Guidelines for Sound Effects

Although sound editors contribute the bulk of these effects in most movies, a writer can suggest an aural metaphor or the tone of the audio world.  These effects should be used sparingly and should not dominate the writing.  The director might add to these ideas or alter them as he or she would do with any other part of the script.  However, when used purposefully they are as potent a storytelling tool as a movie's dialog or visuals.

Sound effects can be obvious or quite subtle.  They can intentionally draw attention to themselves or manipulate with stealth.  They can expose, disguise, suggest, establish, or reveal.  They can also be tagged to specific events or characters. Here are some ideas to consider when thinking about the use of sound effects:

 - They can be used as an important "prop" or plot point
 - Sound and picture don't have to match
 - Realistic sound can be altered to behave expressively
 - Sound effects can be used to express internal thoughts of characters
 - They can be used as a character's signature, or remind us of an event
 - They can be entirely external to the scene
 - Two sound effects, like a match cut in picture, can be placed side by side and generate an entirely new third idea.