Understanding Film Sound Design

Sound Design

Integral to all film production phases, expressive as images

Sound Crew

Generates and controls sound physically for desired effects

Sound Recording

Microphone converts sound to electrical signals, dialogue recorded in production

Digital Format

Offers greater flexibility in sound recording

Double-System Recording

Sound recorded separately from the picture

Sound Editing

Manipulating sound tracks for desired effects

Sound Mixing

Combining different sound tracks synchronously with the picture

Sound Track

Individual element combined in multitrack sound design

Audio Mise-en-scène

Balanced dialogue, music, and sound effects creating the overall sound atmosphere

Perceptual Characteristics of Sound

Includes pitch, loudness, quality, fidelity, source, and type

Pitch

Sound level defined by frequency, can be high or low

Loudness

Volume or intensity of sound, depends on amplitude

Quality

Timbre, texture, color of sound; simple or complex with harmonic content

Fidelity

Faithfulness of sound reproduction to the original source

Diegetic Sound

Sound within the story world, heard by characters

Nondiegetic Sound

Sound not part of the story world, like background music

Onscreen Sound

Sound emanating from the visible part of the screen

Offscreen Sound

Sound from outside the visible part of the screen, may be diegetic or nondiegetic

Internal vs. External Sound

Sound originating from within the story world or outside of it

Vocal Sounds

Include dialogue and narration in films

Environmental Sounds

Ambient sound, sound effects, and Foley sounds

Music

Musical score enhancing the film atmosphere

Silence

Absence of sound, used for dramatic effect

Rhythm

Key element in film sound, can be added through movement and sound juxtaposition

Montage of Sounds

Mix of sounds from diverse sources creating rhythm

Characterization

Sound accentuates and strengthens visual image to create emphasis

Continuity

Maintaining consistent sound elements throughout the film

Emphasis

Sound strengthening visual image, may be symbolic or forceful

Audience Awareness

Understanding and perception of sound by the audience

Audience Expectations

Anticipations of sound elements based on genre and context

Sound in Citizen Kane

Analysis of sound sources, types, functions, characterization, and themes in the film