Film sound is carefully designed and plays an important role in the overall film. There are two main types of sound - diegetic sound that comes from within the story world and non-diegetic sound from outside. Sound can be used to emphasize important elements, set atmosphere, and help with transitions. During production, most sound is recorded separately from the visuals and mixed later to enhance the film experience.

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 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 – creates a sense of realism or 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.
- Voices of characters
- Sounds made by objects in the
story
- 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. It can be either off or on screen
deepening whatever its source is within
the frame or outside the frame. This can
be used to create many different
meanings for an audience.
Sound whose source is neither visible on
the screen nor has been implemented to
be present in the action.
- Narrators commentary
- Sound effects which are added for
dramatic effect
- Musical score/soundtrack
Non-diegetic sound is represented as
coming from a source outside the story
space. The distinction between diegetic
and 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 story events.

2. Film sound can be either:
 Synchronous – When a sound effect is matched with another technical event
or action – this reinforces the effect
 Asynchronous – When a sound originates from outside of the diegetic reality
of the 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 – Often the voice of a character and guides or informs the
external audience but can be used to push them in wrong narrative directions
(often the thoughts of a character).
 Theme music – The music that introduces, develops throughout and ends
the film, often indicates the personality and tone of the movie. Characters can
also have their personal theme music – this is used to indicate the presence
or ‘emotional journey’.
 Musical Score – Used to create atmosphere, to link shots of sequences, and
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 provoke a reaction from the audience. ol,;…
Many examples of these different sound types have been shown in the opening
sequence of Sherlock Holmes. Asynchronous sound was used to create and
reinforce tension throughout the opening sequence. Furthermore, when different
characters were introduced, the mood of the sound would change, for example dark
sounds were used to suggest an evil persona. Many sound effects were also used to
enhance the sounds of the guns and punches, this builds tension and suggests lots
of violence during the fight scene. Additionally, when the ‘live’ action was paused a
voiceover was used to show the characters thoughts of what he was planning to do,
giving the audience an insight to the upcoming action.