AO1 - Analyse the use of sound in professional moving image products: Sound elements defined:

Dialogue/speech: This is the spoken audio used, this includes scripted which is used and planned in the moving image. Unscripted which is the equivalent of improvisation as the person speaking is making it up on the spot. Then there are also voiceovers which tend to be scripted but go over the footage and are not present in the scene filmed. The effect of using this is to help explain the scene but also add more depth and content, it can get confusing in terms what is being shown so words add clarity. This is mostly because expressions and emotions performed can cause confusion as to what is actually going on. Emotions can be expressed better through the words used.

Music: This is present to fill the silence and can be used to build tension and suspense if used as a backing track. It can also be used as a theme tune but can diegetic and non-digetic too. It can be present in the scene like if it is coming from a stereo or it can be added in after during editing. Composed music can be used to make a film or programme recognisable such as ones that are made into a big franchise or merchandise. One example would be Star wars which has very famous composed music for it. The effect of having composed music is that it gives a product of form of label and makes it distinctive, it also attracts a particular type of audience. can create various effects like fear, drama and even simply fill where there is a gap. If someone is creeping around without talking, you want music there to build the mood and atmosphere.

Sound effects: These are used to add drama as they can emphasis an action like someone being stabbed or they can simply explain an action if the scene is unclear in the first place. An example would be a car back firing without the sound of shotgun, if you only see the imagery it would seem very strange as there is no way you wouldn't hear it. Therefore sound effects effect how the product is presented as it changes the way you see it and understand it.

Wild track: This is used to make a sound louder when it cannot be recorded clearly at the time in the scene. It also adds more emphasis to an action and can add clarity. The effect of using a wild track is that it can make filming easy as you don't need to worry about the little details at the time of filming. This means that the sound elements can be recorded after the shooting.

Silence: This again is a tension building technique as the silence can be more deadly, than a loud noise. Ever heard the expression 'It's too quiet' this is the same sort of concept as silence can be more scary than noise. Therefore the effect of using silence is to build suspense and tension, but also actual fear too this is where stings can become very effective, as they tend to follow silence or light paced music.

Reasons for use: Explained

Explain action: The reason for using sound elements can vary widely. In terms of explaining an action it is not always clear or present in the scene what is going on. For example someone being stabbed is not always obvious without sounds of pain, thereby sound is used to explain the action. If you only see the stabbing motion it is not clear if they have missed or not without sound.

Reinforce emotions: In terms of reinforcing emotions, unless we can clearly see how the person is feeling by their expression; we can struggle to understand the emotions being conveyed. Therefore sounds also reinforce emotions by making it clear how the person is feeling, for example the noises someone makes when they cry and are distraught.

Attract attention: In terms of attracting attention, there are particular sounds like stings and bangs that are most purposely put in to attract the viewers attention. They are clearly emphasised to make a point rather than be like a wild track which is just for the sake of making the action or object clear.

To set a period: In terms of setting a period, certain sounds tell you the time of the product without having to be told within with words or titles. For example a drama set in period times like Jane Austen times, there is going to be very posh classy music. Similar to identifying genres in that you can tell if something is horror, by the sound elements used. Like loud drums suggest heavy objects or people.

To give coherence between shots: This can be used to explain elements at different points in a product, for example if there is a sound that us key to the plot like a certain jingle. If it is used in one scene then another later on it gives coherence between shots. This keeps everything flowing and coherent by making everything straight necked and smooth.

To identify a programme: I briefly mentioned when talking about the elements that theme tunes help to make a programme recognisable. If they are relatable it makes the show more distinctive, identifying the programme makes it easier to follow the concept and programme image.

Effect on specific audiences: Sounds like a little girl crying in desperation can have different effects on specific audiences. As audience's can have emotional attachments and memories linked to certain sounds. Like with the crying a mum could be remembering their daughter being really upset because they were in pain, which upsets them.

A history of Britain

A history of Britain - documentary

Each programme/film had its own audio effects, and I have detailed notes on them for periods of time in the programme/film that I watched. They are listed here below in this case for the documentary 'A history of Britain'.

