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 -product ion
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 is: used to emphasise key sound elements within a sequence
Ambientsound 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 transitions between
sequences pass more fluidly
 Sound effects – these are used to create a sense of realism or to create
some psychological impact of effect
Sound can be either:
 Diegetic – that is, it exists within the world of the film or
 Non-diegetic – that is, it emerges from outside the world of the film, e.g.
film soundtracks
Diegetic Sound Non-Diegetic Sound
 Voices of characters
 Sounds made by objects in the
story
 Music represented as coming
from
music/instruments/speakers in
the story space
 Sound that has come from
within the film world.
 Can come from on screen or
off screen as long as it belongs
to the nature of the film.
 Narrators commentary
 Sound effects that are added
for dramatic effect.
 Musical score/ soundtrack
 Non-diegetic sound is
represented as coming from a
source outside the story space.
 The difference between the
two depends of our
understanding of the
conventions of the film viewing
and listening

2. Film sound can be either:
 Synchronous – the sound effect is matched with another technical
event of action. This reinforces the effect e.g. a punch.
 Asynchronous – the sound originates from outside the diegetic reality of
the film; the musical soundtrack
 Contrapuntal – noise or sound that doesn’t match the visuals; often
juxtaposed to create alternative meaning.
Other elements of sound design to look out for:
 Voiceovers – the voice of the character. This voice often guides or
informs the audience but can be used to push them in the wrong
directions.
 Theme music – this is the music that introduces, develops throughout
the ends the film. It often indicates the ‘personality’ of the movie.
Characters can have their own theme music which may indicate their
emotional journey.
 Musical Score – used to create atmosphere, to link shots
 Silence – rarely used but this effect is occasionally used to provoke a
reaction from the audience.