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 emphasis 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 – an effect that has been put in to make the sound of
something more effective. Gun shot.
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
Voices of characters
Sounds made by objects in the
story.
In the World of film.
Diegetic sound is ant sound presented
as orientated from source within the
films world.
Everything that the sound director has
purposely put into the film to create
effect.
Narrator commentary
Sounds added for dramatic effect
Musical/soundtrack
Non-diegetic sound is
represented as coming from a
source outside the story space.
2. 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 film; Musical soundtrack.
Contrapuntal – Noise or sound effect which doesn’t match the visuals. Often
juxtaposed to create alternative meaning.
Other elements of sound design to look out for:
Voiceovers – This is the voice of a character. The voice comes from outside
and has been put in like you hear the inner thoughts.
Theme music – When a Character has a sound that goes with them suits
their character. For example super heroes.
Musical Score – Used to create atmosphere, to link shots or sequences to
help create the narrative or to offer information about characters.
Silence – This effect is occasionally used to provoke a reaction from the
audience. Used in horror films to create suspense to make us jump.
