LO2 - Ben Burtt research (P2)

Ben Burtt, born on the 12th of July 1948, is widely considered be one of the most influential figures in modern film sound design. He is renowned for his work on the Star Wars franchise which included the creation of the sounds of R2-D2, the original lightsaber "Hum" effect and the blaster gun "Zap"

Burtt uses many methods to capture sound. He states that his preference is to find the sounds in real life and record them on a scene. For example, there are photos of him recording the sounds of planes, bears and explosives (all below) 

Above Are some images of Burtt recording sounds for films which he was working on


One of his most famous sound effects was created by citing a slinky that had been stretched out with a pencil. as Burtt explains the high frequency noise reaches the microphone (set up at one end of the slinky) before the low frequency sound which gives the laser gun its signature "Zap" sound. In the case of Star Wars these funds were very unlike the sounds that were used in films like this beforehand. For examples, many Disney animated films used cymbals and drums to indicate a loud bang nose or gunshot sounds. The difference is very notable when comparing a scene from the first Star Wars film (for example the opening fight sequence) and the sounds for the animated films that were the only other films at the time which provided viewers with the same sense of wonder.

Another important part of Burtt’s foley work is his use of ambient sound which can be seen in many sequences in the film "WALL-E." This film centres on a robot that cannot speak and as so only has dialogue after a long period of characters who don’t often speak. Burtt Created emotion in this long part of the movie by ensuring the sounds that all of the sounds that the robot characters make are all very emotive and convey the tone of the sequence. This helps the audience to understand the motives of the characters of “WALL-E “and ‘EVA” as well as how they are feeling.  Have attached one sequence for from the film that shows this use of sound very well.

As can be seen in the clip while the emotions of the characters would be clear from their expressions and body language the sound design significantly contributes to its emotional depth. As well as this the fact that the message is conveyed non- verbally helps the target audience (who would be mostly children ages 5-13) understand the characters on a much more personal level as that they might not understand what the characters were saying had it been delivered in dialogue. To create the sounds of the films robots he used several different methods. For example, WALL-E’s sounds were created using several different kinds of motor which were pitch shifted in order to give it personality. In contrast to this EVE’s was created using “Soothing” sounds such as small snippets of music finally the robot antagonist of the film “The Autopilot” or “AUTO” was created using different whistles and bells as well as a voice which was artificially made lower to give him his intimidating voice. The reasons for using different sounds for each helped to give each its own unique personality which, in turn, created more verisimilitude for the audience as that they would be able to tell the three apart even when they are not shown on screen. The scene I have attached below shows the contrast between the three characters.

In conclusion Ben Burtt has been one of the most influential people in the history of sound design and his influence can be seen in the sounds which he inspired.