Chris Atkins’ Post

Re-Sound Design: "Mary and the Witch's Flower" - Foley, Sound Design, Music & Mixing. Hey everyone! I'm excited to share one of my earlier projects - a sound redesign for the anime film "Mary and the Witch's Flower," which I completed back in 2021. Project Goals: 1) Creating an immersive soundscape: My aim was to craft a harmonious audio experience that seamlessly complements the anime's visuals, enhancing the overall viewing experience. 2) Expanding reach on social media: This project also aimed to increase visibility and engage a wider audience on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Tools and Techniques: - Foley Recording: I used a Zoom h5 portable recorder to capture a variety of sounds, from the rustle of leaves to subtle background atmosphere, adding a layer of realism to the soundscape. - Synthesizer Design: To emphasize the magical world of "Mary and the Witch's Flower," I designed atmospheric sounds and melodies using Serum, a powerful synthesizer. I experimented with various effects to achieve the desired sonic palette. - Sound Effects Integration: To further enhance depth and realism, I incorporated sound effects from curated libraries, drawing viewers deeper into the world of the anime. Check out the video to experience the results! I'm always eager to hear your thoughts! Do you think I succeeded in capturing the essence of "Mary and the Witch's Flower" through sound? Let me know in the comments below! #sounddesign #audio #foley #soundeffects #synthesizer #musicproduction #audiomixing #postproduction #anime #film #animation #creativity #art #linkedincreator #sounddesigner #composer #maryandthewitchsflower #studioghibli

Detailed Music In this video, the main focus is on music that involves an immersive and deep style, complementing the historical and spiritual narrative of Chief Handsome Lake. The soundtrack utilizes a palette of organic instruments and atmospheric textures to evoke the natural environment and feeling of connection to the earth. The music evolves smoothly, creating an atmosphere of reflection and reverence for ancestral wisdom, accompanying the visual scenes in a harmonious way. Here are the highlights of the composition: Instrumentation: Soft sounds of strings and light percussion, which suggest an ancestral and natural touch. Atmospheric tones: Subtle sound effects that imitate wind and plant movement, creating an environmental backdrop that reinforces the connection with nature. Development of the musical narrative: The music follows the evolution of the story smoothly, with changes in intensity that reflect Chief Handsome Lake's emotions as he experiences his vision. Credits: Educator: Rebecca Webster Director: Luisa Holanda  Narrator: Alexandra Panzer  Composer & Sound Designer: Gabriel Maia Art Director: Luisa Holanda  Storyboard Artist: Luisa Holanda Animator: Murilo Jardim  Composer: Gabriel Maia Executive Creative Director: Logan Smalley  Produced by: Gerta Xhelo Sazia Afrin  Editorial Director: Alex Rosenthal  Editorial Producer: Shannon Odell Cella Wright Script Editor: Shannon Odell . . . #MusicComposition #Soundtrack #AudioPostProduction #AnimationAudio #CartoonSoundtrack #CreativeAudio #Animation #AnimationStudio #AnimationProduction #MotionGraphics #AnimatorLife #IndieAnimation #AnimationIndustry #CharacterDesign #AnimatedShort #BehindTheScenes

The Importance of Composition Anytime you are photographing more than one moving object (musicians) performing on the same stage, it is difficult to get them all aligned for a group photo that captures all for a decent photograph. It is not difficult to photograph them, if you don't care that while one musician is busting a move another has stepped behind the mic stand while the drummer has hit the cymbal covering half his head. In short, if you do not care about the composition of the photo then shooting a whole band shot while they are performing is easy. Composition is important. To get "that shot", whether it is of an individual performer or the whole band, I take a lot of shots. This is very easy with a DSLR camera. I have taken up to 6,000+ shots during a full concert because this band has very active members. Quantity doesn't always ensure "that shot" has been taken but the odds of doing so have been greatly increased. Anytime something becomes easier to do, it becomes easier to accept less than good as normal. Quality can become secondary. Additionally, that ease can also stigmatize the accomplishment achieved as less than when the action of doing was more difficult. I discredit both. First, the ease has given a higher percentage of achieving. Second, regardless of ease, Quality has always been determined by the skill and knowledge of the person taking the photo. The photographer must have an "eye." The latter takes time, and I am always working on perfecting. In the shots I take, especially when focused upon one musician, I always try to capture a moment when the music has taken over. The musician is merely a tool. There are always moments when this occurs. With group shots, it is extremely rare when this simultaneously occurs. I have only captured a few. The photo below was the choice between two shots. The second shot, the one you are not seeing is a great shot. All faces are visible but the guitarist on the right had a look that wasn't bad, but I thought it might send the wrong message. I chose the one below, even though the mic stand does block a small portion of his face. This is acceptable. The factor that determined the selection of this group shot was the action of the middle guitarist. Additionally, I wanted the entire Texas flag in the photo. Another benefit, I can see the full face of the drummer. The photos I take, battle for attention with all the multitude of photos taken at the same event, by smartphones. Many are of such poor quality and composition that I shudder looking at them. They are not enjoyable to observe but they are there in competition with the few I post. I do not fret. I know that good composition and quality will always stand the test of time. That is what I am after, standing the test of time.