To start with there is a violin which is a non-diegetic score, followed by a voice over to begin. A soundtrack can then be heard with an aggressive Scottish tone, telling us where the setting is. There are waves crashing, and there is an echo to show empty space, again designed to show the setting. The crashing waves are dramatic and symbolise the natural, rugged British coastline. This is followed by a posh tone, horses running, and screaming in the soundtrack to demonstrate signs of war and conflict. Telling us the type of programme. All of a sudden there is a sting, and near silence at the start of intro to grab the audience's attention. Then there is a loud sting for the beginning of the intro to show a change in the scene. There is then the use of drums, a harp, a rocky shaking to the soundtrack, and a sting for drama. These dramatic changes in tone are added for effect, and this creates a scary soundtrack. There are also spikes in the tone, and a tinkling to make it sound eerie. Then there are birds chirping to blend into soundtrack and there is the use of a voice over. To finish of there is chanting and a moment of silence with a voice over again (but no soundtrack). As this is a documentary the use of formal voice over is expected in order to give the audience information. This will usually be the voice of an older, serious person with an authoritative or warm tone. 

Africa

Africa - documentary

Each programme/film had its own audio effects, and I have detailed notes on them for periods of time in the programme/film that I watched. They are listed here below in this case for the documentary 'Africa'.

There is a soundtrack to open to make the programme recognisable. There is also use of drums to build tension, and create  a very dramatic scene. Near silence is then present to show that we are with nature and it is peaceful (serene). It also tells use we are not in a city because there are no car or pollution noises. We can then hear static, to show how quiet it really is. We then hear the squawking of birds, with a calm toned voice over. This all provokes a very happy emotion as the animals are at peace. A string instrument is then used with a continued voice over, that has an  emotionless tone. We are then aware of more animals through a monkey squeaking, this is accompanied by a choir singing, and quiet chomping on food; all to add to the peaceful atmosphere. A branch being broken is then heard followed by a sting, to grab the audience because something is about to happen, or there is relevance to that moment. We then hear more bird noises, flickering, and birds twittering, to get the scene back to a peaceful context. All of a sudden we have a heavy stream flowing, which has a constant backing track to go with the visual. Using a dramatic tone in the voiceover to make the point he is making clear, followed by a sudden sting for the title on screen. We then have near silence again for dramatic effect, then the voiceover comes back with a posh and clear tone. This is so he is easily understandable to the viewers. You can then hear the wind combined with the sonar waves, blowing across the Sahara. There is then a strong whooshing as the pebbles roll across the dry land. Again strong winds can be heard, then there is gravel crashing and crackling. This all adds to building up the setting for the viewers. All animal sounds attract viewers attentions to the screen and explain the action by keeping us with an understanding of what is happening in the scene. Also when there is near silence with just simple animal noises, you get coherence between shots as it changes to a voiceover. Showing that the scene is being explained and the situation made simple. The diegetic sound adds to the program as it is part of its natural habitat, if it was added in later as non-digetic it would not have the same effect.

Ripper street

Ripper street - period drama 

Each programme/film had its own audio effects, and I have detailed notes on them for periods of time in the programme/film that I watched. They are listed here below in this case for the series 'Ripper street'.

To start with there is a soundtrack, to make the show recognisable. Then you can hear horse shoes on cobbles, telling you there are not cars. But there is also a distinctive British accent, and the type of dialogue tells us it is an old English period. There is a hustle and bustle of people telling us there is a  busy atmosphere, such as in a market place. You can then hear walking, and cheering for the boxing match, along with taunting, all telling us it is a fast paced violent atmosphere. Church bells can then be heard telling us it is set in a town and probably has a bell tower. Also suggests it has just gone onto the next hour telling us partly what the time is. Footsteps can then be heard going up steps, suggesting multiple people. Horses can then be heard breathing, with wheels going round again telling us they are using a horse and carriage, telling us there are no cars because of the period. There is then the sounds of a crackling fire telling us there is a lack of electricity. This helps to explain texture by the physicalness of the scene. There is then a smug laugh, provoking emotion in the scene and then there is cracking sound from the impact of the punch. This is all to aid with the type of scene. All of sudden there is a sting, and then a drum score, followed by a xylophone all to add emotions to the scene. This provoking of emotions makes the film of a higher standard to those that are less conventional. A wild track is then used for the release of air when he takes a drink from his bottle; being a suction noise. You can then hear a lantern swinging, to create tension and suggest there is a quieter back area. A violin is used to show sadness, and then violent tones, shuffling sounds, and a alarm all give the scene a fearful/aggressive tone. The sound of nails grinding on a chalkboard is suddenly present to draw attention. There is then the sound of tin, and ringing to cause  unease. A fiddle is then present to created a muffled, breathless atmosphere that causes panic. A spark from a camera is then heard to show its presence and the fact we are at a crime scene, as it is a newspaper reporting. This explains the action and keeps the scene coherent. The sounds identify the genre by fitting in with the medium of horror, adding to the tension and suspense.

