TV Drama: Sound

Types of Sound

Diagetic sound - sound that originates from within the 'story space' (sound which the characters can hear)

Non-Diegetic sound - sound that does not originate from within the 'story space' (sound that the characters would not hear)

The distinction between diegetic or non-diegetic sound depends on our understanding of the conventions of viewing and listening. We know that certain sounds are represented as coming from the 'story world', while others are represented as coming from outside the space of the story events.

A play with diegetic and non-diegetic conventions can be used to create ambiguity (horror) or to surprise the audience (comedy).

Diegetic sound

- Sound whose source is visible on the screen or whose source is implied to be present by the action of the film:

• voices of characters
• sounds made by objects in the story
• music represented as…