AS Media work

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 in a sequence.
Ambient sound is: Sound that is used to create 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 fluently.
 Sound effects – 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 in screen or
whose source is implied to be present by
the action is the film:
 Voices of characters.
 Sound made by the objects in the
story.
 Music presented as coming from
instruments in the story space.
Diegetic sound is any sound presented as
originated from the source within the films
world.
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.
The distinction between diegetic or non-
diegetic sound depends on our
understanding of the conventions of
viewing and listening.

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. A punching sound effect.
 Asynchronous – This when a sound originates from outside of the diegetic
reality of the film e.g. 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 the character.
 Theme music – This is music that introduces, develops throughout and ends
the film.
 Musical Score – Used to create atmosphere, to link shots and sequences.
 Silence – Film/TV are very rarely completely silence, but this effect
occasionally used to provoke a reaction from the audience.