Unscripted Dialogue Editing Masterclass: Part 4

In the realm of dialogue editing, there's a hidden gem often overlooked – Production Sounds (PFX). This encompasses all the natural audio captured on set, from footsteps to laughter, that isn't discernible dialogue. Today, we'll unravel the significance of PFX editing and why it's crucial for delivering pristine audio in unscripted content.

Understanding PFX Editing

What Falls Under PFX

PFX includes a spectrum of sounds – from foley movements like footsteps and prop handling to ambient sounds like breathing, chewing, whoops, whistling, laughter, or applause. Essentially, anything that isn't spoken words advancing the narrative.

Why Separate PFX

The separation of PFX comes down to deliverable specifications. In unscripted content, you're often required to provide a Music and Effects (MnE) stem for international mixes used in localized dubbing. Some networks demand fully-filled MnE stems, while others opt for partially-filled stems, containing only essential sounds for the story.

Fully-Filled vs. Partially-Filled

Fully-filled MnE stems require every action to have sound, similar to crafting the soundscape of a scripted production. Partially-filled stems, on the other hand, only include sounds directly related to the narrative. Extracting non-dialogue noises ensures that international dubbed languages maintain as much natural sound information as possible from the original shoot.

Practical Steps in PFX Editing

Separate PFX Instances

Pull out instances of PFX either entirely or as duplicate clips to feed information to the Effects stem. This step is crucial in meeting deliverable requirements and enhancing the overall audio quality.

Not Everything Can be Salvaged

If natural foley sounds are integrated with dialogue, there's no need for concern. In fully-filled MnE scenarios, recreating missed sounds in a separate Pro Tools session might be necessary (a deeper dive on this another day).

Clarify Qualifications with Your Mixer

If unsure about what qualifies as PFX, communicate with your mixer. Sometimes, these sounds come in between dialogue in a singular clip, making it cumbersome to extract each sound individually. Use your best judgment, and follow up with your mixer to ensure you haven't missed any crucial PFX elements.

Feedback and Communication

Request feedback from your mixer during the turnover of your dialogue work. This proactive approach allows you to identify instances where PFX tracks might have been moved or manipulated. Consider leaving markers for review to maintain a smooth workflow.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of unscripted dialogue editing makes you a rockstar in the field. Your attention to detail and ability to work seamlessly with minimal guidance are attributes that set you apart. Remember, every mixer has their preferences, so always clarify and adapt as needed.

By honing your dialogue editing skills, you open doors to opportunities, and your name may become the talk of the industry. This concludes our guide, making you hire-ready for the dynamic world of unscripted content.

But look, this is just basic guidelines and advice. You know advice in text can only say so much when you come across unique scenarios and obstacles.

What does dialogue editing for unscripted media actually sound and look like?

Luckily, you can shadow me tackling all these obstacles every weekday. I guarantee you’ll learn something new with each session.

Here’s what a current Post Audio Pro member recently said to me:

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