Merlin

 

Merlin - form of period drama/fantasy

Each programme/film had its own audio effects, and I have detailed notes on them for periods of time in the programme/film that I watched. They are listed here below in this case for the series 'Merlin'.

In terms of Merlin there was the use of running water as an audio effect, to tell us of a local element.  Then there was twinkly magical music to set the scene, as the show is a fantasy drama. There are also hints of sinister tones to add drama to the scene. You can also hear the sounds of a wheel barrow being pushed along, which is another element designed to set the time period. There is also a posh English language being used, which is also noticeable through the types of words as they are not modern; setting the era. This sets the time period and the following explains the action. Wheels can also be heard on the floor, suggesting a working environment. In the background you can hear a harp, and medieval style music adding the atmosphere again. There are also birds making noises, along side a squeaky door, and echoing spaces telling us there is a large open area for the scene like a castle. The tone of dialogue being used gives a commanding presence, along with the noise of rubbing stones, and dramatic silence to create tension and suspense. This is to give coherence between shots. There is then a sting, to draw attention to the scene. You can then hear a sheet blowing in the wind, telling you the scene has turned into an outside set. There is then a brooding score, and drums to make the scene dramatic quickly. Armour can then be heard moving, suggesting guards. Then there are bubbling noises and the sound of books being moved, suggesting a educational environment or lab. As for the backing track you can hear chimes, and a xylophone to create a light atmosphere.  This is then building then dying creating fear and then calming down through the use of a harp.

Call the midwife

 

Call the midwife - soap opera

Each programme/film had its own audio effects, and I have detailed notes on them for periods of time in the programme/film that I watched. They are listed here below in this case for the soap opera 'Call the midwife'.

The first things to be heard in the episode I watched are a Foghorn and seagulls which tell us they are at a seaside location, or at least somewhere with a dock. A train can then be heard but it is a steam train not electronic, therefore suggesting the era we are in. There is also a slow soundtrack to fit with the time to try and create relatability and provoke nostalgic emotions. Distant sirens can be heard showing us there is crime in the area, thereby telling us it is not necessarily a safe area. In a backing soundtrack you can hear banjos and violins, provoking the emotion of the scene to be quite calm and pleasant. You can then hear wheels turning, and bike bells, there is a lot of them suggesting it is the main means of transport. This again tells us it is from a period where technology is still lacking. The floors are made of cobbles, which you can tell from when the bike wheels hit it; but that also tells us it is from a time when materials are still not realised. Whistles also tended to be used by police officers in England around the 50's, which we can hear telling us the setting. The bikes are also moving at a very slow pace, suggesting a cramped space which is typical of England's old narrow streets. Heels on steps can be heard telling us the setting is changing and that there are women in the scene. The fact that there is the sound of a cupboard moving and paper shuffling, suggests someone filing paperwork away telling us there are no computers for storing electronic data. The dialogue is also well spoken, and is of a British descent, now confirming the culture of the programme. You can also hear the flame flickering, telling us there is no electric lighting. The use of classic operatic singing and period songs, tells us the era it is from in another form. There is actually silence for a brief moment to create tension in that moment of clarity, to show it is an empty area. The use of crying babies, and people talking in cute voices, tells us there are babies present in a reasonable amount. For a moment someone sneezes, and the gas from the air machine can be heard, this is to help with the fact it is a demonstration so the people are suppose to be quiet. The use of laughter, is to then create a light hearted feel to the scene. There is no response at the door to create tension, and near silence to show he is in control of the scene. A distant echo of children playing can be heard to tell us the area is quiet. Then footsteps, and awkward silences are put in place to create tension again. We then have the concept of appearance VS reality, to mess with the audio in that moment. There is then the sound of Velcro from the blood pressure monitor to tell us what is happening. There is no dialogue to build awkward tension by them not knowing what to say. This then draws attention, which is then draw away by the sound of keys. The use of a fragile voice is to create vulnerability in the scene. Then cockney accents are use dto set the period. The change in what can be heard from crying babies to silence is to add tension and attract attention to the scene, while giving coherence between the change of shots. This shows us the scene and area the characters are in has changed, without even needing to look at the screen. 

