Sound and music as media language

Overview

Sound bridge, effect of silence in an audio-visual product and ambient sound.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1. 1

   Distinguish diegetic from non-diegetic sound.

   Model answer

   Diegetic sound belongs to the world of the story and characters can hear it. Non-diegetic sound such as a score exists only for the audience.

2. 2

   What is a sound bridge?

   Model answer

   A sound bridge carries audio across a cut between two scenes. Continuity of sound smooths a change of place or time.

3. 3

   What does a leitmotif do?

   Model answer

   A leitmotif is a musical phrase attached to a character, place or idea. Repetition teaches the audience to expect that character before they appear.

4. 4

   Explain the effect of silence in an audio-visual product.

   Model answer

   Silence breaks an established pattern of sound and draws attention. Absence of sound often signals shock, isolation or dread.

5. 5

   What is ambient sound?

   Model answer

   Ambient sound is the background noise of a location. Traffic, birdsong or a hum of voices makes a setting feel real.

6. 6

   How does a voiceover position an audience?

   Model answer

   A voiceover supplies information and a point of view directly. Tone, accent and authority in the voice shape how the message is taken.

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