Sound Design and Film Narrative

This accessible and practical textbook explores how sound is used in filmmaking to support narrative, build worlds, enhance emotion, and express the physical and psychological states of characters.

The author breaks down film sound into its constituent elements, examining how sound designers create different film worlds depending on genre, style, era and budget. Each chapter will use different case studies and examples from a broad range of existing films to illustrate and discuss the different applications of film in sound, providing suggestions and directions to allow readers to achieve the techniques being analysed. Instruction is given to breakdown any sound mix, and understand how dialogue, ambience, Foley, sound effects, non-diegetic sound and music can be utilised and combined to support narrative and enrich storytelling.

The book is an essential resource for film sound practitioners, filmmakers, and film students who want to learn how sound can support and enhance narrative storytelling.