Ambient noise

Definition

Ambient noise refers to the background sounds that exist in a particular environment, serving as a crucial element in sound design to create atmosphere and context. It can include natural sounds like wind or birds, as well as human-made noises such as traffic or chatter. By blending ambient noise with diegetic and non-diegetic sound, music, and dialogue, filmmakers enhance the realism of a scene and guide the audience's emotional response.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ambient noise helps to establish the setting of a scene, making it feel more immersive and believable for the audience.
2. In film, ambient noise can change based on location; for instance, a bustling city scene might have different background sounds compared to a quiet forest.
3. Good sound design incorporates ambient noise to smooth transitions between scenes and maintain continuity in the auditory experience.
4. Filmmakers often use ambient noise to evoke emotions; for example, soft rain sounds can create a feeling of calmness or melancholy.
5. Ambient noise is essential in creating tension or suspense in a scene, where a sudden silence may heighten anxiety before an important moment.

Review Questions

• How does ambient noise contribute to the creation of atmosphere in film?
  • Ambient noise plays a key role in building the atmosphere of a film by filling the sonic space and providing context for the visual elements. It helps to immerse viewers in the story world by replicating the natural sounds they would expect in that environment. By carefully selecting and mixing ambient sounds, filmmakers can create an emotional backdrop that enhances the audience's connection to the characters and events unfolding on screen.
• Compare and contrast diegetic and non-diegetic sounds with respect to their use of ambient noise.
  • Diegetic sound includes ambient noise that originates from within the film's world, such as background chatter at a café or birds chirping in a park, which characters can hear. In contrast, non-diegetic sound consists of elements like score music or voiceovers that characters do not perceive. Both types serve distinct purposes; diegetic ambient noise helps ground the viewer in reality while non-diegetic elements can manipulate emotions more directly through musical cues.
• Evaluate how filmmakers can effectively utilize ambient noise in combination with dialogue and music to enhance storytelling.
  • Filmmakers can create a rich tapestry of sound by layering ambient noise with dialogue and music to tell their stories more effectively. For instance, when two characters are having an intimate conversation in a crowded bar, the underlying hum of laughter and clinking glasses can add depth and realism to their interaction. Moreover, by adjusting levels of ambient noise during key moments—like fading it out during dramatic dialogue or building it up during tense scenes—filmmakers guide audience emotions and highlight important narrative elements, resulting in a more compelling cinematic experience.

Related terms

Diegetic Sound: Sound that originates from a source within the film's world, such as characters speaking or sounds made by objects on screen.

Non-Diegetic Sound: Sound that does not have a physical source in the film's world, like background music or a narrator's voice that the characters cannot hear.

Foley Art: The reproduction of everyday sound effects that are added to films in post-production to enhance audio quality and create a realistic soundscape.