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Twenty Thousand Hertz

Wilhelm Screamix

Oct 4, 2023
Steve Lee, sound designer and film historian, discusses the surprising origin and widespread use of Hollywood’s most famous sound effect, the Wilhelm Scream. From its origins as a joke between friends to its inclusion in iconic films like Star Wars and Indiana Jones, the Wilhelm Scream has become a beloved part of movie history.
24:25

Episode guests

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Quick takeaways

  • The Wilhelm Scream, a distinctive and recognizable movie sound effect, was first used in the film Distant Drums in 1951, and has since become a staple in the film industry.
  • The use of the Wilhelm Scream has created a unique bond among sound designers and directors, serving as a shared inside joke and a means of recognition in the movie industry.

Deep dives

The Power of Sound Libraries in the Film and TV Industry

In the film and TV industry, sound editors rely heavily on sound libraries to find the effects they need. Over the years, certain sounds have become iconic and are used repeatedly in various movies and TV shows. For example, the distinct catfight sound of two cats angrily yowling has been heard in hundreds of productions, including the Simpsons' Snowball. These cat sounds are attributed to legendary voice actor Frank Welker. Another famous sound is the gut-wrenching scream known as the Howie Scream, which gained popularity after being used in an action movie called Broken Arrow. However, the most recognized and widely used movie scream is the Wilhelm Scream, often associated with scenes of intense danger or fear. This scream was first used in the 1951 film Distant Drums and has since been incorporated into countless movies, becoming a staple in the film industry.

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