Sound in Space - Environment (WEEK 3)

Reflective Blog: The Narrative Value of Diegetic and Non-Diegetic Sound.

    Studying the Ultimate Guide to Diegetic vs. Non-Diegetic Sound has deepened my understanding of sound design’s pivotal role in film storytelling. Diegetic sound, such as environmental effects and dialogue, constructs a believable world, enhancing immersion. Non-diegetic sound, like background music and narration, shapes audience emotions, amplifying the story’s impact. The concepts of trans-diegetic and acousmatic sound highlight the potential for innovative sound design to transcend traditional narrative boundaries, creating unique effects.

    This guide has shown me that sound design is both a technical craft and an artistic expression. The strategic use of sound directly influences narrative effectiveness, requiring careful alignment with the story’s intent. In future projects, I aim to focus on balancing diegetic and non-diegetic elements while exploring creative approaches to elevate emotional resonance and audience engagement. This learning experience has broadened my professional perspective and ignited my passion for experimenting with sound in storytelling.

Lecture Exercise

JetPlane:

    I utilized Adobe Audition to edit the JetPlane file. Initially, I added keyframes to transition the sound from the left channel to the right channel. Subsequently, I adjusted the volume from low to high, ultimately achieving an effect that simulates an airplane flying overhead, with the sound moving from left to right and decreasing in intensity.

Environment Sound Exercise 1

    Next, we will conduct a space environment sound design exercise based on the following image. The image depicts a setting resembling a space station, with the center and surroundings filled with green plants and trees, suggesting it may be a cultivation chamber or ecological pod. People are scattered around, so moderate human voices can be incorporated to create ambiance.

Finally, given the space setting, ethereal sound effects and reverb should be added to enhance the futuristic feel and the vast, profound sense of space.

    In the following AU project, Track 1 and Track 2 incorporate distant and close-range human voice audio, respectively, with EQ effects applied to fine-tune the sound for optimal performance. Track 3 introduces space ambient noise to enhance the fullness and immersiveness of the sound. Track 4 includes broadcast announcement effects to further create a sci-fi atmosphere, heightening the overall futuristic feel.

Environment Sound Exercise 2

    Analyzing the scene elements in the provided image, the most striking feature is a dazzling laser beam, creating a strong sci-fi atmosphere. To enhance the scene’s immersiveness, we employ strategic sound design through audio tracks.

    Track 1 incorporates space white noise, processed with harmonization, parametric EQ adjustments, and dynamic limiting to align with the vast and profound characteristics of a space environment. Track 2 integrates laser beam sound effects, meticulously modulated with a notch filter to craft a distinctive sonic texture, amplifying the sci-fi atmosphere’s impact and immersiveness.

    Through studying diegetic and non-diegetic sound and space environment sound design exercises, I gained a deeper understanding of sound’s role in storytelling and atmosphere creation in film and sci-fi settings. From ecological pods with plants to laser beam scenes, the strategic use of white noise, human voices, sound effects, and reverb, combined with EQ and notch filtering, significantly enhances immersion and futuristic appeal.  

Sound design is not only a technical craft but also an art, requiring precision to serve narrative and emotional expression.