How to build effective collaboration with an audio specialist

What the talk is about

Irina Chaban, head of the Universe Musik studio, explains how to get a good result when working remotely with an audio specialist. She first shows that sound affects players subconsciously and cannot be separated from the picture. She then advises how to choose a contractor: recommendations, a portfolio in a similar genre, a test task, ease of communication and legally clean sounds. A developer should provide a build with cheat codes and placeholder sound files, and describe the platform, audience and engine. Music can be briefed through references, a desired emotion or the function of a location. Voice work needs actors rather than announcers. Typical mistakes: undervaluing the sound designer's work, not showing the final build to them, unrealistic deadlines, and judging sound in a player instead of in the game. Useful for developers and producers who outsource audio.