Using Sound to tell a story...

After reading most of the article "Sound Matters" by Heidi McKee, I realized how much sound does exist in our everyday world. Just closing my eyes, I hear conversations and buzzing and computers being turned on. Now, being a filmmaker, and particularly interested in sound design, I know it's important. Very important.


So, what can you do with a story told by sound compared to a traditional text story? Now let's assume sound includes voice as well as sound effects and music. For one, during a story, your mind doesn't have to create the sounds because they're there for you already. For some, especially avid readers, this could be distracting. Also, readers must now listen instead of comprehend the text, so maybe their mind does have to work harder. With sound, you can have voice actors performing the story and a narrator if you must (but it's less likely needed).


Hmm...what else could you do? Well, you can transition with sound without words and you can begin and end with sounds that become synonymous with the production.


How does sound limit stories? I think it takes away from people's imagination. When you read, you have to visualize and make up the sounds. When you listen, you only have to visualize, which is still good. Now with TV and Movies, it takes away a lot but it's a different experience.