ICONIC SOUNDS OF HORROR-

THRILLER

Sounds are one of the most important thing for conveying the genre to an audience.

An effective way of using sounds can help manipulate the emotions of the audience and ensure they are put In the same mood as the genre being portrayed.

Sounds can help show how the character is feeling and events that may be upcoming. They help ensure – along with the acting - that the audience know what is going on.

There are two different types of sound: Diegetic Non – diegetic

Diegetic is Sound that is visible on the screen or is implied to be present by the action of the film e.g. characters speaking. It is natural sound that occurs within the shots. Examples of diegetic sound includes: Sounds made by objects in the story Music represented from coming from instruments in the story (Source

music)

Diegetic sound can either be o screen or off screen depending on whether its source in in the frame or outside the frame.

Non-diegetic sound is sound that has been added in during editing. Examples: Narrator’s commentary Sound effects which are added for the dramatic effect mood music

The distinction between diegetic or non-diegetic sound depends on the audiences understanding of the conventions of film 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.

There is a large range of music that is used throughout horror films, come common conventions include: Long suspenseful notes – which are usually

contrasted with short sharp notes to shock the audience

Extreme changes in the pitch of the note – Low notes to very fast high pitched notes make the audience feel sudden tension it keeps the audience engaged and on the edge of their seats wandering what will happen next.

Many effects are also used within a horror soundtrack, this includes:

Echoed voices – this creates a ghostly feel and can make the audience feel a sense of vulnerability.

Alien effects – these usually capture the audiences attention as they are usually inhumanly and make the audience feel uneasy.

Screaming – portrays characters are scared. Allows the audience to see that something has happened. Leaves the audience feeling on edge – wondering what may have happened.

All of this will be considered whilst making the opening sequence.

I and my group will ensure we use appropriate music to match the shots within the opening sequence whilst editing to ensure the opening sequence is a success.