Before the 1930s, recording sound was difficult as everyone else had to remain quiet during filming so their voices would not be captured. Now, sound can be edited to create different effects. There are two main types of sound in films: diegetic sound that occurs in the world of the film, and non-diegetic sound that does not occur in the world of the film and cannot be heard by characters. Essential equipment for recording quality sound includes a camcorder with a separate microphone, an external microphone to get closer to sound sources, and a boom poll and dead cat to effectively record dialogue scenes.

1. Understanding and using sound
why is sound difficult? before the 1930’s people found
it very hard to be able to record sound as if they
wanted dialogue everyone else had to be quite in
order for their instructions to not be recorded, now we
are able to edit the sound which makes it a lot easier
to create different effects if they are not able to
realistically created whilst filming
sound keywords:
Diegetic sound- diegetic sound is sound which
occurring in the world of the film, this sound does not
have to been recorded at the time of filming
Non- diegetic sound- this sound does not occur in
the world of the film, the characters cannot hear this
sound. This has been added to develop atmosphere
and could possibly show emotions
on-screen- on screen sound (diegetic sound)
off- screen- sound that happens outside the frame,
still diegetic but not happening in the world of the film
parallel- sound that fits and emphasises the images
on the screen e.g. a scary image could be
complimented by scary/tense music
contrapuntal- sound that works in opposition to the
comments or images on the screen
essential equipment
cam corder with separate mic- this is important as it
allows for the sound to be recorded separately from

2. the footage, having a good camera will allow for good
footage to be filmed but mainly the use of the camera
will allow for good footage rather than the camera
external microphone- a external microphone will
allow for you to get closer to the source of the sound,
this will allow for better sound quality and could
potentially make it easier for the audience to
understand the sound
boom poll and dead cat- this will help to record
dialogue scenes effectively, a suspension mount will
also isolate the microphone from the boom poll