Sounds and Signs

Learnt a lot of new vocabularly today which I must share!
There are specific names for different media signs.

Sign: This is an image, object or action that carries meaning or significance.

Denotation: Discussing the image we are observing. What do we see at first?

Connotation: This involves analysing the image in more detail. What do the elements signify that we see? For example, does a character wearing a red t-shirt symbolise an angry nature?

Semiotics is the study of signs and symbols.

Please refer to the attached picture of the dog.

• The signifier is the dog.
• The signified (implied) is the cute expression on the dog's face.
• The overall sign is that it is a cute dog.

Today i've also learnt a bit about sound techniques.

Diegetic Sounds - They are realistc sounds heard in the scene (eg; a telephone ringing)

Non-diegetic Sounds - This is background music that actors cannot hear, only the audience. It's purpose is to enhance the atmosphere of the particular moment in a scene for the viewers.

Panning Sounds - This is when we hear a sound that travels through the left speaker to the right, or right to the left. It can make viewers feel uncomfortable and works particularly well in horror movies.

Watch this Jaws clip off youtube which uses both diegetic and non-diegetic sounds.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcjjB0OOu9Y&feature=related

At first we hear a typical beach ambience and the sounds of the waves, and also later a radio. These are all diegetic sounds.

Then at 3:07 we hear a non-diegetic sound of strings building up to create tension and fear.