Exploring the Sound of Rain: Our Journey with Diluvian Dreams

Introduction:

At PRONK!, we are passionate about pushing the boundaries of audio storytelling. In 2020, we had the honour of participating in The Whickers Radio and Audio Funding Award, a prestigious competition that celebrates innovative documentary-making. Our project, Diluvian Dreams, took us on an incredible journey of creativity and exploration, and we’re excited to share our story with you.

Background

The Whickers, inspired by the legendary documentary-maker Alan Whicker, aim to support emerging talent in the field of documentaries. They recognise the challenging landscape for today’s documentary-makers and seek to provide the opportunities and support that were once more readily available. Our project was one of many ambitious entries vying for the 2020 award, and we were thrilled to be selected as a finalist.

Project Execution:

Diluvian Dreams began with our initial entry submission, a six-minute homage to the magic of falling water droplets. We mixed original music with interviews from around the world, exploring the myths and science of precipitation. Our documentary aimed to capture the universal human experience of rain through starkly different voices, from a scientist in Africa to a factory worker in Europe.

Upon becoming finalists, we were awarded £1000 to develop our idea further. This funding allowed us to broaden the story creatively and open up the conversation on an international scale. We experimented with recording and production techniques, notably using software called Sound Particles to emulate the sound of rain with voices in three dimensions. We fused this innovative sound design with Walt Whitman’s poem “The Voice of Rain” and original music composed by Robert Moutrey, weaving these elements into a rich narrative about rain from both societal and individual perspectives.

Outcome

Receiving the funding to develop Diluvian Dreams was a significant milestone for our team. The financial support enabled us to acquire essential tools and resources without going out of pocket. We invested in remote recording software, which was crucial for capturing high-quality audio from our diverse international interviewees. Additionally, we used Sound Particles software to create the innovative three-dimensional soundscapes that were central to our vision. The funding also allowed us to hire a dedicated researcher, ensuring the documentary was rich in both scientific accuracy and compelling narratives.

Throughout the development process, we participated in feedback sessions with other experienced audio producers. Their insights were invaluable, helping us refine our approach and enhance the overall quality of the piece. The constructive critiques we received guided us in balancing the complex layers of sound and narrative, ensuring that each element contributed meaningfully to the story.

Although we did not win the final award, the journey was immensely rewarding. The development process allowed us to expand the original 6 minutes into a 12-minute documentary. Diluvian Dreams became a deeply personal project for us, providing an opportunity to explore a subject close to our hearts and create a piece that resonates on both an intellectual and emotional level. This project not only expanded our creative horizons but also became a standout addition to our portfolio, showcasing our ability to blend scientific inquiry, creative sound design, and powerful storytelling. While we didn’t win the final award, the experience and the work we produced were immensely rewarding, and we are eager to continue developing this project further in the future.

Impact

Our work received positive feedback from the judges, with Pam Fraser Soloman noting, “An ambitious proposal, a confident layering of ideas that promise an assured yet mesmerising audio experience.” This recognition affirmed our commitment to innovative audio storytelling and has fuelled our enthusiasm to continue developing Diluvian Dreams in the future.

Conclusion:

Participating in The Whickers Radio and Audio Funding Award was a transformative experience for our team. It allowed us to experiment with new techniques and expand our creative horizons. We are excited to take the ideas we developed for Diluvian Dreams forward and explore new possibilities in audio storytelling. If you are interested in collaborating with us or learning more about our work, please contact us. Let’s create something extraordinary together.

Multimedia:

Submission 1

Diluvian Dreams (Whickers Radio and Audio Award 2020) by pronkproductions

Submission 2

Sound Particles Experiment