Film sound is carefully designed and plays an important role similar to visual elements. Most film sound is added during post-production rather than being recorded on set. Sound is mixed to emphasize important sounds and create the right atmosphere for each scene. There are different types of sounds, including diegetic sounds that come from visible or implied sources within the story and non-diegetic sounds from outside the story. Film sounds can also be synchronous to match actions, asynchronous from outside the story world, or contrapuntal to create different meanings by clashing with the visuals. Sound designers use a variety of techniques to guide the audience and reinforce narrative elements and character personalities.

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: 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 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
Sound whose source is visible on the
screen or whose source is implied to be
present by the action of the film:
 Voice of character
 Sounds made by objects
 Music represented as coming from
instruments in the story space.
 Diegetic sound is any sound
presented as originated from
source within the film’s world.
 Diegetic sound can be either on
screen or off screen depending on
whatever is source is within the
frame or outside of the frame. This
type of sound can be used to
create many different meanings
for an audience.
Sound whose source is neither visible on
the screen nor has been implied to be
present in the action.
 Narrator’s commentary
 Sound effects which are added for
dramatic effect
 Musical score/soundtrack
 Non-diegetic sound is present 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 world, while others are
represented as coming from
outside the space of the story
events.

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. (Musical score).
 Asynchronous – This is when a sound originates from outside of the diegetic
reality of the film; musical sound track.
 Contrapuntal – Noise or sound effect which doesn’t match the visuals, often
juxtaposed to create alternate meaning.
Other elements of sound design to look out for:
 Voiceovers – The ‘voice’ of a character. The voice often guides or informs
the external audience but can be used to push them in the wrong narrative
direction.
 Theme music – This is the 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 personal theme music-this is used to
indicate the presence or ‘emotional jouney’.
 Musical Score – Used to create atmosphere, to link shots of sequence, to
help create the narrative or to offer information about characters.
 Silence –Film/|TV are rarely completely silent, but this effect is occasionally
used to provide a reaction form the audience.

3. For example…
Within the Sherlock Holmes video clip there are multiple example of sound features
to create a more dynamic and tense sequence. Asynchronous sound was used
within the sound track. This was used in the chanting sequence, thus
creating/reinforcing tension. A theme tune is additionally used to put emphasis on
the main characters and show who the main actors are. This is also used within the
mood of sound. The ‘evil’ characters have different sounds/ theme tunes which are
dark, furthermore allowing the audience to compare and identify different characters.
Sound effects are also used to emphasise elements within the sequence. For
example, the gun and bullet. By adding these sound effects, the sound is more
dramatic and creates more of an impact on the audience.