A vary basic discussion of the role of sound on film.

1. Sound in Film
LO: To define the different types of
sound in film and highlight their
effect on audiences

2. 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…

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. Dialogue: This can be a conversation
between 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?

7. 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.

8. 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 . . .