16 Textual Investigation 2 - Sound analysis

Learning objective: 
To identify the technical codes of sound within moving image texts
To develop analytical skills in examining audio in a media text

Key words: 
Diegetic, non-diegetic, voice over, sound bridge, synchronous, asynchronous, contrapuntal.

It is important that you can identify the different sounds within the text you are investigating using media terminology.

Task 1: 

Orange books, note down  Sound Terminology and meaning as discussed in class.

DIEGETIC

A sound that is part of the film world and usually heard by those in it. Music on a jukebox in a cafe or doors opening for example.

NON-DIEGETIC

A sound which is added later during editing for effect and therefore cannot be heard by those in the film world. Voice over narration, soundtrack or theme tunes for example.

MUSIC

A soundtrack added during editing and the sound and tone can affect the meaning of the scene and appeal to audiences of that genre.

ASYNCHRONOUS SOUND

Sound which is in the world of the text but the audience cannot see it being produced therefore it has greater significance. The sound of footsteps but we are not shown the feet walking.

SYNCHRONOUS SOUND

Sound which is directly matched to a moving image. The term is used in two ways in different sources:

-    Sound recorded at the same time as the images – for example, dialogue spoken by the actors on set. This does not include any sound added in post production.

-    Sound which appears to the audience to come from the scene, whether or not it was actually recorded with the images. Thus includes post-synched dialogue, sound effects and Foley. Also known as parallel sound. Footsteps for example.

SOUND EFFECTS

Usually added to film in post-production, they may be used to build up ambience or reinforce action.

SOUND BRIDGE

Film and TV editing technique in which visual cuts are deliberately not matched with audio cuts. For example, the editor may cut to a completely new scene, but allow sound from the preceding scene to run on for a short time. Alternatively, we may hear the sound of the next scene before we see it.

VOICE OVER

A type of non-diegetic, asynchronous sound in which the audience hear a voice that does not have a source either within the frame or within hearing distance, and which is not heard by the people on screen. Voice overs allow us to see things from a particular character’s point of view

CONTRAPUNTAL SOUND

Sounds that do not easily match the images they are accompanying, or even go against them. This can have a disorientating effect upon the audience and make them question what they are seeing.

Task 2:
Using the handouts provided, identify and analyse the sound types within the text you are investigating for your essay. 

Task 3:
Complete the Audio Technical Codes Test. (homework to be submitted on Thursday)

Year 11 Written task success criteria
Knowledge of the concept of genre/narrative/representation
Awareness of relevant theories
Demonstrates knowledge of the convergent nature of contemporary media
Use of media terminology/key words
Quality of written communication