Notes on Sound

In Media, there a variety of different sounds which are communicated through films, TV programs and in general every day life.

Examples of these sounds include:

Diegetic Sound:

Diegetic sound is sound in which can be heard within the frame. For example; the sound of a kettle boiling is classed as diegetic sound, as the characters can hear this piece of sound.

Non Diegetic Sound:

Non diegetic sound is the complete opposite to Diegetic sound. For instance, non diegetic sound is when sound is not heard within the frame, so basically it has been dubbed over. A prime example of non diegetic sound is sound effects, or music which has been dubbed/edited over a particular sequence.

Dialogue:

Dialogue is speech which is communicated between two or more characters in a particular sequence. Dialogue is always Diegetic.

Leitmotif:

In music, a repeated phrase or them used to suggest an idea or character in the story.

Contrapuntal Sound:

Contrapuntal Sound is sound, but in particular music that contrasts or conflicts with the action in a film. It may cause disorientation, which may make the audience question what they are seeing.

Synchronous Sound:

Synchronous sound is sound in which matches the visual image such as dialogue matching up with the characters talking.

Asynchronous Sound:

Sound that isn't in time with the visual elements. For example, characters aren't speaking in time.