How Did They Make the Howl in American Werewolf in London?

By Anna Duncan

American Werewolf in London is a classic horror movie that set a new standard for special effects in the industry. The movie has been praised for its innovative use of prosthetics and makeup to bring the werewolves to life.

One of the most iconic scenes from the movie is when David Kessler transforms into a werewolf for the first time, accompanied by a spine-tingling howl. But have you ever wondered how they made the howl sound so realistic? Let’s take a closer look.

The Sound Department

The sound department of American Werewolf in London was responsible for creating all the sounds in the movie, including the howl. The team included sound designer Alan Splet and his assistant Ann Kroeber. They were tasked with finding or creating sounds that would complement the visuals and create an immersive experience for the audience.

The Howl

The iconic howl in American Werewolf in London was actually created using a combination of different animal sounds. According to an interview with Ann Kroeber, they used recordings of tigers, lions, and even walruses to create the distinct howl heard in the movie.

Tiger Roar

The team used a recording of a tiger roaring as the base for the howl. Tigers have one of the most powerful roars in the animal kingdom, which made it an ideal starting point.

Lion’s Growl

To add depth and texture to the howl, they added a recording of a lion’s growl. Lions have deep and resonant growls that added an extra layer to the sound.

Walrus Sounds

Lastly, they added recordings of walruses making sounds to give it that eerie quality that makes it so memorable.

Mixing and Editing

Once they had all the recordings they needed, the sound team mixed and edited them together to create the final howl. They used various techniques such as layering, pitch-shifting, and reverb to create a more complex and realistic sound.

Conclusion

The creation of the howl in American Werewolf in London is a great example of the creativity and innovation that goes into making a movie. By combining different animal sounds and using various techniques to mix and edit them together, the sound team was able to create a sound that has become an iconic part of movie history.