AS Media

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 - Sound that is used to emphasise key elements within a sequence (e.g.
gun clicks to emphasise the presence of the gun). Gives more punch.
Ambient sound - Sound used give a sense of atmosphere or sense of place.
Sound bridges – Sound uses to help transition one scene to another more fluidly.
Sound effects – Sound that’s been added afterwards to create a sense of realism, impact or
effect. Often used as a selective sound.
Sound can be either:
 Diegetic – Sounds presented whose source is visible on screen or whose source is
implied to be present by the action of the film.
 Non-diegetic – Sounds whose source is neither visible on screen nor has been
implied to be present in the action.
The distinction between diegetic and non-diegetic sounds depends on our understanding of
the conventions of film viewing and listening. Sounds can be both diegetic and non-diegetic
if they exist in the scene but have been enhanced for greater effect.
Diegetic Sound Non-Diegetic Sound
 Voices of characters
 Sounds made by objects
 Music coming from a source within
the story of the film
 Narrators commentary
 Sound effects added for dramatic
effect
 Musical score
Film sound can be either:
 Synchronous sound – Sound is matched with another technical effect or action in
order to reinforce the effect.
 Asynchronous sound – When sound originates outside the diegetic reality of the
film (soundtrack)
 Contrapuntal sound – A noise or a sound that doesn’t match the visuals, often
juxtapositioned to create an alternative effect
Other elements of sound design to look out for:
Voiceovers – the ‘voice’ of a character, often guiding or informing the external audience but
can be used to push them in the wrong narrative directions.
Theme music – Music that introduces, develops through and ends the film. Characters can
have their own theme music to indicate bits of their personality
Musical Score – Used to create atmosphere, to link shots and help create the narrative to
offer information about characters.
Silence – Film/ TV are very rarely completely silent, but this effect is occasionally used to
provoke a reaction from the audience.