The world of sound design plays a key role in film production, shaping the auditory experiences that transport audiences into different settings. Steve Tushar, an experienced sound designer, provided an insightful look into his process during a lecture on his work for Oz the Great and Powerful. His talk covered the techniques, challenges, and decisions involved in developing the sound for the film.
Creating the Sounds of Oz
One of the standout aspects of Oz the Great and Powerful is its creatures, particularly the winged monkeys. Tushar was brought onto the project for his expertise in designing creature and monster sounds. His approach involved both traditional and experimental methods, including recording his own vocalisations, layering different effects, and manipulating sounds using digital tools.
To create the winged monkeys’ sounds, Tushar and a collaborator spent hours making screeches, growls, and other animalistic noises into a microphone. They experimented with techniques such as cupping their hands around their mouths to alter resonance and using tubes for unique distortions. A key tool in his process was a plugin called Lowender, which allowed him to add deep, resonant bass to his sounds, making the monkeys feel larger and more intense.
Another sound Tushar designed was for the evil witch’s broom. Rather than relying solely on pre-existing sound effects, he used his own voice to create the broom’s eerie, whooshing sound as it moved through the air. By layering different vocal performances and applying various effects, he was able to craft a sound that felt supernatural and dynamic, enhancing the witch’s ominous presence on screen.
Tushar also worked on the sound of the tornado that transports Oz to the fantastical land. To achieve a swirling, immersive effect, he layered recordings of strong wind gusts with slowed-down animal roars and subtle metallic scrapes. These elements combined to give the tornado a chaotic and unpredictable presence, making it feel more powerful and unsettling.
The Challenges of Synchronisation
One of the most difficult aspects of sound design in big-budget films is keeping up with the ever-changing visual effects. Tushar highlighted how the animation of the monkeys’ wings changed repeatedly throughout production, requiring him to painstakingly resynchronise the wing-flapping sounds for every revision. He described this process as one of the most tedious parts of the job, where creativity takes a back seat to meticulous attention to detail.
Organic vs. Digital Sound Design
Tushar prefers organic sound creation over purely digital synthesis. He believes that capturing real-world sounds—whether it be vocalisations, leather jackets flapping for wing effects, or manipulated animal noises—creates a more immersive and believable result. While digital tools are invaluable, he sees them as enhancements rather than substitutes for recorded sound.
Layering and Mixing for a Cohesive Experience
The lecture also covered how different sound elements come together in a final mix. Tushar explained how the sound design team structured their work in layers:
- Background Ambience (e.g., winds, birds, and environmental tones for Oz’s setting)
- Creature Vocals (raw performances enhanced with processing)
- Foley Effects (footsteps, rustling, and object interactions)
- Hard Effects (carriages, explosions, and mechanical elements)
By keeping these elements distinct, they could be fine-tuned during the final mix to ensure clarity and impact.
Advice for Aspiring Sound Designers
Tushar offered practical advice for those looking to enter the sound design industry. He emphasised the importance of:
- Developing a Unique Skill Set – Specialise in a particular area, whether it’s creatures, mechanical sounds, or environmental ambiences.
- Hands-On Experimentation – Don’t rely solely on pre-recorded libraries; record your own sounds and manipulate them creatively.
- Networking and Professionalism – The film industry is heavily relationship-driven, and making a good impression can lead to opportunities.
- Organisational Skills – Large-scale sound design involves working with hundreds of audio tracks. Keeping files well-labeled and sessions structured is crucial.
Conclusion
The lecture provided a detailed look at the technical process behind Oz the Great and Powerful. Tushar’s mix of technical expertise and problem-solving showcased the depth of work involved in making a film sound as intended. His insights provide sound design students with practical knowledge on industry techniques, workflow management, and creative problem-solving essential for their careers.