Sound design and mixing

Principles of Sound Design

Diegetic Sound

These are sounds that are logically heard within the world of the film, such as dialogue, environmental sounds, or sound made by objects in the story.

Non-Diegetic Sound

These are sounds added in post-production, which are not heard by characters but are present for the audience, such as soundtrack music, voice-over narration, or sound effects like eerie sounds in a horror movie.

Synchronous Sound

These are sounds that match the on-screen visuals like a car honking while seen on screen.

Asynchronous Sound

These are sounds that do not directly match the on-screen visual. For instance, off-screen dialogue or voiceover, or sound effects added in post-production.

Role of Sound Design in Post-Production

Enhances the storytelling by complementing visuals and presentations of scenes.
Sets the mood or tone of the scene: e.g., eerie music for a horror movie.
Adds to the realism: Authentic diegetic sounds make the scene appear more realistic.
Creates dramatic effect: Sudden or loud sounds can add to the surprise or intense moments.
Provides directional cues and indicates off-screen space through manipulation of sound.

Sound Mixing Techniques

Balancing Levels: Sound mixing involves managing volume levels so that all sounds are heard appropriately.
Equalization (EQ): It emphasises or reduces frequencies for clarity or to create mood.
Panning: This decides the ‘location’ of sound in the scene - whether it appears to come from left, right, or centre.
Reverb and Delay: Adding echo or delay creates a sense of space and can add to the atmosphere.
Automated Dialogue Replacement (ADR): Performed in post-production to improve audio quality or make changes in dialogue.
Foley: The reproduction of everyday sound effects which are added in post production to enhance audio quality.

Remember, effective sound design and mixing enhance the audience’s emotional and sensory experience of a film, reinforcing the visual narrative, context, and themes.