ABSTRACT
Sound design can be used in documentary to a varying extent, depending on the genre of film. Ambient natural sound, dialogue and perhaps the occasional sound effect will probably be enough to tell the story. While the environmental aspects of sound may at first seem unimportant in comparison to the more narrative components of sound, they are in fact a huge contributor to the success of their storytelling. Film sound falls primarily in to two groups: diegetic sound and non-diegetic sound. These two sound groups are usually mixed together in filmmaking for optimum dramatic effect. Music has a unique place in filmmaking since it gives us emotionally what the words and visuals cannot. Music is also one of the only tools that the editor uses that the audience seems to recognise and readily engage with. Selecting the right music track is perhaps the most challenging aspect of working with music. Commercial music is usually instantly recognizable to an audience.
