Why do movies/tv use the same canned sound effects (think Wilhem scream) when they can just record the sound on set or even use a different sound effect?

Question

Is there a reason that you hear the same sound effects recycled in so many movies? There must be hundreds of “crowd screaming” sound effects but they always use that same one. Is that sound effect just that good?

In: Culture

Answer 1

The Wilhelm scream is a running gag in show business. I find it distracting. Not about money saving.

But skimping on sound effects is a good way to save money. Most people can’t tell the difference.