The NFB is committed to respecting your privacy

We use cookies to ensure that our site works efficiently, as well as for advertising purposes.

If you do not wish to have your information used in this way, you can modify your browser settings before continuing your visit.

Learn more
Skip to content Accessibility
New release
Coming 
None

Pen Point Percussion

1951 5 min
Leaving soon

Norman McLaren explains how he makes synthetic sound on film. With an oscilloscope he first demonstrates what familiar sounds look like on the screen; next, how sound shapes up on a film's sound track; and then what synthetic sounds sound like when drawn directly on film. This technique is also demonstrated in Dots and Loops.

This content is not available for free viewing in your location.
Your rental expires on
None
You've already purchased this film.
Download it from My purchases.
Not available
Share
Pen Point Percussion

Details

Norman McLaren explains how he makes synthetic sound on film. With an oscilloscope he first demonstrates what familiar sounds look like on the screen; next, how sound shapes up on a film's sound track; and then what synthetic sounds sound like when drawn directly on film. This technique is also demonstrated in Dots and Loops.

  • director
    Norman McLaren
  • producer
    Norman McLaren
    Tom Daly
  • script
    Donald Peters
  • camera
    Lorne C. Batchelor
  • music
    Louis Applebaum

Enjoy the NFB experience on your favourite device

Education

Ages 15 to 17
School subjects
This short film can be presented in a science class or a music class, as it helps students see the link between the two disciplines. After the screening, students can be shown how to represent ambient sounds in their own way. You can even ask them to make a musical instrument using the principles of physics.
Pen Point Percussion
Purchase options
Also available