This accessible and practical textbook explores how sound is used in filmmaking to support narrative, build worlds, enhance emotion, and express the physical and psychological states of characters.

The author breaks down film sound into its constituent elements, examining how sound designers create different film worlds depending on genre, style, era and budget. Each chapter will use different case studies and examples from a broad range of existing films to illustrate and discuss the different applications of film in sound, providing suggestions and directions to allow readers to achieve the techniques being analysed. Instruction is given to breakdown any sound mix, and understand how dialogue, ambience, Foley, sound effects, non-diegetic sound and music can be utilised and combined to support narrative and enrich storytelling.

The book is an essential resource for film sound practitioners, filmmakers, and film students who want to learn how sound can support and enhance narrative storytelling.

Billy Glew works in digital film, sound and music as a filmmaker and musician, and has worked as an HE and FE lecturer for over 25 years, specialising in film sound and music. He has recorded and designed sound for independent feature films and short films which have been selected for international film festivals. Billy's PhD focused on dream sequences in film. His PhD research films were selected for several independent international film festivals. Billy teaches film sound at the University of Salford, UK. He also runs a sound / film / rehearsal studio based in West Yorkshire, England.