The Auditory Setting: Environmental Sounds in Film and Media Arts

The book The Auditory Setting explores how narrative and a sense of place are constructed in film and media arts through the reproduction and mediation of site-specific environmental sounds, or ambience. It questions conventional assumptions about sound in film and audiovisual media art and focuses on sculpting a site's presence in the diegetic world of media productions as a vital narrative strategy.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 28 February 2023
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

The Auditory Setting delves into the intricate realm of film and media arts, exploring the largely unexplored yet highly effective terms of ambient sound and ambience. These terms denote an often unnoticed yet significant element in the organization of sound within film and media productions. Tracing the evolution of ambient sound in film and media art production through various technological trajectories, the book sheds light on the contemporary milieu of digital sound systems. Taking a critical stance towards conventional notions of diegetic sound, mimesis, presence, artistic transformations of soundscapes, and technological innovations, the book questions the established assumptions about sound in these mediums. Its primary objective is to shift the focus towards the notion of sculpting a site's presence in the diegetic world of media productions as a vital narrative strategy.

Drawing upon insights from prominent media artists and practitioners from around the globe, as well as from the author's extensive practice, The Auditory Setting offers a comprehensive examination of the auditory setting in film and media arts. It includes examples from Indian, European, and American films, as well as numerous artworks from diverse regions worldwide. By examining the interplay between narrative, diegesis, mimesis, and presence, the book provides a rich tapestry of insights that will appeal to scholars, students, and practitioners alike.

In conclusion, The Auditory Setting is a groundbreaking work that offers a fresh perspective on the role of sound in film and media arts. By investigating the underexplored terms of ambient sound and ambience, the book provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the auditory setting as a vital narrative strategy. Through its critical analysis of conventional assumptions and technological innovations, the book challenges readers to reevaluate their understanding of sound's significance in these mediums. With its rich examples and insights, The Auditory Setting is an essential resource for anyone interested in exploring the power of sound in the visual arts.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474474399