This document discusses different types of sounds used in film and TV production, including diegetic sounds that originate from within the story world and non-diegetic sounds added for effect. It notes that film sound must be carefully mixed to emphasize important audio elements and maintain the proper atmosphere. Selective sounds are used to highlight key elements while ambient noise helps set the scene and mood. Other aspects covered include sound bridges between scenes, synchronous or asynchronous sounds, and the purposes of voiceovers, theme music, and silence.
1. Sound
Piano- music
Horses- sound FX
Rumbles, screams
Crows
Male dialogue
Fighting
Gun shot
Slow motion sound FX
Glass smashing
Camera flash
Film/TV sound has to be mixed 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 transition between sequences pass more
fluidly.
Sound effects- are these used to create a sense of realismor to create some
psychological impact or effect.
Diegetic Sounds
1. Voices of characters
2. Sounds made by objects ion the story.
3. Music represented as coming from instruments in the story space.
Diegetic sound is any sound presented as originated from source
within the films world
Non-Diegetic sounds
1. Narrators commentary.
2. Sound effects which are added for dramatic effect.
3. Musical score/Soundtrack
The distinction between diegetic or non-diegetic sounds depends on
our understanding of the conventions of the filmviewing.
Synchronous sound- this is when a sound effect is matched with another technical event or
action – this reinforces the effect.
Asynchronous sound- This is when a sound originates form 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.
2. Voiceover- This is the ‘voice’ of a character
Theme music- This is used to indicate an emotional journey.
Musical score- used to create atmosphere.
Silence- film/TV are very rarely completely silent, but this effect occasionally used to
provoke a reaction from the audience.