A unique instrument has been built called the Apprehension Engine to create sounds that you would normally find in your nightmares and help horror movie composer Mark Korven create unique scores. This fascinating device is not just an instrument but a tool that brings a new dimension to the world of horror film scoring.
Check out the video below to learn more about the creepy tunes and sounds that can be created using the Apprehension Engine which has been built by guitar maker Tony Duggan-Smith.
What happens when a horror movie composer and a guitar maker join forces? They create the world’s most disturbing musical instrument. Affectionately known as “The Apprehension Engine,” this one-of-a-kind instrument was commissioned by movie composer Mark Korven. Korven wanted to create spooky noises in a more acoustic and original way—but the right instrument didn’t exist. So his friend, guitar maker Tony Duggan-Smith, went deep into his workshop and assembled what has to be the spookiest instrument on Earth.
Origins and Inspiration
The inception of the Apprehension Engine was driven by a desire to break free from the digital soundscapes that dominate modern horror scores. Mark Korven, known for his work on films like “The Witch,” sought an instrument that could produce organic, unsettling sounds that would resonate on a primal level with audiences. Traditional instruments and digital effects fell short of his vision, leading him to collaborate with Tony Duggan-Smith, a master craftsman with a penchant for the unconventional.
Tony Duggan-Smith’s background in guitar making provided a solid foundation for this project, but the Apprehension Engine required a leap into the unknown. The instrument features a variety of components, including metal rulers, strings, and springs, all designed to be played in unconventional ways. This amalgamation of parts allows for a wide range of eerie sounds, from haunting drones to jarring screeches.
Impact on Horror Film Scoring
The Apprehension Engine has had a significant impact on the way horror films are scored. Its ability to produce a vast array of unsettling sounds has made it a valuable tool for composers looking to create a unique auditory experience. Unlike digital sound effects, which can sometimes feel sterile and predictable, the Apprehension Engine offers a raw, organic quality that can evoke a deeper emotional response from the audience.
For example, in the film “The Witch,” Korven used the Apprehension Engine to create a soundscape that was both haunting and immersive. The instrument’s versatility allowed him to craft a score that was as unpredictable as the film’s narrative, keeping viewers on edge throughout. This approach has inspired other composers to seek out or create their own unique instruments, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in film scoring.
Moreover, the Apprehension Engine has found a place outside of film, influencing other genres of music and sound design. Its unique sound palette has been used in experimental music, theater productions, and even haunted attractions, proving that its appeal extends beyond the silver screen.
Source: Uncrate
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