Source Music (Diegetic) and Dramatic Score (Non-Diegetic): What’s the Difference (and Why You Should Care)
In film and television, music does more than fill silence. It shapes emotion, narrative rhythm, and even the perceived realism of a scene. Yet not all music functions in the same way. Professionals often distinguish between source music (diegetic music) and dramatic music (non-diegetic music). Knowing the difference isn’t just about theory. It directly affects