Key Aspect: Language - Sound

Question 1

Sound is part of the key aspect LANGUAGE. It is a TECHNICAL CODE.

What are the two main categories of sound?

Answer 1

Diegetic Sound

Non-Diegetic Sound

Question 2

What is the definition of DIEGETIC sound?

Answer 2

Sound for which the audience can see the source.

Examples:

• spoken dialogue between characters on-screen
• a ringing telephone we can see
• music playing from a juke box shown in the frame

Question 3

What is the definition of NON-DIEGETIC sound?

Answer 3

Non-diegetic sound is sound for which the audience CAN NOT see the source.

Examples:

• Off-screen crash
• Music soundtrack
• Heartbeat

Question 4

What is FOLEY?

Answer 4

Foley is the use of sound effects created in a studio to enhance a piece of film.
It often uses unexpected alternatives to objects to recreate the sounds needed e.g. footsteps in snow

**for more info see https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/what-is-a-foley-artist/

Question 5

What types of music, sound and Foley could be used to add a sinister or dark TONE in a piece of media?

Answer 5

• Low strings
• Irratic or sporadic strings played harshly
• Droning sounds
• Echoes
• Blade sound effects
• Screaming
• Wind howling
• Silence!
• Music in a minor or accidental key
• rock/metal

Other examples accepted if you can state an example shown in a piece of media.

Question 6

What types of music, sound and Foley could be used to add a happy or light TONE in a piece of media?

Answer 6

• rounded strings (long, adjoining notes)
• positive lyrics
• jazz
• upbeat music

Other examples accepted if you can state an example shown in a piece of media.

Question 7

What types of music, sound and Foley could be used to add a dramatic TONE in a piece of media?

Answer 7

• sweeping orchestral scores
• intense music
• quickening footsteps
• sudden music from silence
• sudden silence from volume

Other examples accepted if you can state an example shown in a piece of media.

Question 8

Which NARRATIVE CONVENTION that we have studied uses non-diegetic sound?

Answer 8

The voice-over

Remember not to confuse Narrative STRUCTURES with Narrative CONVENTIONS - a convention is a technical or cultural technique which is often used in particular types of media.

Question 9

Why would a director chose to use a musical score in their media piece?

Answer 9

To add mood, atmosphere, meaning and emotion.

Question 10

When would Foley work take place?

Answer 10

Once the filming work is complete. A Foley artist would follow the exact timings of the visual in order to make the most effective use of sound.