The document discusses the various sound elements used in video-based media, differentiating between diegetic and non-diegetic sounds, synchronous and asynchronous sounds, and incidental music. It emphasizes how sound can enhance the believability of a scene and convey specific emotions or drama. Additionally, it outlines the mode of address in media, indicating how a text communicates with its audience.

1. How...? What...? When...? Where...?
Which…? Who...? Why...?

2. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding
of…
❑ Video-based sound elements.
Be able to apply knowledge to…
• Video-based texts (film / TV / music videos /
video games).

3. What are the main
and of
each SOUND technique?

4. The use in video-based media
❑ The variety of sounds create a balance between
verisimilitude and drama.
Sound for verisimilitude = Sound that adds to the
believable logic of the text’s world, which appears
real.
Sound for drama = Sounds that tell the audience to
feel a certain way (scared, happy, tense, romantic,
amused, etc.).

5. What is it…?
❑ It is sound that emanates from a source within
the actual scene.
❑ Diegetic sound is sound that can be heard by the
characters within a media text.
❑ Diegetic sound is created within the text’s world.
For example: character voices, sound effects, music
originating from a source within the scene.

6. What is it…?
❑ Non-diegetic sound emanates or originates from a
source outside of the text’s world.
❑ Non-diegetic sound is sound that [theoretically]
cannot be heard by the characters.
For example: commentary, music, narration, etc.

7. The Killing: Season 1, Episode 1 (USA) clip

8. What is it…?
❑ Synchronous sound is sound that matches an
action within the video.
For example: Item dropping on the floor, a gun
being fired.

9. What is it…?
❑ Asynchronous sound is background noise that adds
to the atmosphere / realism of the text’s world.
❑ Used to add a feeling of reality to the production.
For example: During a conversation, there will be
background noises such as cars, sirens, birds, etc…

10. What is it…?
❑ Incidental music is background music that is
played during dramatic scenes.
❑ This adds to the atmosphere and to the feelings /
emotions conveyed within a scene.
For example: Tense music playing during an
interrogation scene.

11. Jurassic World (2015) clip

12. What is it…?
❑ Mode of address is the manner in which a media
text ‘speaks’ to the audience.
❑ This can be through the characters’ dialogue and
/ or appearance, through the setting, or,
through the representations offered.
For example: A character speaking directly to the
camera / audience (“breaking the fourth wall”) can
change the whole meaning / message being offered by
the producer.

13. ❑ You will be played an extract of a video.
❑ The first screening will consist of only sound –
no image will be screened.
❑ Individually, note down what you think the
programme is about (genre, emotions, actions,
themes / storylines, types of sound, etc).
❑ You may want to explain the impacts or effects
of these sounds.

14. Video
Notes

17. Film Sound Theory
Sound Theory, Sound Practice
(Excerpt)
Tom & Jerry
Doctor Who – Series 2, Episode 2
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