The four main types of sound effects in film and television are diegetic sounds, non-diegetic sounds, ambient sounds, and spot effects.
1. Diegetic Sounds: These are sounds that exist within the world of the story. They are typically produced by the actions and environments of the characters and objects on-screen. examples include dialog, footsteps, vehicle noises, and character actions.
2. Non-diegetic Sounds: These are sounds that do not originate from within the world of the story and are used for dramatic effect, such as a voiceover, or adding suspense through a haunting melody.
3. Ambient Sounds: These sounds help create a sense of place and mood for the scene and are often used to mask the interruptions of cutting away from a scene or to reinforce the diegetic world. Examples include the sounds of nature, city noises, or the ambiance in a room