Understanding Sound in Film

What is the difference between diegetic and non-diegetic sound?

• Diegetic sound is only heard by the audience, while non-diegetic sound is heard by both the audience and characters.

• Diegetic sound originates from within the film's world, while non-diegetic sound comes from outside the film's world.

• Diegetic sound is always music, while non-diegetic sound is always dialogue.

• There is no difference between the two; they are interchangeable.

Which of the following is an example of diegetic sound?

• A soundtrack playing during an emotional scene.

• A character’s footsteps as they walk down a hallway.

• The musical score in the background during an action sequence.

• A voice-over narrating the story.

What role do Foley artists play in sound production for film?

• They compose the musical score.

• They record and recreate sound effects, such as footsteps and door creaks.

• They mix all the dialogue and music for the film.

• They provide the non-diegetic background music for the film.

Which of the following would be an example of ambient sound in a film?

• A character’s voice talking to another character.

• The sound of birds chirping in a forest during a scene.

• The music that plays during a dramatic moment.

• A character’s internal monologue.

How does the film score contribute to the emotional tone of a scene?

• It provides background noise that doesn’t affect the scene.

• It can create tension, excitement, or sadness, enhancing the audience's emotional experience.

• It only serves as background music and is not important for the tone of the scene.

• It is mainly used to cover up unwanted sounds in the film.

What is the purpose of a leitmotif in film music?

• To introduce a new character.

• To provide a catchy tune that can be repeated in various scenes.

• To serve as a recurring musical theme associated with a particular character, place, or idea.

• To change the mood of the scene quickly.

What is the difference between dialogue and narration in film?

• Dialogue is spoken by characters on screen, while narration is a voice-over commentary by a character or an external narrator.

• Dialogue is always background conversation, while narration is spoken by the director.

• Dialogue is internal thoughts, and narration is external commentary.

• There is no difference between dialogue and narration; both are voice-overs.

Which of the following best describes the function of interior monologue in film?

• A character's spoken dialogue that is heard by others.

• A character’s internal thoughts, which are usually heard as a voice-over.

• A form of narration given by a secondary character.

• The sound effects that accompany a character's movements.

Why might a filmmaker choose to use silence or minimal sound in a scene?

• To save money on sound production.

• To create tension, emphasize a dramatic moment, or make the audience focus on the visuals.

• To make the film feel more realistic.

• To avoid distracting the audience from the dialogue.

In what way can sound be used to convey information about a character in a film?

• Through their body language alone.

• Through their distinctive voice, accent, or manner of speaking, which may convey personality traits.

• By the music playing when they enter the scene.

• Through non-diegetic sound that follows them throughout the film.