Date of Submission
8-204
Type of Work
Exegesis and Creative Work
Principal Supervisor
Dr. Anne Chesher
Associate Supervisor
Dr. Phil Chambin
Second Associate Supervisor
Dr. Robbie Studsor
Keywords
Sound design; cultural influence; supernatural horror; American horror; Japanese horror; folklore; mythology; religion; semiotics; creative practice research; sound redesign
Audience
Mature Accompanied (MA15+) - moderate impact language/themes, includes moderate sex scenes/drug use, restricted to 15+
Abstract
This creative practice-led research project investigates sound design with the aim of exploring whether cultural influences play a crucial role in shaping sound design choices in American and Japanese supernatural horror films.
This research has two parts, a written exegesis and a creative component in the form of a sound redesign of a film scene from each culture where the research findings were applied.
The scope of this research is based on a literature review and film analysis, in the form of four case studies, specifically focusing on the influence of culture on sound design. An in-depth review of the literature behind each culture was conducted to identify cultural nuances, mythology, folklore and religion and their significant role in shaping sound design choices in American and Japanese supernatural horror films. Viewing selected films across these two cultures to identify the influence of culture in sound design choices and how sound functions as semiotics, together with the techniques used, has assisted my approach to sound redesign for supernatural horror.
This research and creative component strongly suggest that sound design for supernatural horror films is influenced by culture. The knowledge gained has been applied to my sound redesign on one film scene from each culture, American and Japanese, to validate my findings.
The significance of this research may potentially aid other creative practitioners in the sound design industry in creating a more authentic and immersive sound design experience for American and Japanese supernatural horror films. These findings may potentially open pathways for researchers in the sound design field in advancing this area of knowledge by exploring the influence of culture, folklore, mythologies and religion on sound design beyond America and Japan as well as across other horror film genres. This academic research may also benefit the industry as it can assist sound designers in producing sound design that resonates with specific cultures, which would appeal significantly to film audiences. This is crucial, given that sound design is an integral part of the storytelling process in films.
Recommended Citation
Singh, d. (2024). Culturally Specific Sound Design in American and Japanese Supernatural Horror Films [Masters dissertation, SAE University College]. Creo.
Included in
Audio Arts and Acoustics Commons, Film and Media Studies Commons, Higher Education Commons