Importance of sound

Too often film makers focus all of ther attention on video footage and ignore the quality of their sound. Interestingly enough, audiences seem to be more annoyed by poor sound quality than by poor cinematography.

The entire sound track is comprised of three essential ingredients: 

• the human voice
• sound effects
• music

These three tracks must be mixed and balanced so as to produce the necessary emphases which in turn create desired effects.

The human voice: dialogue

Dialogue authenticates the speaker as an individual or a real person rather than the imaginary creation of a story teller. 

When voice texture fits the performer's physiognomy and gestures, a whole and very realistic persona emerges. The viewer sees not an actor working at his craft, but another human being struggling with life. 

Sound effects: synchronous and asynchronous sounds

Synchronous sounds are those sounds which are synchronized or matched with what is viewed. 

Synchronous sounds contribute to the realism of film and also help to create a particular atmosphere. 

Asynchronous sound effects are not matched with a visible source of the sound on screen. Such sounds are included so as to provide an appropriate emotional nuance, and they may also add to the realism of the film. 

Music: background music

Background music is used to add emotion and rhythm to a film. Usually not meant to be noticeable, it often provides a tone or an emotional attitude toward the story and/or the characters. In addition, background music often foreshadows a change in mood.

Background music may aid viewer understanding by linking scenes. 

Film sound is comprised of conventions and innovations. We have come to expect an acceleration of music during car chases and creaky doors in horror films. Yet, it is important to note as well that sound is often brilliantly conceived. The effects of sound are often largely subtle and often are noted by only our subconscious minds.

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