Your zombie can stand and move. Now it needs an acoustic signature. The goal is not constant groaning, but sound that comes from the body state and character and remains safe after repeated runs.
1. Start with breath
Perform your movement score using only breath. Is it shallow, heavy, irregular, frantic or almost silent? Breath connects body and sound before you add a deliberate monster noise.
2. Choose one recurring sound
A short click, deep exhale, dry groan or another comfortable sound is enough. Place it at one clear point in the movement. Avoid sustained pressure, pain or extreme volume.
3. Use speech only if it belongs to the figure
One word from the former life can be stronger than full sentences: a name, job routine, request, number or habitual fragment. If your character does not understand language, leave this element out.
4. Silence is part of the sound
Sound becomes stronger when it is not constant. Plan sections with no vocalisation so breath, noise, speech and silence create contrast.
5. Match volume to the space
A narrow corridor needs less volume than an outdoor area. Never scream into someone’s ear at close range. If the voice hurts or becomes raspy, the effect is set incorrectly.
Audio exercise: your acoustic calling card
Record 30 seconds: movement with breath, one recurring sound, an optional speech fragment and at least one deliberate silence. Listen without the image. Can you still recognise the figure?
Next, place the character inside a space and connect props, routes and, if relevant, a horde.
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