What is referred to as ambient sound?

Ambient sound refers to the background noise present in a video that helps create a sense of place and atmosphere. This sound is often used to enhance the overall audio landscape of a scene, contributing to the viewer's immersion and emotional engagement. It includes naturally occurring noises that might be heard in the environment, such as birds chirping, wind rustling, distant traffic, or any sound that adds authenticity to the setting without being the focus of the scene.

In contrast, dialogue between characters is a primary sound element that conveys the narrative and character interactions. Sound specifically composed for a scene usually serves a targeted purpose, such as supporting suspense or emotion but is not considered ambient sound. Sounds recorded in post-production may include various elements, including sound effects or dialogue, but they do not encompass the broader category of ambient sound as described. Thus, ambient sound plays a vital role in enriching the audio experience by adding layers of realism that complement the visual storytelling.