When Does An Electronic Effect Make Sense
Have you noticed in some popular sitcoms that a non-musical
effect, like a bell tree run, is used as a transition? Maybe that effect (FX)
is followed by a musical stinger? Perhaps the Director of a show you work on
has asked you to add a little sizzle to the production?
CSS Music’s 6-disc library E-EFX has you covered when you
need FX. Each track usually contains multiple versions of each effect giving
you a choice in style and length. And we’ve attempted to make each disc style specific
for your needs. For example, the original disc one of E-EFX is a potpourri of
effects with some fun cartoon elements. Disc II is more “whooshes and zaps”
while E-EFX III provides light swooshes and sparkles. Disc IV introduces some
Alternative Rock thinking while Discs V and VI are your solid workaday FX.
The big question is: Will an electronic effect work? The
nebulous answer: “It depends.” If you’ve been working on a show that’s been on the
air for years, will introducing new sounds freak out your audience? Or will
adding a light swoosh to a wipe transition elevate and advance the production
value?
While it’s impossible to hook your audience up to people
preference meters, you CAN get consensus by asking people in your office as
well as friends and family for their feedback. They may not even notice you’ve
used something new or they might say, ”What’s that?” Focus group testing of
this nature will probably provide the answer.
Of course, the show’s original creator may be the final
arbiter. At CSS Music we always say, “The boss is always right.” ;-)
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