I wish this book existed when I was in film school.

Or when I started in production.

Or when I worked on documentaries and narrative works.

Or the most recent gig I was on.

This book puts into concrete concepts, the marriage of sound and story. It talks about the theory and the practical not just to get sound right, but to make it serve your creative work.

When something is wrong with the sound, the audience knows it, regardless of their fluency in production. Up until now, nobody has created a guide explaining how sound relates to story and how to handle the sound well and with authenticity.

What you hold in your hands is a rare chance to become a better storyteller. By understanding and planning the sound that sells your stories at every level.

If you’re a creative beginning the journey, every chapter is a gem. You’ll gain insights on how to do the job right the first time. How to properly plan a story and the sound that goes with it. How to get good location sound. Narration that feels right.

When should you prefer a boom over a lav? How can pre-interviewing a film’s subject help you focus on the quality of your sound and stay true to your story?

There’s a great focus on mixing beyond simply adding music. How do you use sound—including silence—to add emphasis? And grabbing the audience’s attention with “Red Umbrella moments.”

If you’re an experienced creative, each chapter has moments that will either reinforce good practices or point out where you might have a gap in your knowledge base.

The authors answer questions about budgeting for sound, both in time and money. And they include a cutting edge chapter on the newest sound technology for immersive sound and how it can better serve story. The specifics in the music licensing chapter make it a must-read.

We can’t be experts at everything. Here’s your chance to vault your knowledge ahead by mining the expertise of these two industry-leading creatives. Each chapter addresses important technical issues, storytelling ideas, and how they’re intertwined.

From preproduction to on set; from studio narration to post, this book has you covered. I envy the journey you’re about to undertake.

Go tell great stories.

Jeff I. Greenberg

Author, Post Consultant, Storyteller

J Greenberg Consulting