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.