Notes on 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: Used to emphasise key sounds
Ambient sound is: Used to create a particular atmosphere/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 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, e.g. film
soundtracks
Diegetic Sound Non-Diegetic Sound
 Voices of characters
 Sounds made by objects in the
story
 Music represented as coming from
instruments
 Any sound presented as coming
from source within the films world
 Can either be on screen or off
screen
 Narrators commentary
 Sound effects
 Musical score/Soundtrack
 Sound that is edited during editing
Film sound can be either:
 Synchronous – This is when a sound effect is matched with another technical
event or action-this reinforces the effect
 Asynchronous – This is when a sound originates from outside of the diegetic
reality of the film (Musical score)
 Contrapuntal – Noise or sound effect which doesn’t match the visuals, often
juxtaposition to create alternative meaning

2. Other elements of sound design to look out for:
 Voiceovers – This is the ‘voice’ of a character. The voice 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.
 Musical Score – Soundtrack. Used to create atmosphere/to link shots or
sequences.
 Silence – No noise, used to build tension and provoke a reaction from the
audience.