Sound

Sound can enrich the sensory experience of art. By combing movement and sound, creative drama maximizes an audiences impressions, experience and emotional response. Sound can work in parallel, harmonizing the visuals and narrative or can go against the work in a way that is slightly at variance with the visuals.

Their are two main types of sound and they are Diegetic and non-diegetic.

•  Diegetic sound is any sound presented as originated from source within the film's world. Diegetic sound can be either on screen or off screen depending on whatever its source is within the frame or outside the frame. If the characters can hear it, then it is diegetic. 

• Non- diegetic is Sound whose source is neither visible on the screen nor has been implied to be present in the action. Examples of non-diegetic sound would be narrator's commentary, sound effects which is added for the dramatic effect and mood music.

Diegesis is a Greek word for recounted story. It is the total world of the stories action.


Below is examples of diegetic and non-diegetic sound used within film:

Distinction depends on the understanding of the conventions of film viewing and listening. Manipulating the two together in conventions can be used to create horror or to surprise an audience.


Contrapuntal music is used to form an ironic juxtaposition with the visuals. It is used to contradict or ironize the sense being generated by the visual action in the scene, undermine or upset the mood established by the visual action in the scene or to change the message of a scene.


Parallel music seeks to match the action by complimenting the visuals. It is used to underline emotion, indicate time and place, embody themes and embody motifs.


Below is an example of music running parallel with the visuals to enhance the scene: