Everything You Need to Know about Asynchronous Sound in Film
Throughout a film, we hear many different sounds and see many different things on the screen. That help us to pull in the various elements of a story and feel connected. Visually, the experience is to connect the narration and sounds with what we see. But what about asynchronous sound in film? In which the sound is not visible connected to a source?
When looking at or listing to various sounds and sound effects, we often think about the sounds that are directly associated with an action or what we can see on the screen.
But as a filmmaker, it’s important to consider all of the different asynchronous sounds in film that can be heard. But are unseen as these will add value to the story and create a sense of realism.
What is Asynchronous Sound in Film?
Asynchronous sound in film represents the sound effects that the audience will hear but which are not visibly connected to a source on the screen. These sounds are often included to add a level of realism and connection to the story, and should certainly not be overlooked or left out.
The Connection to Emotion
Asynchronous sound can add a level of heightened emotion to a film. For example, you may recall a scene in which you hear a high pitched scream coming from seemingly out of nowhere, and then you see a train coming down full steam ahead out of a tunnel.
We can guess what’s about to happen next, but we don’t have a direct connection of the sound to the visual. This is an asynchronous sound in film.
Why is Asynchronous Sound Used in Film?
Are you wondering why asynchronous sound is used in filmmaking? In the simplest capacity, asynchronous sound is used to add a level of expression or emotion to a film making it appear more realistic.
For example, asynchronous sounds are often included. Because they can be manipulated in many different manners and capacities in order to get the desired effects.
Unlike synchronous sounds which are directly related to a visible image on the screen. Asynchronous sounds have a lot more flexibility because they do not relate to a viewable source on the screen.
A Sense of Realism
Asynchronous sounds can be used to create tension. For example, you might hear horns honking outside of an apartment in a busy city.
The sounds are natural, and likely to exist in a busy city. And they add a level of realism to the story. Which is taking place in an apartment in the busy city.
But they are asynchronous because the horns cannot be seen nor can the cars be seen at the moment. Although they do create a tension within the audience as they wonder what’s going to happen in relation to the traffic or the business of the city apartment.
