01 Identify sounds
Note one sound a character hears and another primarily addressed to the viewer. Music may come from a radio within a scene or accompany images without a visible source. You need not guess every intention: ask how sound changes expectation or attention.
02 Prepare listening
Before playback check language, selected track and actual output: TV speakers, headphones or external system. For unclear speech, test the same passage with captions or another device. Compare at a reasonable level; raising everything can make other sounds uncomfortable without clarifying speech.
03 Describe a sound scene
Afterwards describe a scene through three sounds rather than plot. Try Koyaanisqatsi for music/image relationships and Do the Right Thing for sounds occupying shared space. The BFI also explains sound preservation and restoration as work distinct from image restoration.
Frequently asked questions
Does music always come from the scene?
Ask whether characters can hear it. Music may change status when its source appears or disappears.