The document discusses different types of sound used in media, including diegetic sound (sounds from visible sources), non-diegetic sound (sounds from invisible sources), synchronous sound (matched to movements), asynchronous sound (out of sync), sound effects, sound motifs (recurring sounds associated with themes), sound bridges (carry visual transitions), dialogue, voiceovers, direct address (actors addressing audience), sound mixing, scores (orchestral music for scenes), incidental music (ambient sounds enhancing scenes), themes (iconic music representing films), stings (short recurring sounds), and ambient sound (background noise complimenting scenes).
2. Diegetic Sound
Diegetic sound is when the source of the sound is visible on screen. Examples of
diegetic sounds are:
1. Voices of characters
2. Sounds made by objects in the story
3. Music coming from instruments that are in the story
3. Non-diegetic sound
Non diegetic sound is when the source of the sound isn't visible. It can also be
represented as the sound is coming from outside the story space. Examples of this
include:
1. A Narrator's voice
2. Sound effects which are added for a dramatic effect
3. Mood music
4. Synchronous sound
Synchronous sound is sound that is matched to a certain movement in the scene. An
example of this that is in nearly all movies is footsteps corresponding to feet
walking. Synchronous sound is almost like sound effects as they have to add in these
sounds to match with the action.
5. Asynchronous sound
Asynchronous sound is the same as synchronous sound but out of time.
Asynchronous sound can also be used as a diversion from what a person would say.
An example of this is in the movie The Hitchcock's the 39 steps. In this example the
lady finds a dead body, to hide her scream they use a whistle that the train
conductor blows.
6. Sound effects
Sound effects is an artificial sound that's used to emphasise the action that goes
along with it.
Sound effects are used to make the action more believable or make the action easier
to identify.
Popular sound effects include:
- punch sound effect in action films
- Explosion sound effects
7. Sound motif
A combination of sound effects that are associated with a certain character, setting
or theme throughout the play.
The sound motifs can be very useful in the rough cut to help clarify a characters
narrative.
The use of sound motifs can help shape a story that requires many characters and
many locations and help unify the the film.
8. Sound bridge
Sound bridge is a type of editing sound that carries over a visual transition in the
media.
A sound bridge can be used to enhance the flow of the movie making transitions
more smooth.
Sound bridges can also be a humorous effect as wacky and weird sounds can be used
during the transition as in “Batman the television series (1966)”, and in the cartoon:
“wacky races”.
9. Dialogue
Dialogue is a conversation between 2 or more people in a film, play or book.
Sound is implemented in dialogue in film as the actors voices are audibly enhanced
so that viewers can easily understand what is being said.
Background noise from the actual set is also audibly decreased so that the viewers
won’t be able to hear everyday background noise that is not supposed to be in the
film.
10. Voiceover
A voice over is a piece of narration over the play or film. In movies the voice over is
recorded separately and is not accompanied by an image or video.
Voice overs are used in Film, Television, Radio, Plays and Books.
11. Mode of address
Mode of address is the way the media communicates with the audience. For example
magazines “shout” at the audience.
There are 4 different modes of address
1. 1st person: This can be used in a diary as your talking about yourself and using
“I”
2. 3rd person: This can be used as a narrative.
3. Formal: Formal could be used in a letter with “Yours faithfully”.
4. Informal could be used with slang words.
12. Direct address
Communication that is explicitly indicated as being targeted at a current listener,
reader, or viewer as an individual.
Direct address is used when the actors address the audience.
13. Sound mixing
Audio mixing is the process by which multiple sounds are combined into one or more
channels.
Sound mixing is used in almost every piece of modern film. Mixing sounds can create
entirely new ambience and sounds which can personalize the film furthermore.
Sound mixing is primarily used although , when mixing sound effects and
soundtracks.
14. Soundtrack: Score
A film score is a piece of music (usually orchestral) which is specifically produced for
a scene or sequence in a film.
Scores are important to film as they normally portray the genre of the film and
establish the movie, for example: the movie Jaws has an extremely iconic score,
which can be used as an indicator of the genre (thriller).
If we put a different score over a scene from the friday the
13th franchise, the entire premise of the film will change
drastically.
16. Incidental music
Incidental music is music used specifically for a certain shot or sequence. It is used to
enhance the scene often incorporating ambient sound, complimenting the scene.
Incidental music is not traditional music, meaning it is not melodial in any sense.
Rather, sounds meshed together to enhance scenes and further increase realism in
the film or validate immersion.
Incidental music is most commonly used as background noise in films.
17. Theme’s
Theme’s are used in films and tv shows to represent the film. Themes must be
memorable so viewers visualise the piece of film when recalling the theme.
Themes are designed to be iconic. For example:
- Friends
- Full house
- Halloween
- The big bang theory
- Ghostbusters
18. Sting
A sting is a short sound that reoccurs in a franchise, often iconic. For example the
blaster sounds in star wars.
Stings are designed to be easily recognisable, so past viewers will immediately
associate the piece of film with that iconic sound.
19. Ambient sound
Ambient sound is similar to incidental music, as it is meant to compliment the scene
as a background noise.
Unlike incidental music however, ambient sound is not remotely close to music
rather just noise that you would expect to hear in that particular scene.
Examples of this would include:
- Sound of ocean waves in a scene at the beach
- Sound of wind in a scene at a particularly high point
