Sound design
How to brief sound design for a film or brand video
Explain the picture, the role of sound and the delivery needs so a sound-design project can be scoped.
To brief sound design for a film or brand video, share the current picture, explain what the audience should notice and identify the sounds already available. Include the exact edit version, timing, review dates and delivery requirements. If the picture may change, say so before work is scoped.
Describe the role of sound
Start with the scene or message, rather than a list of effects. Should the world feel close and physical, spacious and uneasy, or deliberately abstract? Where does the sound need to draw attention, support dialogue or leave room for silence?
Distinguish designed effects and atmospheres from original music, dialogue editing and the final mix. You may need several of these, but do not assume that one sound-design request includes every stage. AER’s sound design services cover sound palettes, sound for picture and music developed with sound; the exact scope is agreed for each project.
Identify the picture everyone is discussing
Label the reference movie with a version and date. State the frame rate, duration and starting timecode, and explain whether the edit is locked or still changing. Ask whether a visible timecode overlay would help the handoff. For Premiere, Adobe’s export settings reference describes text and timeline overlays for exported media.
A new export is not automatically the same edit. Keep a change list when shots move or durations change, and discuss the impact on the work and schedule. For a first enquiry, an accessible reference link and a clear description of the picture’s status are enough to begin that discussion.
Give notes at moments, not just moods
Use timestamps that match the supplied movie. Explain the action, the intended effect and any constraint. A hypothetical note for a 30-second product film might be:
| Moment in the reference | Direction | Constraint |
|---|---|---|
| 00:03, the object first appears | A small, tactile detail draws attention | Keep space for the voice |
| 00:12, a fast visual transition | Build momentum into the next shot | Avoid a large cinematic impact |
| 00:26, the final identity | Let the ending feel resolved | Leave a clean ending for the cutdown |
This is an invented briefing example, not an AER case study. A small number of precise notes can establish a shared direction better than a long list of unrelated sound references.
Explain the available audio and handoff
List production audio, dialogue, voice-over, temporary music and existing effects. Identify which are final, which are placeholders and which need to be replaced. Flag any restrictions on source material or AI-assisted tools so they can be discussed before production.
If editable audio is needed, agree the exchange format and test it early with the recipient. Premiere’s AAF export documentation includes settings for sample rate, audio files and handles. Handles retain material around edits for further work; their length and the export settings should follow the agreed workflow. An AAF file by itself is not a promise that every effect or edit will transfer identically.
Agree versions, approvals and delivery
List every required duration, cutdown and language version. State whether you need a finished stereo mix, separate sound/music/dialogue groups, or other specifically agreed files. Include the destination’s current audio specification if one exists; a social cut, cinema presentation and broadcast delivery should not be assumed to share one requirement.
Name the person who consolidates feedback and the people giving final approval. Separate the first review, audio approval and publication dates. Discuss budget, revisions and what happens if the picture changes after approval. Usage, credits and any additional production stages belong in that conversation too.
Send a brief that can be scoped
- Reference movie, version/date, duration, frame rate and timing information.
- Creative intent and a few annotated sound references.
- Timecoded moments and sounds to avoid.
- Inventory of final and temporary audio.
- Required versions and any delivery specification.
- Picture-lock status, review dates, approver and budget range.
- Questions about sources, usage, credits and file exchange.
You can mark technical questions as open. Use the enquiry below to share the outline; agree a suitable transfer method before sending confidential footage or audio.
Sources and further reading
Adobe: Export settings reference covers overlays for exported media. Adobe: Export AAF files documents export and handoff settings. The cue table and production checklist are AER editorial guidance. Sources checked 16 October 2026.