Edinburgh Napier University

  The book aims to serve as an introduction to the dramaturgical relevance of sound and music in the conceptualisation and production of documentary films. It is designed to be applicable across different mediums, whether the documentary is intended for the big screen or small, and whether it is short-form or feature-length. The focus is on the critical role sound plays in shaping narrative, atmosphere, and emotional impact, offering insights that are relevant for filmmakers and sound professionals alike.

Key Topics and Themes

The Universality of Sound as dramaturgically relevant for documentary film making: Sound is a permanent and recognisable element in our environment, often more universally understood than visual signs. The book explores how ambient sounds are core to sound design in documentaries. These sounds provide context, convey circumstances, and immerse the audience in the world of the documentary.

Music as an Emotional Tool: The book examines how music—whether composed specifically for a film or pre-existing—can enhance storytelling by emphasizing situations, highlighting key moments, and deepening emotional resonance.

Sound Design and Narrative Structure: Sound design is crucial for structuring documentary narratives, more correctly their dramaturgy, as it connects different storylines, links various locations, and provides coherence to the overall narrative flow. It informs the audience about the atmosphere, place, time, and relationships within the story, helping to convey both familiar surroundings and moments of danger or tension.

Sound and Emotional Impact: As sound cannot be “turned off” in the same way as visuals, it has a unique ability to influence the audience’s perception and experience. The book will discuss how sound shapes the aesthetic appearance of documentaries and significantly impacts their emotional resonance with audiences.