To give you a bit of context, this project is to learn the importance of using sounds in horror movies. This will involve us practicing making Foley sounds and learning the use of ADR, diegetic, and non-diegetic sounds.
What Is Diegetic Sound?
Diegetic sound is a term used for sound that is heard inside a movie or video by the actors. This can be on-screen or off-screen. But it has to happen in the same location at the same time. Most actors explain that when they are recording a movie scene, they could experience a specific element of the scene, so for example, when a character is chasing you and he is making scary sounds, the other actor will feel the intensity. Here are some examples of Diegetic Sound: *Screams* *Knocking* *Ghostly Sounds*
*Footsteps*
and much more.
I personally recommend watching the video below, which explains more in depth what diegetic sound is:
What Is Non-Diegetic Sound?
Non-diegetic sound is when the actor or character cannot hear the audio in a specific location. Instead, non-diegetic sounds are sounds that are recorded after shooting the film scene. Examples of non-diegetic are music, the riser sound effect, and much more. Non-diegetic sound is a really good way of exaggerating and making the horror scene build more tension.
I personally watched this section of the video (https://youtu.be/2vlwm4VyyTc?si=pI3H4WtCJDx47SuC&t=391) which helped me get a better understanding of non diegetic sound.
What is ADR?
ADR stands for Automated Dialogue Replacement and is used to re-record certain lines or any quiet audio in a specific horror scene. ADR is used to improve the overall audio quality and make the audio more pleasurable to the viewers. This makes the overall horror audio more luxurious.
The information was taken from this website: Level 3 Diploma in Creative Media. Unit 5 -Horror Audio (cloud.microsoft)
And I also watched a YouTube video which helped me get a brief understanding of ADR and how it is used: WHAT IS ADR and how does it work ? (youtube.com)
What Is Negative Space In Sound?
The negative space in sound is the gap between the sounds. Using this technique of audio is really great in horror, as it builds tension and terror. A very good horror film that really knows how to use this technique is Alien by Ridley Scott. It uses really weird sounds like water or blood drips, while everything else is quite quiet. It really makes the experience of watching really tense.
If you would like to understand more about negative space in sound, then I would recommend watching the video below to have a more in-depth understanding of negative space in sound and to understand why it is a vital aspect of any horror movie in the industry: Negative Space in Horror - YouTube
What Is Foley Sound?
Foley sounds are where custom sound effects are used and are used in horror movies. The reason why many horror movies use Foley sounds is that they really create an exaggerated sound of things that we most likely don't hear. Foley artists make sure to use their creativity to create really good-sounding audio that makes the entire movie feel real; however, Foley sound can also be used in the wrong times and make the entire horror movie sound fake.
Here are some examples of Foley sounds:
Wind
Snow
Rain
Door
And so much more.
Overall, I believe that sound is a major aspect of any horror movie, and without it, it can be really boring and not build as much tension. If you want to hear more of my opinion on sound in horror movies, then make sure to check out my podcast in the Project 4 section.
Codes And Conventions
The Language - PG Language, Screaming, Religious and superstitious language
Visual - dark colours, flashing lights, jump scares
Audio - Ambient diegetic sound, dripping taps, light flickering, knocking, Heavy breathing, Non-diegetic
Technical - Dutch angles, Video editors, audio editors, CGI, Lighting effects
Symbolic - Religious, good vs evil (dark and light)
Narrative conventions - "dream" false scares, fast moving / teleporting enemies
Source Of Information:
Suckley, J. (no date) Level 3 diploma in Creative Media. unit 5 -horror audio, Microsoft Sway . Available at: https://sway.cloud.microsoft/RhNeQf2Qaow5z4Y5?ref=Link (Accessed: 08 January 2024).
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