How Did They Do That?? Vol. 1: The Predator "clicks" - Social Sound Design

How Did They Do That?? Vol. 1: The Predator "clicks"

2010-12-01T20:45:12Z

If anyone knows how the iconic Predator "click" vocalizations were created (for the original film, that is), then please, do share! (This means you David Stone, Richard Anderson and John Pospisil!) If you don't, then I'm open to your theories!

GO!

PS> Let's keep this thread dedicated to this question; if you want to discuss a different iconic sound and how it was created, please start a new thread following the convention of Vol. 1, Vol. 2, etc. etc.

Answer by Haydn Payne for How Did They Do That?? Vol. 1: The Predator "clicks"

2010-12-01T21:01:08Z

I think recordings of dolphins were the main ingredient for the clicks.

I like a lot of the sound design in Predator, the clicky sounds were very original & different to any other monster vocals Ive heard.

Answer by Colin Hunter for How Did They Do That?? Vol. 1: The Predator "clicks"

2010-12-01T22:01:03Z

It's hard to find hard facts on the subject, but after a bit of Internet searching it appears that the clicks were actually performed by voice artist Peter Cullen. He is listed on IMDB as being the un-credited voice of the predator and I have read in a post on the Avid forum that it was a voice artist who performed this sound effect. If it's true it just goes to show how effective the voice can be when creating effects!

Answer by AdaBoy for How Did They Do That?? Vol. 1: The Predator "clicks"

2010-12-05T03:34:23Z

I've heard ravens (actual ravens, not crows) make a very similar stuttery clicking like that. I think some wildcats (jaguars?) also make sounds like that, especially cubs.

Then there's this whale recording someone posted at gearslutz:

whale_growl

I can also make those sounds with my mouth :)

Answer by Filmsounddaily for How Did They Do That?? Vol. 1: The Predator "clicks"

2010-12-08T04:23:05Z

designingsound and sonic spread asked David Stone but he deferred to Steve Flick as the originator of these sounds. I'm going to try and bug Steve next time I see him around the halls @ WB. Below are links to those interviews BTW.

http://designingsound.org/2010/08/predator-1987-exclusive-interview-with-david-stone/

http://thesonicspread.com/2010/08/10/industry-classics-predator-with-david-stone/

Jake

Answer by Syndicate Synthetique for How Did They Do That?? Vol. 1: The Predator "clicks"

2011-02-22T05:05:38Z

+1 on the Raven sounds. I was outside my house yesterday and there was a Raven in a tree about 30ft from me and it sounded exactly like the Predator Clicks. Just a dab of the right reverb tone on it to make it sound a little wet and that's it. Once I heard it I immediately thought of this thread.

Next time I have a chance to sit outside and record them I will. I'll post the recordings if I get the right one's. I've noticed them up in that tree many times since I moved into this house 2 months ago. They are very vocal birds that can mimic everything from other birds and creatures to humans, music and etc. When they are separated from their mate they will mimic their mates call to locate each other. Definitely not just the stereotypical caw/screech that you're used to hearing in movies. They can get downright demonic sounding too. I'd love to make a bunch of good versatile recordings of them and use them for a horror film sometime.

Answer by edmatthews82 for How Did They Do That?? Vol. 1: The Predator "clicks"

2011-02-23T22:38:20Z

One of the sound designers for Alien vs Predators gave a short seminar at my university and he said that the predator clicks were performed by an actor. So as long as he wasn't lying, I can vouch for that claim!

Answer by Christian van Caine for How Did They Do That?? Vol. 1: The Predator "clicks"

2011-11-10T12:42:06Z

This exact sound is actually something I make quite often to train myself in making vocal noises! It comes from the back of the throat :-)

Answer by Laurence for How Did They Do That?? Vol. 1: The Predator "clicks"

2011-11-26T07:27:55Z

sounds a bit like pouring through one of these really fast -

http://www.worldbarsupply.com/images/tapered-pourer.jpg

Answer by Noyobisnas for How Did They Do That?? Vol. 1: The Predator "clicks"

2012-04-20T01:36:17Z

I can make the clicks in my mouth with tong Mabey they just found some one who could do it

Answer by John for How Did They Do That?? Vol. 1: The Predator "clicks"

2012-07-25T11:58:12Z

Nice glad I found this thread. I heard it coming from my pecan tree this morning around 4am. Very creepy!