Introduction to Soundtrack

WALT – Spoiler Alert!  To understand how to answer Question 2 (soundtrack) as to improve our exam score on the exam

Starter – When Representation Goes Sour (Part 1)  For the following tracks, please, as a group, write down the film type you would expect to be associated with this music?

Some key terms to get down  Soundtrack ◦ Includes EVERYTHING we hear  Foley (‘Real’ sounds which are added in post production)  Sound Effects (Traditionally more digitized sound)  Score ◦ Refers only to the music in a scene  Diegetic Sound ◦ Sound that would actually occur in a scene (think punches, footsteps, dialogue, etc.  Non-Diegetic Sound ◦ Sounds that do not exist in the characters’ universe  (Score and Voiceover are the only examples)

Some key terms to get down  Crescendo ◦ When the music gets louder. Traditionally used in moments of increased tension/action  Diminuendo ◦ When the music gets quieter – usually used in moments of reduced tension and signals to the audience that the danger/conflict is over ◦ However, it can be used to raise tension (think horror/thrillers)  Musical Attack ◦ When the music suddenly stops. Usually used when some essential information is passed to the audience via dialogue or when something visually impressive will occur

Some key terms to get down  Sound bridge ◦ When the sound from an upcoming scene occurs before the scene changes visually. This gives the impression that the scenes are linked. (This can also occur in reverse)  Synchronous Sound ◦ Sounds which line up with the mood of the scene you are watching – Laughter at a child’s birthday party  Asynchronous Sound ◦ Sound which clashes with the image on the screen. Used to build tension and conflict.

More key terms to get down  Major Key – Happy sounding music  Minor Key – Evil sounding music  Major and Happy both have A’s  Minor and Evil both have I’s

Sample Paragraph  Soundtrack is used to create effects with the action-adventure genre. Non-diegetic sound is present throughout the clip as orchestral music is played in the background constantly. When the treasure is found the music is in major key to create a feeling of triumph, but when the building begins to collapse a crescendo is reached, this creates tension for the audience. Also when the villains become present the music changed to a heavy drumming which showed something bad was about to happen, this builds suspense. Diegetic sound is also used to create effects. There is an emphasis on the water crashing, making the audience aware of the setting and this creates a sense of danger as the building is collapsing around the characters. Also the gunshots and explosions are emphasised to create even more tension and drama.