Music is an essential part of film, television and video games. Diegetic and non-diegetic music can help to set the mood, create tension, or even drive the story forward. We will be exploring the differences between these two types of music, and how they enhance the consumer’s experience.

Diegetic Music

Diegetic music refers to music that exists within the world of the film, television show or video game. For example, music that characters are listening to, music that’s playing from props within the scene, or music that’s being performed live on screen. Diegetic music enhances the realism of the world being portrayed and is integral to the consumer.

Using diegetic music can help to create a sense of time and place. You can transport the consumer to an era by using music from that time. Diegetic music also highlights specific characters or moments in a story. Additionally, a character listening to a particular song can reveal something about their personality or emotional state.

Non-Diegetic Music

Non-diegetic music exists outside the world of the film, television show or game. For example, a musical score explicitly composed, or pre-existing music licensed for use in the production. This is not a part of the story itself, but rather it enhances the consumer’s emotional response to the story.

Using non-diegetic music can help to create a sense of tension or excitement. Using a soaring musical score can heighten the tension and keep the viewer on the edge of their seat. Similarly, using ominous music can signal that something terrible is about to happen.

Using Diegetic and Non-Diegetic Music

Diegetic and non-diegetic music have advantages and disadvantages. Combining both types of music create a more immersive experience for the consumer. A scene might begin with diegetic music, such as a character listening to a radio, then transition to non-diegetic music as the scene builds towards its climax. This can create a seamless transition between the two types of music and help to enhance the emotional impact of the scene.

Using diegetic and non-diegetic music can vary greatly depending on the genre of the film, TV show or game. Non-diegetic music can be used in a romantic comedy to create a sense of whimsy. In contrast, diegetic music might develop a sense of unease and tension in a horror film. Diegetic music can highlight specific moments and enhance the realism of the story being told in a documentary.

It is an important tool for filmmakers and composers to help enhance the consumer’s experience. Diegetic music can help to create a sense of time and place and highlight specific characters or moments in the story. Using non-diegetic music can help create tension, set the tone for a scene, and enhance the story’s emotional impact. By combining both types of music, filmmakers and composers can create a more immersive and emotionally engaging viewing experience for the audience.