Horacio Salinas Characters
The Makings of the Character Sound Design
Artist & Animator: Horacio Salinas
Sound Design & Format Adaptation: Nathan Byrne
Post-Production: MOSS
Photographer and collage artist Horacio Salinas created and animated a cast of eccentric characters for a film promoting his book. Already vivid and full of personality, the animation gave Nathan Byrne an opportunity to extend their world through sound.
Nathan created a distinct sonic identity for each character. Intimate applause and exclamations turned the juggling magician into a performer. Crazy Witch was given a distorted, high-pitched voice, while the Viscount became old and weary through deep, scratchy groans.
The wider soundscape drew from the babbling of an infant, a distorted xylophone, a bellowing ox, cartoon birds, a groaning dog and wheezing breaths. These unexpected elements were layered together to match the lighthearted darkness of Horacio’s collages and animation.
Nathan also adapted and formatted the finished film for its vertical presentation. The result is an auditory and visual carnival in which Horacio’s original characters gain an additional dimension through sound.