The document discusses different types of sounds used in film and their dramatic effects. It defines diegetic sound as coming from within the scene, like dialogue or ambient noise, while non-diegetic sound is added in post-production, such as music and sound effects. Specific techniques are described: crescendos build sound or music to imply something is happening; diminuendos allow music or sound to die down to suggest a threat is gone; and sforzandos use short, sharp noises to emphasize shock or fear. The document also discusses sound motifs that associate sounds or music with characters to convey meaning to the audience.

1. SOUND
OBJECTIVES:
• To understand the correct terms for different
types of sound used in film
• To understand the way sound can be used for
dramatic effect to and to create meaning for
the audience

2. Diegetic sound
• The sound that comes from in the scene
• E.g. talking, noise of cars, the wind, music
from a radio etc
Non-diegetic sound
• The sound put on a film during post-
production, such as...
• Music soundtrack
• Sound effects like a crescendo
• Example from

3. Crescendo
• Build up of sound or music to imply something
is about to happen
Diminuendo
• Where the music or sound dies down, as if a
threat has gone away
Sforzando
• A short, sharp, loud noise, often used to
emphasise a shock or fear

4. BAR Challenge
BLUE CHALLENGE
Why does the sound of the campfire
and the singing gradually disappear as
the boy and girl run?
AMBER CHALLENGE
When we see the girl from under
the water, how is music used to
indicate it’s the shark’s point of
view?
RED CHALLENGE
What sounds can you hear when the girl is
being attacked?
How is non-diegetic music used to increase
the sense of panic and terror?
Blue – 1 point
Amber – 2 points
Red – 3 points
Watch the following
section of Jaws –
you’ve seen it before,
so you’re familiar
with it

5. • Sound Motif – a sound or musical theme
associated with a particular character
• For example…
• Major key music – triumphant and upbeat
• For example...
• Minor key music – low, sad, doom-laden
• For example…
• Dissonance – noise rather than melody
• For example…
• Sforzando -

6. BAR Challenge
BLUE CHALLENGE
What is the term for a
build-up of music?
AMBER CHALLENGE
What’s the difference between
DIEGETIC and NON-
DIEGETIC music
RED CHALLENGE
How was a sound motif used
either in Jaws or in the sequence
from The X-Files? What did it
tell the audience?
Blue – 1 point
Amber – 2 points
Red – 3 points