In September 2021, amid the pandemic, we were approached by the Italian comedy duo I Panpers<\/em><\/strong> and 247Production<\/strong> to design the sound for their horror short film, Euphollia<\/em>. The film was shot in Gardaland amusement park<\/strong> during its Magic Halloween<\/em> season, a time when the park transforms from a place of joy<\/strong> into a haunted wonderland<\/strong>, where screams<\/strong> are not just accepted but encouraged, especially after nightfall<\/strong>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n At its core, Euphollia<\/em> explores the pursuit of happiness<\/strong>\u2014a universal desire that not everyone seeks in the right way. Despite being a horror short film<\/strong>, the story also required us to convey the twisted joy of the antagonist as he instills terror among unsuspecting park visitors. Our challenge<\/strong> was to balance fear with amusement<\/strong>, crafting a soundscape<\/strong> that enhanced both.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n To fully understand the film\u2019s atmosphere<\/strong>, we took charge of the location sound recording<\/strong> ourselves. This hands-on approach allowed us to immerse ourselves in the actors\u2019 performances and absorb the unique sonic environment<\/strong> of the park.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n One of the biggest hurdles was the inability to use recordings of the amusement rides due to copyright restrictions. However, being on-site enabled us to reinterpret the essence<\/strong> of the park\u2019s sounds creatively<\/strong>, crafting an original auditory experience<\/strong> that captured its eerie yet playful nature<\/strong>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n The tension<\/strong> in Euphollia<\/em> is built through unsettling stingers<\/strong> and the victims’ choked screams of fear, contrasted with the antagonist\u2019s gleeful laughter<\/strong> as he revels in his terrifying acts<\/strong>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Capturing live audio<\/strong> and engaging with the actors about their roles provided a crucial insight<\/strong>: we didn\u2019t need an overload of sound effects<\/strong> to create suspense<\/strong>. The performances were powerful enough, allowing us to enhance key moments<\/strong> with subtle yet effective techniques<\/strong>, such as carefully placed delays and reverbs<\/strong>, to make the horror elements even more immersive<\/strong>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Throughout the project, we maintained constant communication<\/strong> with the client, ensuring that our work aligned with their vision<\/strong>. This collaborative approach helped refine the final product, enhancing its impact and storytelling depth<\/strong>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Once the final sound design was approved, Euphollia<\/em> was released on YouTube<\/strong>, garnering excellent view numbers and engagement<\/strong>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Horror<\/strong> doesn\u2019t always require blood and gore<\/strong>\u2014it can emerge from a warped perception of happiness<\/strong>. Satisfaction<\/strong> doesn\u2019t always lead to positive outcomes<\/strong>; in some cases, it can be unsettling, even dangerous<\/strong>. Euphollia<\/em> demonstrates that fear<\/strong> is a delicate concept<\/strong>, one that can be reshaped and reimagined beyond traditional expectations<\/strong>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n What do you think?<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Would you be up for collaborating with us?<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The Project In September 2021, amid the pandemic, we were approached by the Italian comedy duo I Panpers and 247Production to design the sound for their horror short film, Euphollia….<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":7712,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[46],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-7710","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-sound-design"},"yoast_head":"\nThe Challenge<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
The Process<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Research & Understanding<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Creative Development<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Collaboration<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
The Outcome<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Key Takeaway<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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