The hurt locker

 

The hurt locker - war film

Each programme/film had its own audio effects, and I have detailed notes on them for periods of time in the programme/film that I watched. They are listed here below in this case for the film 'The hurt locker'.

To begin with you have the soundtrack to set the scene, then there is buzzing and chattering from electronics and the local people. This is all helps us with the time period and the area it is in. You can also hear wheels moving showing there is technology being used, also indicating the era. Dripping can also be heard showing the lack of water in the area. There is also static from the walkie talkies showing they are at a distance from each other. A wild track is used in the scene to make normally quiet objects abundantly obvious to the audience for certain reasons. This makes the scene ominous, as there are creepy noises that build tension abnormally, thereby provoking emotions. It is also clear there is state of the art technology, and there is an Arab voice showing the modern times. Especially due to the current Afghanistan and Iraq wars, therefore setting the scene. The brisk Arab tone attracts attention, as well as the military presence. This also identifies the scene by explaining the type of environment that must be taking place. Other audio effects that draw attention in the scene are screaming, running, and car horns but with no movement. This add to the medium and genre by telling you what is going on and reinforces emotion by keeping everything clear. These all suggest a highly populated area. Again the use of high pitch tones, tire sounds and the footsteps of boots suggests a military presence. You can also tell something is about to happen as there is a butcher yelling, a frantic atmosphere, engine sounds, panic and terror, and a heartbeat soundtrack that is designed to build tension and suspense. This all leads to a climatic scene, which can be predicted from the previously building audio effects. Sirens are then present with the sudden use of the English language, suggesting changes in characters. Tension is then built again by the use of mechanic noises and near silence, to suggest something is about to happen. A jet can then be heard telling us it is a war zone, with the noises getting closer telling us the distance. The use of a muffled prayer turns the scene quite sinister as it is unnaturally quiet. However the dialogue is generally quite calm, relaxed and casual, but is then unnaturally so thereby reinforcing fear. Lastly there is a man putting on a costume for a bomb, which we are told be the use of Velcro and heavy breathing from the suit and heat.  

Let me in

Let me in - horror film

Each programme/film had its own audio effects, and I have detailed notes on them for periods of time in the programme/film that I watched. They are listed here below in this case for the film 'Let me in'.

To start with there is a low bass which makes the scene dark. Adding to the horror genre and gaining the audience's attention. Also having an effect on a specific audience. A heartbeat soundtrack is then used to suggest life and show that someone is in danger. This is definitely a a wild track as they could not have filmed this in the scene at the time. As it is at too low a register normally, it is over exaggerated for the film. This is use of empathetic sound as it links the mood of the scene with the sound element. There is then use of a foghorn creating a sinister feel, also demonstrates the space and quiet. There is also a lot of wind which does create a sense of danger and there are sirens, these fade into the scene above the other noises. We can see this tenseness on screen and the sound clarifies this action but building up on what we see. There are a lot of speeding cars which can be heard. We do not see all of them so this is Acousmatic sound. The use of speed shows urgency and there is also rain gushing down which can be heard against the cars and the wheels. There is also the use of external logic and there is added value to the image by expressing the use of cars to really build on the high speed. This is followed by heavy breathing and the use of material which may suggest an injury has occurred. The patient can be heard struggling as he is being tied down this is done to explain an emotion. There is also use of Anempathetic sound elements. This is make coherence between sound and shot again as we seeing and hearing clearly what is happening throughout the patience's struggle. There is then radio dialogue which is designed to explain the action before you see it. There is a metallic sound that attracts attention this is very gritty and may be done using a wild track. A respiratory machine can then be heard in usage on the patient. This is designed to explain the scene. A lack of responses suggests a serious condition. There is a lot of anxiety in people's voices; which suggests fear. Most commonly there is a lot of synthesis used. The machine noises are being exaggerated to make an industrial sound which is to attract attention again but this comes from silence to tell you it is the only thing that should be heard. Towards the end there is a violin to exaggerate the horror aspects, but there is also composed music to have an effect on the audience. The sound needs to help identify the medium and genre, and due to this being a horror film it all has to be very edgy. For example the heartbeat soundtrack, wind, foghorn and many others; are all things you can normally only hear when it is quiet. They have then all been over dramatised so that they can be heard loud and clear. This is specifically designed to identify the genre and add the real chill factor that a horror film provides.

Information on shows and films

Bio's for programmes/films that I have used: