A Simple Walla Film Definition for Aspiring Filmmakers

In filmmaking there are a variety of terms that have meanings which may or may not be easy for a newbie or entry level individual to understand. For example, the term “walla” sounds kind of silly and certainly doesn’t have any easy to pinpoint definition, but in this simple walla film definition, you’ll learn about the sound that walla stands for, what it means, and how filmmakers use the term in the industry. But, what is walla?

Walla Film Definition

Walla represents a sound effect. Effectively mimicking the vocal sounds of a group of people in the background of a film.

To capture walla for film, the sound crew will typically capture audio dialogue of a group. Of either just a few or up to 20 actors that will stand together around a microphone. As they randomly say different words, syllables, or phrases. In addition to indistinguishable sounds. 

The “walla” is then mixed in along with the production sound mix so that it can become the most natural sounding background audio for the film.

In the simplest walla film definition that we can provide, walla represents a sound effect. Which is produced to mimic background sounds in a crowd. Walla is usually captured during post-production. It may also be called: walla group or loop group.

What is Walla For?

The purpose of walla is to create natural sounding background noises that will align with the scenes and shots that are captured as part of the film.

Thus, if the film represents scenes from a large restaurant or a stadium, there’s going to be significantly more background noise and murmuring going on than you would expect if there are scenes taking place in a quiet location.

Thus, the way the walla is recorded in post-production, whether with just a couple of people or upwards of 20 making random sounds, will be directly influenced by the Director’s decision for what is going to be most closely aligned with the actual sounds expected from the scenes or shots in the storyline.

Tips for Capturing Walla for Film

Along with our walla film definition, it makes sense to provide some tips to help you understand how walla is captured and used in the film production.

You might be wondering, why a production that features a busy restaurant or an arena full of people wouldn’t just capture true sounds from a restaurant or arena?

The reason a film crew wouldn’t capture walla is because noises in a real situation would likely be too loud. Rather than actually capturing the sounds or noise from either of these locations.

It would include too much unwelcomed noise that the film really doesn’t need as part of its background. Therefore, walla is typically captured in a small, group setting. So that the sounds can then be looped in the background of the film. 

For best results, when capturing walla, make sure that:

• The noises are diverse and mixed.
•  
• The loop group is recorded multiple times so that it can be layered in as needed.
•  
• You have multiple actors that are saying words and phrases both near the microphone. And several feet away to create the most diversified sound. So that there is depth to the noise that is occurring.
•  
• You consider placing your actors in a horseshoe shape around the microphone, or cluster them into a few small grouped areas.

Summary

So, a very simple walla film definition for you to understand represents the sound effect. Which is recorded in post production involving a small group of actors.

Who come together to say random words or phrases that are recorded. And then looped as background noise for the film.

This makes the film sound most realistic and balanced, no matter how extensive the scene is.