Misfortune
Short Film
Misfortune follows a man who discovers a crystal ball that distorts his past, exploring deception, trauma, and fractured relationships.
Client: Independent Short Film Production
Project Title: Misfortune
Objective:
Misfortune is an abstract short film that follows a man who stumbles upon a mysterious crystal ball that begins to alter his past. The film explores themes of deception, trauma, and the complex nature of relationships as the protagonist unravels the consequences of his actions and the effects of the crystal ball on his perception of reality. Our role in post-production was to create an immersive sound experience that amplified the psychological tension, disorientation, and emotional depth inherent in the film’s abstract narrative.
Music Integration:
The music in Misfortune was carefully composed to mirror the film’s abstract and surreal nature. We used dissonant, evolving motifs to evoke a sense of uncertainty and unease. Sparse, electronic textures combined with low, brooding bass lines emphasized the distorted reality that the protagonist experiences as the crystal ball alters his past.
We composed the score with subtle shifts in mood, reflecting the protagonist’s fluctuating emotional states as he grapples with deception and trauma. The music gradually increased in intensity, mirroring the character’s descent into confusion, until reaching a climactic point where the music turned chaotic, signaling the unraveling of his world.
Sound Design Approach:
The sound design was central to conveying the abstract, surreal experience of the protagonist. We designed a layered auditory environment that reflected his altered perception of reality, combining organic sounds with abstract, electronic tones. For example, moments when the crystal ball affected the past were marked by subtle, disorienting auditory shifts—sudden glitches, fading echoes, and warped voices—creating an unsettling and dreamlike atmosphere.
To evoke the themes of trauma and deception, we used distorted, echoing footsteps, creaking doors, and muffled sounds to symbolise the protagonist’s fractured past and his attempts to navigate it. These elements were employed strategically to evoke emotional depth and convey the tension between the protagonist’s current state and the distorted memories of his past.
As the narrative shifted between different timelines and realities, we incorporated layered soundscapes that altered in tone and texture, enhancing the disorienting nature of the film. Key moments of revelation or confusion were punctuated with sharp, high-pitched sounds, mechanical whirs, or distant rumbles to emphasize the protagonist’s loss of control and unraveling sense of self.
Tone and Style:
The tone of the sound design was abstract, surreal, and haunting. We focused on creating a sonic landscape that was immersive and disorienting, reflecting the protagonist’s internal struggle with deception and the emotional weight of his trauma. The integration of music and sound design helped build a psychologically complex world where the boundaries between reality and perception blur, allowing the audience to experience the character’s unraveling journey.
Technical Delivery:
- Delivered in both stereo and 5.1 surround sound formats, optimized for festival screenings and digital platforms.
- Mixed to meet cinematic loudness standards, ensuring clarity and dynamic balance between dialogue, music, and sound effects.
Timeline:
- First sound pass: 29/04/2024
- Final mix and approval: 11/06/2024
We are a post-production sound company specialising in high-quality audio for commercials, TV and film.
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