SOUND
EFFECTS

Sound effects are artificially created or enhanced
sounds that are used to emphasis action or create a
certain mood or feeling. Most sound effects tend to
be recordings of actual sounds that are then altered
in regard to pitch, intensity and volume to fit the
action it will be accompanying. For example in action
movies, a common sound effect would be the
emphasis and enhancement of the sound of
gunshots or attack, to emphasis the action. This
would make all that is happening seem all the more
real, and powerful in terms of impact.
(http://www.feedforall.com/production-and-use-
sound-effects.htm)

Films include a wide range of sound effects to
create realism. Subtle sounds are included
such as light footsteps or chatter in the
background to create the impression of other
people in a busy setting. This could be used in
teen dramas to make characters seem lost or
small in a sea of people. An example of this can
be seen in the teen drama clip of ‘Waterloo
Road’ of amplified footsteps in the corridor at
around two minutes.
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SLmRxu2
Qnc)

Foley is the reproduction of these everyday sounds
that are added to film post-production to enhance
audio quality, creating a sense of reality in the scene
through the production of ambient sound. This
mimicking of sound is done in a recording studio.
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foley_(filmmaking)#Cre
ation)
Common examples include:
• A pair of gloves to sound like bird wings flapping
• Cellophane to create a crackling fire effect

When creating our own trailer, we will be
sure to create sound effects effectively
through modification after filming if
necessary to enhance the sound. We will
also include sound effects to create realism
and ambient sound that will make the world
of the trailer seem more real and relatable
with its link to life and world of the target
audience e.g. a school bell which teenagers
will instantly be able to identify with.