Auditory Setting: Environmental Sounds in Film and Media Arts

The Auditory Setting explores how narrative and place are constructed through the reproduction and mediation of site-specific environmental sounds, challenging the undervalued role of sound in cinematic setting and production. It draws on theories of narrative, diegesis, mimesis, and presence and offers a ground-breaking exploration of human agency in mediating environmental sounds and the nature of the sonic experience in the Anthropocene.

Format: Hardback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2021
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

The Auditory Setting: Exploring the Construction of Narrative and Place through Environmental Sounds in Film and Media Arts
The Auditory Setting is a groundbreaking exploration of the role of environmental sounds in film and media arts, examining how they are constructed and mediated to create narrative and a sense of place. While the auditory setting serves as the acoustically mediated space where a story or event takes place, it has received limited academic attention compared to other aspects of cinematic production. Drawing on theories of narrative, diegesis, mimesis, and presence, the book explores the undervalued role of sound in cinematic setting and production. It draws on a diverse range of audio-visual works to illustrate the ways in which human agency mediates environmental sounds and shapes the sonic experience in the Anthropocene.
The Auditory Setting begins by introducing the concept of the auditory setting and its significance in film and media arts. It highlights the importance of environmental sounds in creating a sense of place and immersing the audience in the story. The book then explores the various ways in which environmental sounds are reproduced and mediated in film and media arts, including through sound design, sound mixing, and sound editing. It discusses the techniques used to create realistic and immersive soundscapes, as well as the ethical considerations involved in the use of environmental sounds.
One of the key themes of the Auditory Setting is the relationship between narrative and environmental sounds. The book argues that environmental sounds can be used to enhance the narrative and create a deeper sense of immersion. It explores the ways in which environmental sounds can be used to convey character traits, set the mood, and create tension and suspense. The book also discusses the challenges of creating realistic and immersive soundscapes in different environments, such as urban environments, natural environments, and historical environments.
Another important theme of the Auditory Setting is the impact of the Anthropocene on the sonic experience. The book argues that the Anthropocene has had a significant impact on the way that we perceive and interact with the world around us, and that this has had a significant impact on the sonic experience. It explores the ways in which the Anthropocene has led to the degradation of environmental sounds, the loss of biodiversity, and the impact of climate change on the sonic environment. The book also discusses the ways in which human agency can be used to mitigate the negative impacts of the Anthropocene on the sonic environment.
The Auditory Setting also includes a series of case studies that illustrate the various ways in which environmental sounds are used in film and media arts. These case studies include films, documentaries, and video games, and they range in genre and style. The book provides detailed analysis of each case study, highlighting the ways in which environmental sounds are used to create narrative and a sense of place.
In conclusion, The Auditory Setting is a groundbreaking exploration of the role of environmental sounds in film and media arts. It highlights the importance of environmental sounds in creating a sense of place and immersing the audience in the story. The book explores the various ways in which environmental sounds are reproduced and mediated, as well as the ethical considerations involved in the use of environmental sounds. It also includes a series of case studies that illustrate the various ways in which environmental sounds are used in film and media arts, and it provides detailed analysis of each case study. The book is essential reading for anyone interested in the relationship between narrative and environmental sounds, the impact of the Anthropocene on the sonic experience, and the ways in which human agency can be used to mitigate the negative impacts of the Anthropocene on the sonic environment.

Weight: 490g
Dimension: 162 x 240 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474474382