1. Media studies:
-Mise-en scene
-Cinematography
-Editing
-Sound
Sound
Film sound is as important and as carefully controlled as the visual elements of a
text. Although sound is often recorded on set, most film sound is added in post
production.
Film sound will be mixed very carefully to ensure that important sounds are
emphasised and that the correct atmosphere for a sequence is maintained.
Selective sound is used to emphasise key sound elements within a sequence
Ambient sound is used to create a particular atmosphere or a sense of place
Other elements of sound design to look out for:
Sound bridges – the use of sound to help transitions between sequences
pass more fluidly
Sound effects – are these used to create a sense of realism or to create
some psychological impact or effect
Sound can be either:
Diegetic – it exists within the world of the film or
Non-diegetic – it emerges from outside the world of the film (eg film
soundtracks)
Diegetic Sound = Sound whose source is visible on the screen or whose source
implied to be present by the action of the film:
1. Voices of characters
2. Sounds made by objects in the story
3. Music represented as coming from instruments in the story place
Diegetic sound is any sound presented as originated from source within the films
world. It can be either on screen or off screen depending on whatever its source is
within the frame or outside the frame. This type of sound can be used to create many
different meanings for an audience.
2. Non-diegetic Sound = Sound whose source is neither visible on the screen nor has
been implied to be present in the action:
1. Narrator’s commentary
2. Sound effects which are added for dramatic effect
3. Music score or soundtrack
Non-diegetic sound is represented as coming from a source outside the story space.
The distinction between diegetic or non-diegetic sound depends on our
understanding of the conventions of film viewing and listening.
We know that certain sounds are represented as coming from the story wold, while
others are represented as coming from outside the space of the story events.
Film sound can be either:
Synchronous – sound effect is matched with another technical
event/action this reinforces the effect
Asynchronous – sound originates from outside of the diegetic reality of the
film musical soundtrack
Contrapuntal – noise/sound effect which does not match the visuals, often
juxtaposed to create alternative meaning
Other elements of sound design to look for:
Voiceovers – “voice” of a character often guides or informs the external
audience but can be used to push them in wrong narrative directions
Theme music – music that introduces, develops throughout and ends the
film. It often indicates the “personality” and mode of address of the movie.
Characters can have their own theme music – this is used to indicate their
presence or emotional journey.
Musical score – used to create atmosphere, to link shots or sequences to
help create the narrative or to offer information about characters
Silence – film/ TV are very rarely completely silent, but this effect is
occasionally used to provoke a reaction from the audience
