As the founder of an AI agency, I’m constantly exploring the frontiers of technology in content creation. However, my recent experience at Something Digital 2024 in Brisbane served as a powerful reminder of the irreplaceable value of human creativity, especially when it comes to creating content that resonates on a deep, emotional level. The session featuring Dan Brumm, voice artist and sound designer for the globally acclaimed children’s show Bluey, was particularly enlightening.
The Magic Behind Bluey's Soundscape
Bluey, for those unfamiliar, is an Australian animated series that has captured hearts worldwide. What sets it apart isn’t just its charming stories and characters, but the incredible attention to detail in every aspect of its production – including its sound design.
Dan Brumm’s approach to sound design in Bluey is nothing short of extraordinary. He explained that in Bluey, “sound design is not hero stuff. It’s really subtle and it’s supporting the narrative. Most people won’t even notice the sound. That’s kind of intentional half the time. It’s just meant to sound believable and it’s meant to immerse you in the world” [1].
This philosophy of subtle yet immersive sound design is what brings the world of Bluey to life. Brumm goes to great lengths to capture authentic sounds, often venturing out into the real world to record specific noises that children would recognize from their everyday lives.
The Human Touch in a Digital World
One of the most fascinating aspects of Brumm’s work is his dedication to authenticity. He shared a story about recording the sound of a specific type of cricket bat hitting a tennis ball: “I went out, I bought a kangaroo cricket bat, went out to a park, and I recorded myself hitting it” [1]. This level of detail and commitment to realism is what sets Bluey’s sound design apart.
As an AI enthusiast, I couldn’t help but wonder: couldn’t AI generate these sounds? Technically, yes. We have AI models capable of generating realistic sound effects. But would they capture the essence of a child’s world with the same authenticity?
Brumm’s process isn’t just about creating sound; it’s about recreating experiences. When he records the sound of a ball bouncing off a tin roof, he’s not just capturing an audio clip – he’s bottling a moment of childhood mischief and anxiety that resonates with both kids and adults.
Family Involvement: A Unique Approach to Sound Design
One of the most heartwarming aspects of Brumm’s approach is how he involves his family in the sound design process. He shared, “I always try and incorporate my kids in the sound design creation as much as possible” [1]. This personal touch adds an extra layer of authenticity to the sounds in Bluey.
For instance, for an episode where characters ride in a wagon, Brumm recorded his own children (aged 4 and 2 at the time) being pulled along in a wagon. He can only use brief clips from this recording because the rest is filled with laughter and giggles, but this approach captures the genuine joy of childhood play.
This family involvement extends to other sound effects as well. For an episode where a character gets sprayed with a hose, Brumm had his four-year-old daughter spray him with a hose while his wife held the microphone. As he put it, “It’s not the easiest way to get that sound, but it’s kind of the most fun” [1].
Bluey’s Cultural Impact
The success of Bluey goes beyond its technical brilliance. The show has become a cultural phenomenon, praised for its emotional depth and relatability. Joe Brumm, the creator of Bluey (and Dan’s brother), explains their approach: “We don’t have to dumb down things to them. Some things might go over their head, but give them credit, kids are a lot smarter” [2].
This respect for the audience, combined with the show’s authentic sound design, creates a viewing experience that resonates with both children and adults. The show tackles complex themes in a way that’s accessible to children, while also providing layers of meaning that adults can appreciate.
The Intersection of Sound Design and Voice Acting
Dan Brumm’s role in Bluey extends beyond sound design – he’s also the voice of Uncle Stripe. This dual role gives him a unique perspective on how sound and voice work together to bring characters to life.
Brumm emphasized the importance of enthusiasm in voice acting, especially for a children’s show. He explained that you have to “completely get out of your head” and be willing to be silly to create memorable character moments [1].
AI: A Tool, Not a Replacement
While AI has made significant strides in sound generation, Brumm’s work on Bluey demonstrates that there are still areas where human creativity and experience are irreplaceable. AI can create convincing imitations of sounds, but it lacks the lived experiences and emotional intelligence that inform human creativity.
That said, AI could potentially enhance the sound design process in the future. It could be used to:
- Generate initial sound palettes that human designers can then refine and personalize
- Analyze audience reactions to different sound elements, helping creators optimize their work
- Automate repetitive tasks, freeing up human creators to focus on more nuanced, creative aspects of their work
The Future: Bluey World and Beyond
An exciting development in the Bluey universe is the upcoming Bluey World theme park. This presents new challenges for sound design, as Brumm will need to create soundscapes for a 3D, interactive environment. He’s “racking his brain” to figure out how to use the sounds he’s created to help tell the story in this new, immersive format [1].
This transition from 2D animation to a 3D, real-world experience highlights the adaptability required in creative fields. It’s a reminder that as technology evolves, so too must our approaches to storytelling and audience engagement.
Lessons for Content Creators
So, what can content creators, especially those working for younger audiences, learn from Bluey’s approach?
- Authenticity Matters: Don’t underestimate your audience’s ability to recognize and appreciate genuine experiences.
- Go the Extra Mile: Sometimes, creating something truly special requires effort that goes beyond the conventional.
- Involve Your Community: Whether it’s family, friends, or your wider network, involving others can add depth and authenticity to your work.
- Respect Your Audience: Treating your audience (even young children) with respect can lead to more meaningful and successful content.
- Blend Technical Skill with Emotion: The most impactful content comes from combining technical expertise with emotional intelligence.
- Embrace Play: Bluey’s success comes in part from the joy and playfulness infused in its creation. Don’t be afraid to have fun with your work.
- Use Technology Wisely: While tools like AI can enhance our capabilities, they should support, not replace, human creativity.
Conclusion: The Harmony of Human and Machine
As we continue to explore the possibilities of AI in content creation, let’s not forget the magic that comes from human creativity, dedication, and lived experience. The success of Bluey serves as a reminder that in our rush to embrace new technologies, we shouldn’t overlook the value of human experience and dedication.
In the end, whether you’re creating content for children or adults, the goal should always be to connect, engage, and inspire. And sometimes, achieving that goal means stepping away from the computer, picking up a microphone, and venturing out into the world to capture a bit of magic.
As we move forward in this exciting era of AI and content creation, let’s strive to create a future where technology enhances, rather than replaces, the beautiful imperfections and nuances of human creativity. After all, it’s these human elements that turn a simple cartoon about a family of dogs into a global phenomenon that resonates with millions.
References
[1] Brumm, D. (2024). Sound Design in Bluey. Something Digital 2024, Brisbane.
[2] Brumm, J. (2024). Creating Bluey: More Than Just a Children’s Show. ABC Interview.
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