix (at least DVD/TV 5.1 standard) and export the corresponding deliverables give an introduction to the work in lecture form and set up the screening conditions in a movie theater so that the mix can be heard adequately.

Contents

Creation of sound dossiers and graphic partitions for a sound concept
Recording management for field recordings, studio synchronization and sound synchronization
Editing of the entire sound concept
a) in layout form and
b) in final formats → Supervising for team work
Mixing the soundtrack or, in the case of 3D projects, mixing and object programming in the presentation room
Public audio-visual and verbal introduction of the final work

Teaching methods

Seminar project

Participation requirements

SM 6

Forms of examination

Written/graphic sound conception (Particell)
Extensive sound editing in a professional DAW
(possibly also in the function of sound director for a team working on the project)
Final mixing or object programming
Public presentation of the work with verbal introduction

Requirements for the awarding of credit points

Written/graphic sound conception (Particell)
Extensive sound editing in a professional DAW
(possibly also in the function of sound director for a team working on the project)
Final mixing or object programming
Public presentation of the work with verbal introduction

Applicability of the module (in other degree programs)

SM 9

Importance of the grade for the final grade


Concept 2
Sound editing 3
Mixing 2
Presentation 1

Thesis und Kolloquium
  • N/A
  • 0 SWS
  • 14 ECTS

  • Number

    SM 9

  • Duration (semester)

    1

  • Contact time

    0 (Betreuung zu ausgesuchten Kolloquiumsterminen im Rahmen der FB-Design Abschlussbetreuungen)

  • Self-study

    420 h


Learning outcomes/competences

  • Development/finalization of a practical Master's thesis in the form of an audio piece (30-60min) or a film sound design (20 - 45min) or an exhibition design (audio guide + auditory scenography) or an immersive auditory or audio-visual 3D design (full dome or 14.2 sound installation)
  • Writing a written master's thesis of 60 to 90 pages that meets academic standards
  • Public presentation of the practical and written Master's theses in the form of a colloquium (45min free lecture + 15min discussion)

Contents

The subject of the practical Master's thesis can be the final work on an extensive project resulting from the two modules SM6 and SM10 Sound Design, as well as a project resulting from the module SM5 Immersive audio-visual Design, but also a task specially formulated for the Master's thesis that can be completed within one semester.
The execution of the final presentation form (final mix, or final audio-visual-immersive 180 degree presentation form) is accompanied by a scientific thesis work on an overarching topic from the fields of film studies or musicology or sound studies or audio-visual issues and investigations. The written thesis should also include the student's own
practical work into the context of the thesis question as a case study to be named, but deliberately place it in a historical or broader reflective context. The form of the thesis is designed to be a scientific essay of appropriate length. (larger than an average bachelor thesis, smaller than a dissertation)
The final creative work and the thesis must be available on the colloquium date. The colloquium is preceded by a full-length public presentation of the final version of the student's own creative work. In the colloquium, exemplary passages from the student's own work, as well as from exemplary other works, are presented in order not to exceed the time frame of the Master's colloquium (45 minutes + questions = 60 minutes).

Participation requirements

Completion of all modules of the first and second Master CAD semester

Forms of examination

Submission of the Master's thesis in conjunction with the written thesis and holding of the final colloquium

Requirements for the awarding of credit points

Pass the final examination

Importance of the grade for the final grade

See study program examination regulations

Notes and references

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