Sound is an important element in film that enhances the audience experience. There are two main categories of sound in film - diegetic sounds that come from visible or implied sources within the scene, and non-diegetic sounds like scores and voiceovers that do not originate from within the scene. Effective use of dialogue, scores, soundtracks, sound effects and ambient noise help direct emotions and move the narrative forward.

1. Sound in film

2. Why is sound important in film?
• Although film is mostly a visual medium, sound is one of the most important factors in creating a
successful film.
• Successful sound in film means for an enhanced experience for the audience.
• Music in films, such as scores and soundtracks help direct the audience to the preferred
emotions and atmosphere that is intended by the director.
• The Academy Awards offer awards to the following sound related categories: Best Original
Song, Best Original Score, Sound editing and Sound mixing

3. History of sound in film
• In 1923 inventor Le De Forest invented phonofilm, in which music was recorded on a narrow
strip on the edge of the physical film.
• In 1926 the first full length feature film that contained a musical score was released, it was titled
Don Juan and was produced by Warner Bros.
• Before sound was introduced into film text and dialogue was presented on screen in form of a
title screen.

4. Diegetic Sound
• Diegetic sound is whose source is visible on screen, or source is implied to be present by the
action of the film.
• Examples:
• Voices of character (Dialogue)
• Sounds made by objects in the scene. (Visual sound effects)

5. Non-Diegetic Sound
• Non-Diegetic Sound is sound that is not present in the scene or implied within the scene
• Is represented as coming from a source away from the main narrative
• Examples:
• Score
• Soundtrack
• Voiceover

6. Dialogue
• Essential to the narrative
• A conversation between two or more
people within a film
• Gives information and context to what is
occurring in the scene

7. Voiceover
• Sometimes know as commentary
• Placed over the top of scenes
• Provides information to the narrative
• Usually given by a character in the film

8. Score
• A Score is original music composed to
accompany a film.
• Played in the background of scene(s)
• Also known as incidental music.
• Used to heighten emotions and create
tension.
• Score usually compliments action
happening on screen.

9. Soundtrack
• Soundtrack is recorded music played over
a clip or scene to create an effect
• Not originally composed for the film
• Soundtrack can be a mix of songs
(Guardians of the Galaxy)

10. Soundbridge
• When a scene begins with sound carried
over from a previous scene
• Links to scenes together for cohesive story
telling

11. Sound effects
• A sound that is artificially played within the
scene
• Added in post production
• Are diegetic

12. Ambient sound
• Ambient sound is background sound
within a scene which are present in a
setting or location.
• Common ambient sounds are office
sounds, birds, wind, crowds and traffic.