Sound used in Film Trailers

Types of Sound used in Trailers

·         Diagetic Sound

Diagetic sound is what you would expect to hear. It is sound that is directly linked or caused by the action on the screen. This could be things such as a door closing or a gunshot but is not specifically sound effects, dialogue also counts as diagetic sound at times and other sound that is caused on the screen can also be a part of the soundscape.

·         None-Diagetic Sound

None-Diagetic sound is sound not linked to the action on the screen and is not expected. This could be a music soundtrack to the images, narration or sound effects not linked to the pictures on the screen.

·         Music

Music is mainly none-diagetic but can be diagetic, but in whatever context it is an essential aspect of a film trailer. It can be used to create atmosphere and mood for the trailer as well as set the tone of the movie, allowing the audience to gauge their level of interest in the film. It is very unusual for a film trailer not to have music used in it.

·         Dialogue

Dialogue is characters speech. This is typically diagetic, however if the sound is Narration the chances are it is none-diagetic. Speech in trailers is usually used to give a basic outline of the themes in the play and sometimes give clues as to the plot, again allowing viewers to become interested in the film.

·         SFX

Sound effects, though mainly associated with action movies, are a big part of the soundtrack of a film in general, and especially [part of a trailer however they are used well when the audience does not know they are being used. For example if the sound recording of a door slamming was not good enough quality or not what the director/editor wants a sound effect can be dubbed over the action, creating the desired effect.

Sound used in Trailers can be affected by…

·         Genre

·         Narrative structure

·         Narrative point

·         Setting

·         Audience / Target audience

·         The Point in the trailer