Environmental grounding
Sonic elements establish where the audience is located within the story world. They define the setting’s boundaries, textures, and atmosphere, helping the viewer orient themselves.

Emotional tone
The sonic design sets the emotional climate of a scene or location. It can create tension, comfort, unease, or wonder, guiding the audience’s emotional response to the world and its events.

Narrative logic
Sonic behaviors help communicate how the world operates. They suggest the rules, technologies, or natural forces at play, allowing the audience to intuitively understand what’s possible or believable within the story.

Offscreen continuity
A well-constructed sonic environment implies that the world continues beyond the frame. It suggests depth, activity, and life in areas not currently visible, making the world feel persistent and inhabited.

Cultural and character identity
Sonic choices reflect the values, histories, and personalities of the world’s inhabitants. They can hint at social structures, traditions, or individual traits without relying on dialogue or exposition.