Sound Techniques

Dialogue - A conversation or argument between two or more characters




Diegetic Sound - Sound made in the scene that is heard by characters in the set can hear. I.e. birds chirping




Non-Diegetic Sound - Any sound heard in the finished film that cannot be heard by the characters in the set, i.e. a soundtrack





Sound Motif - A sound that becomes associated an object or character, so when you hear the sound you automatically think of the object or character. I.e. the music from jaws.





Synchronous Sound - Visual movements matching sound. I.e. in music videos, dancers perform dance moves synchronized with the music, in time with the sound.


Contrapuntal Sound - sound that does not match the visuals of what you can see. It will feel inappropriate and will not fit the tone of the visuals.

Voice Over - The narrator or a character talks over the top of the scene, they can can be heard but not be seen.

Soundtrack - Music played over the top to add emotion or provoke a particular feeling within the audience.This cannot be heard by the characters on set.


Ambient Sound - Everyday background noise used to make the the scene more realistic. I.e. wind or cars.