Demo Trailer
What is this Project?
The Stray trailer demo is an ongoing personal sound design project focusing on environmental audio production. Set in the immersive and atmospheric world of Stray, this exercise involved designing sound effects for key environmental moments while aligning with the timing, tone, and mood of the visuals. The goal of this project was to refine mixing and equalization (EQ) skills and enhance the precision of sound placement within the timeline. This work highlights the creative process behind crafting an auditory experience without the inclusion of music, which is currently under production.
My Roles
For this project, I took on the role of a sound designer. My responsibilities included creating and editing audio assets, ensuring seamless synchronization with the video, and sculpting the environment's ambiance using tools like Reaper and Soundly. This exercise allowed me to:
Experiment with mixing techniques.
Develop environmental soundscapes.
Sharpen my sense of timing and spatial audio design.
The Creative Process
Step 1: Asset Collection and Recording
To bring the dystopian world of Stray to life, I gathered a wide variety of sound assets:
Field Recordings: Captured using a portable microphone (Rode) and a focusrite audio interface to ensure authenticity and depth.
Sound Libraries: Leveraged tools like Soundly for specific effects (e.g., metal creaks, water drips, mechanical sounds).
Step 2: Layering and Editing
Using Reaper as my DAW in conjunction with a Focusrite audio interface, I layered multiple soundtracks to create a dense yet balanced atmosphere. Each sound was EQ'd, compressed, and carefully placed to achieve a realistic soundstage.
Tab of the Reaper Project
Challenges and Solutions
Challenge 1: Creating Depth in a Compact Space
Solution: Used reverb and panning to simulate a three-dimensional soundscape.
Challenge 2: Maintaining a Cohesive Sound Aesthetic
Solution: Followed the artistic direction of Stray’s visual tone, combining realistic sounds with subtle, surreal elements.
Challenge 3: Balancing Realism and Creativity
Solution: Enhanced organic sounds with digital processing to maintain immersion while adding intrigue.
Future Steps
Music Integration: The next phase of the project involves composing and integrating a complementary musical score.
Refining Audio Layers: Further polishing of sound transitions and dynamics.
Feedback and Iteration: Sharing the demo with peers and mentors to gather insights and improve the final mix.
Disclaimer
This project is a personal redesign of the original sound design for the Stray trailer. The visuals and original trailer belong entirely to BlueTwelve Studio, and I claim no ownership over their intellectual property. Additionally, I have no affiliation with BlueTwelve Studio. This project was undertaken solely for educational and portfolio purposes to refine my sound design skills.
The current version of the Stray trailer showcases environmental sound design without the accompanying music, allowing the detailed work on sound effects to shine.
