Media AS Sound

1. 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: sound that is used to emphasis key elements that are in 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 sounds to help transitions between sequences
pass more fluidly.
 Sound effects – these are used to create a sense of realism or to create
some psychological impact or effect.
Sound can be either:
 Diegetic – that is, it exists within the world of the film or
 Non-diegetic – that is, it emerges from outside the world of the film, eg film
soundtracks
Diegetic Sound Non-Diegetic Sound
1. Voices of the characters.
2. Sounds made by objects in the
story.
3. Music represented as coming from
instruments in the story space.
Diegetic sound is any sound presented
as originated from source within the film
world.
1. Narrator’s commentary.
2. Sound effects which are
added for dramatic effect.
3. Musical score.
Non diegetic sound is represented as
coming from a source outside the story
place.

2. Film sound can be either:
 Synchronous – this is when a sound effect is matched with another technical
event or action which reinforces the sound effect.
 Asynchronous – this is when a sound originates from the diegetic reality of
the film; musical soundtrack.
 Contrapuntal – noise or sound effect which doesn’t match the visuals, often
juxtaposed to make alternative meaning.
Other elements of sound design to look out for:
 Voiceovers – this is the voice of the characters.
 Theme music – this is the music that introduces, develops throughout and
ends the film.
 Musical Score – used to create atmosphere. It’s the music that goes
underneath
 Silence – used to provoke a reaction from the audience.