Tag Archives: Explanations

Sound Design – Terminology, Definitions and Explanation

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Diegetic sound:

  • Diegetic sound – Sound that purports to come from the world of the film, sound that the characters in the film can also hear.
  • Foley effects – Man made sound effects that are added in post-production but in the film they are sound effects that the characters can hear.
  • Sound Perspective – Who or where the sound purports to come from. Heard from the perspective of a character.

Non-diegetic sound:

  • Non-diegetic sound – Sound that is added in post-production to have an effect on the audience.
  • Composed score – Music that is made for the film.
  • Compiled score – Music that already exists and is added to the film. Compiled score are more expensive but also make more revenue because people buy the films soundtrack.
  • Voice overs and narration – Someone reading a script that is added over the film.
  • Direct address – A voice over or narration that is talking tot the audience.
  • Sting – Sound associated with a character, for example a tune played for a particular villain.
  • Theme – Music associated with the film, for example the Jaws music.
  • Sound motif – Music that relates to the characters personality.

Sound bridge:

  • Sounds bridge – Sound that continues over two scenes that links them together.

Sound match:

  • Synchronous – Sound that is in sync with action in the film.
  • Asynchronous – Sound that does not match the action on screen and therefore gives a sense of disorientation.