The Project
In September 2021, amid the pandemic, we were approached by the Italian comedy duo I Panpers and 247Production to design the sound for their horror short film, Euphollia. The film was shot in Gardaland amusement park during its Magic Halloween season, a time when the park transforms from a place of joy into a haunted wonderland, where screams are not just accepted but encouraged, especially after nightfall.
The Challenge
At its core, Euphollia explores the pursuit of happiness—a universal desire that not everyone seeks in the right way. Despite being a horror short film, the story also required us to convey the twisted joy of the antagonist as he instills terror among unsuspecting park visitors. Our challenge was to balance fear with amusement, crafting a soundscape that enhanced both.
The Process
Research & Understanding
To fully understand the film’s atmosphere, we took charge of the location sound recording ourselves. This hands-on approach allowed us to immerse ourselves in the actors’ performances and absorb the unique sonic environment of the park.
One of the biggest hurdles was the inability to use recordings of the amusement rides due to copyright restrictions. However, being on-site enabled us to reinterpret the essence of the park’s sounds creatively, crafting an original auditory experience that captured its eerie yet playful nature.
Creative Development
The tension in Euphollia is built through unsettling stingers and the victims’ choked screams of fear, contrasted with the antagonist’s gleeful laughter as he revels in his terrifying acts.
Capturing live audio and engaging with the actors about their roles provided a crucial insight: we didn’t need an overload of sound effects to create suspense. The performances were powerful enough, allowing us to enhance key moments with subtle yet effective techniques, such as carefully placed delays and reverbs, to make the horror elements even more immersive.
Collaboration
Throughout the project, we maintained constant communication with the client, ensuring that our work aligned with their vision. This collaborative approach helped refine the final product, enhancing its impact and storytelling depth.
The Outcome
Once the final sound design was approved, Euphollia was released on YouTube, garnering excellent view numbers and engagement.
Key Takeaway
Horror doesn’t always require blood and gore—it can emerge from a warped perception of happiness. Satisfaction doesn’t always lead to positive outcomes; in some cases, it can be unsettling, even dangerous. Euphollia demonstrates that fear is a delicate concept, one that can be reshaped and reimagined beyond traditional expectations.
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