The Joy of Choreography: More than Just Movement Being a choreographer is a dream come true. It’s not just about creating beautiful movements on stage, but about telling a story, bringing emotions to life, and leading an entire team to make a vision a reality. The joy comes from seeing the harmony between dancers, music, and the technical elements like lighting and stage design all come together in perfect balance. But behind the scenes, it’s a whirlwind of responsibilities. Managing people—dancers, lighting teams, technicians—requires patience and collaboration. You’re not just a creator, you’re a leader, a mentor, and an organizer. On top of that, there’s the complexity of music copyrights, making sure everything is legally sound, and working closely with sponsors to promote the production. Each challenge is part of the journey, and each piece of the puzzle adds to the excitement of what we create together. To lead a team that brings art to life on stage is something truly special. I’m grateful every day for the opportunity to connect movement with music, light, and storytelling—and most importantly, to inspire. #Choreography #Teamwork #Creativity #StageMagic #Leadership

Focus on musical composition The musical composition of this project was designed to be both powerful and delicate, balancing sounds that resonate deeply with the characters' emotions and stories. The soundtrack accompanies the narrative in an organic way, with melodies that highlight the strength of the figures portrayed, but also bring a tone of contemplation and memory. Each instrument was carefully chosen to create a sound that echoes ancestry and cultural pride. The music incorporates traditional Brazilian rhythms and typical instruments, such as the berimbau, which brings a direct connection with Afro-Brazilian roots. This musical choice creates an atmosphere that celebrates the identity and resistance of these communities, adding authenticity and emotional depth to the narrative. The transition between more introspective moments and grandiose passages is fundamental to capturing the essence of the struggle and resilience of these communities. Credits: Executive Producers: Scott Keiner and David Hammer Director: Conrado Galves Producers: Tainá Soares and Sheila Fernandes Assistant Producers: Thais Santana and Sarah Turner Writers: Luisa Guanabara and Ana Carolina Abar Director of Photography: Caue Angeli Sound Recordist: Anderson Rosato Focus Puller: Fabio Barbosa Steadycam operator: Marcelo Silveira Assistant: Chico Macedo Editor: Jeff Ferreira Music Composer / Sound Mix: Gabriel Maia Colorist: Carlos Bumbiers Motion Graphics: Leonardo Scherer Production Coordinator: Brook Thompson-Ellis Content Manager: Suzanne Sarraf #MusicComposition #Soundtrack #AudioPostProduction #Genomics #ProjectME #AnimationAudio #CartoonSoundtrack #CreativeAudio #Animation #AnimationStudio #AnimationProduction #MotionGraphics #AnimatorLife #IndieAnimation #AnimationIndustry #CharacterDesign #AnimatedShort #BehindTheScenes

Client Spotlight - Prestige Dance Studio A few years ago we had the joy of producing a video for Prestige Dance Studio! Today we want to highlight the goal of this project and a behind-the-scenes look at our process. When Jess Novotny, the Owner and Artistic Director, reached out to Monawar Studios for a fresh rebrand video, we knew we wanted to go beyond the ordinary. Our approach was to capture the spirit of Prestige Dance Studio — a space where confidence, teamwork, and personal growth are at the core of every class, from toddlers to advanced dancers. Key Highlights: • Cinematic Visuals: We embraced a cinematic style, using light and movement to bring out the artistic expression of dance. • Jess’s Story: As the narrator, Jess shared her inspiring vision, which we used to drive the emotional tone of the video. • Uplifting Soundtrack: We paired the visuals with a moving music bed that evokes motivation and pride. • Quick Turnaround: Filmed in just two weeks, the video perfectly encapsulates the heart and passion behind Prestige Dance Studio. This video has become a pivotal tool in their branding efforts, showcasing not just what they do, but who they are. Are you a brand or business that’s ready to level up your marketing with impactful storytelling? Let Monawar Studios bring your vision to life. Visit us at MonawarStudios.com to learn more!

