Some time ago, I worked on a project for an interactive immersive installation that sought to challenge our perceptions of the environment in view of global warming and climate change. We developed an "oracle"-like installation, based on combining user-selected visual images with unexpected "outcome" images. Within the project, we sought to provide a soundtrack that would support the visuals without "subtracting" from them, as a "canned" track irregardless of image content chosen. After several attempts, using samples, ambient sounds, ambient sound mixes and specially composed music (all involving professionals), we decided that all the sound tracks we developed reduced the effect of the visuals, and we abandonned the sound track approach.
I've remained unsatisfied with our result - were we right to give up? Are there times when sound is not the answer? (We found that pretty well all sound combos generated their own "imagery" and that this "sound imagery" seemed to interfere with the visual imagery and its effects.) Or if we had worked harder, might we have been able to find a solution that involved sound? Recently, I've been thinking that perhaps the problem was that our sound was pre-recorded and hence "static" while our visuals varied for each "performance". Maybe the sound needed to vary too? We did try coming up with image-specific sounds, but getting them to work in combo wasn't any easier, either. We gave this up for lack of funds, but I often wonder if we couldn't have tried just a little harder to get an effective sound scenario.
The project has lain fallow for a while, but I am open to suggestions that may allow us to obtain additional funding and finish it. Does effective use of sound always enhance a performance?
How were the images obtained? Are they stock photos? Perhaps by investing time rather than (so much) money, you would be able to find stock music samples that fit well enough with the images ... and fit your budget.
If the samples have to FLOW from one to another, and do this...
Expand commentHow were the images obtained? Are they stock photos? Perhaps by investing time rather than (so much) money, you would be able to find stock music samples that fit well enough with the images ... and fit your budget.
If the samples have to FLOW from one to another, and do this interchangeably, then it does indeed sound like an expensive requirement to fulfill. Someone familiar with the non-linear nature of scoring for video games would be able to do it, but the expense does sound prohibitive.
The project sounds quite fascinating, though,I must say!
Yes, these are stock photos we purchased for the project. You may be right about using stock music samples, too. I may be spoiled - for a more recent project, I worked with a professional composer and it's hard to go back to stock music :) Unfortunately, my composer friend contributed his time...
Expand commentYes, these are stock photos we purchased for the project. You may be right about using stock music samples, too. I may be spoiled - for a more recent project, I worked with a professional composer and it's hard to go back to stock music :) Unfortunately, my composer friend contributed his time more or less free for a particular project - his normal rates are out of my league!