Sound in Film

LO: To define the different types of sound in film and highlight their

effect on audiences

Diegetic Sound: This is the sound heard by the characters within the film world

Ambient sound (background noises -they create atmosphere )e.g. footsteps, traffic, birds, wind, voices, machinery etc

Dialogue (conversation or character speaking aloud)

Sound effects (synchronised to the action)e.g. gun firing, door slamming, car screeching etc…

Music (within the film world)e.g. playing on a CD player, TV set, band etc…

What effect does the diegetic sound in this clip have on the audience?

Writing Frame The scene uses diegetic sound as it has… (refer to an area of diegetic sound that is evident). The effect this has on the audience is that it… (discuss the effect the area has on the audience, refer to your word-bank for help).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDpipB4yehk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TV6sjwqCQ2M

Non-Diegetic Sound: This is the sound heard by the audience but not and not by

the characters • Sound Track (music played to create atmosphere

for the viewer)

• Narration / Voice over (voice added to give information to the viewer – may be the character’s thoughts heard only by the audience)

• Sound effects (additional sounds that help create the atmosphere / build tension for the viewer

What effect does the non-diegetic sound in this clip have on the audience?

Writing Frame The scene uses non-diegetic sound as it has… (refer to an area of diegetic sound that is evident). The effect this has on the audience is that it… (discuss the effect the area has on the audience, refer to your word-bank for help).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCmWfb7bfxQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tMqcARKRSE

Dialogue: This can be a conversationbetween characters

or a direct address to the audience

• We can learn a lot from what is said – how a character speaks to another for example (tone of voice as well as what they say)

• Why is the following voice over necessary for the audience viewing?

Parallel Sound: This can add atmosphere and enhance the viewing for the audience. A thriller

for example might have music that builds tension and suspense

Contrapuntal Sound: This is when what is heard

does not match the visuals seen.

Words you can use to describe sound…

• Dark, foreboding, ominous, deep, low, heavy, • Threatening, menacing, melancholy, slow,• Orchestral, single instrument, bright, light,

High, cheery, sad, choral, angelic, heavenly, Excitable, bubbly, fast paced, staccato,

• Erratic, thunderous, crescendo, builds, Develops, changes, loud, quiet, soft . . .