Be honest: How many performances, especially for events/conferences, do you actually genuinely remember? After a while, if you've seen one, you've seen them all. Here's how to make yours stand out: - Evolution and arcs: Big and flashy is fun for 5 minutes, and then it's boring (and still not that memorable). Even if you only have those 5 minutes, take the audience on a journey. Moving from big to small, loud to quiet, and timing these contrasts can make a humdrum performance extraordinary. - Choose music that enhances the performance. Big giant epic music is generally speaking thoroughly unmemorable and they all sound the same. Music that matches and works with the ups and downs is so much more powerful (and interesting.) - Storytelling is not just pantomime. And it's not just stopping the "big dance" to show some tableau de vie. Whether you focus on a few characters or use the group to create visual metaphors, it is not difficult nor takes anything away from the spectacle to weave in some story or theme, and it adds a much higher chance that people remember the performance later. For me, I don't remember about 95% of the performances I've seen, and probably at 90% of them, I'm bored. While most people are not quite as difficult to impress as me, even if they do ooh and aah over the visuals and technical prowress, if you give them nonstop flash, they won't remember it later. That's why performance design is so important! Today's photo is from 2016 when I was performing with a Korean contemporary dance company called Second Nature Dance Company. The performance was "Noon Mun Ja Dul," or people who do not see in English, and one of the most well-designed shows I was ever part of. [Image Caption: A theatrical setting with colorfully dressed whimsical characters with the words Second Nature Dance Company.] #performancedesign #betterperformances #storytellinginmotion

Sometimes you have to sync video to a musical composition, or compose the music to the scenes provided. Then there are times where 27 different motion elements have to be sorted and synced with musical transitions over a 6+ minute timeline. This was one of those times. Whether you're using purpose-shot footage, animations, or stock footage, not every scene is going to want to play along and fit into the timeline where you want it. That's where the creativity comes in. To work with the stock provided - hopefully toward the perfect visual cut or transition that will follow the timing, tempo, feeling and intention of the music. It is those creative challenges that get me excited to go into the studio every morning. I simply love what I do. And projects like this make me the happiest! Whether I'm working with beautifully shot drone footage, device animations, or procedural videos with multiple motion elements, I love bringing the client's vision to life with custom, original musical compositions and sound design. #musicproduction #producer

Crafting a paper banjo can turn ordinary moments into amazing years of musical enjoyment. Begin by gathering materials like a cylindrical cardboard tube for the banjo neck and a round piece of cardboard for the body. Cut a small hole in the center of the cardboard body, resembling the banjo's resonator. Next, attach the cylindrical tube vertically onto the center of the cardboard, securing it firmly. For the banjo strings, opt for durable materials like rubber bands or strings from a guitar. Stretch and attach them from the top of the tube to the edge of the cardboard resonator, creating the banjo's characteristic strings. To enhance the banjo's appearance, consider decorating the cardboard with colorful markers or paint, adding a personal touch to your creation. Now, let's focus on the banjo head. Use another circular piece of cardboard and attach it to the top of the cylindrical tube. This will act as the surface against which the strings will resonate. Ensure it is securely fastened to maintain the structural integrity of your paper banjo. To complete the project, fashion a bridge from a small piece of cardboard, placing it on the banjo head beneath the strings. This will help elevate the strings, allowing them to vibrate freely. Fine-tune your paper banjo by adjusting the tension of the strings and experiment with different materials to achieve the desired sound. With creativity and a few simple materials, you've transformed everyday items into a musical masterpiece. Strumming your handcrafted paper banjo will undoubtedly create amazing years filled with the joy of music.

The Hidden Art of Acoustic Character Modelling: How Foley Artists Can Use Status Theory Dear fellow sound designers, Today I'd like to highlight a fascinating connection in our world of sound design that is often overlooked: the relationship between Keith Johnstone's status theory and the work of Foley artists. This connection opens up new perspectives on the art of sonic character modelling and offers us innovative ways to refine our creations. Status theory: a key to understanding human interactions As many of you know, Keith Johnstone's status theory, originally developed for improvisation in theatre, describes how people communicate their status in social situations through subtle behaviours. What may not be immediately obvious is that this theory translates surprisingly well to our work as Foley artists. Foley art: far more than just sounds We all know that Foley artists are the unsung designer of the film world. We create the everyday sounds that bring characters and scenes to life. But let's stop for a moment and think about this: our work goes far beyond just imitating sounds - it's a sophisticated form of acoustic character modelling. The synthesis: Acoustic character modelling through status When we apply status theory to Foley art, new dimensions of sound design open up. Here are four aspects that you may already intuitively consider in your work, but which can be used more consciously through the lens of status theory: 1 Subtle differences in status: think about how you might portray a confident character through firmer, progressively executed steps, while an insecure character might appear quiet and hesitant. The nuances in execution can speak volumes about the character's status. If you want to read the whole text feel free to download the whole PDF here.