Every film composer has a unique composition method. Film music is extremely important in the film industry. Live symphonies complemented classic movies at cinema theatres throughout the silent film era. As audio tracks could be added to film clips, musical compositions were inextricably linked to the visual images of films. A film score is a sound that is used to accompany a film. Typically film music is composed by a film composer employed for the project. Alongside sound effects and language, the movie soundtrack aims to heighten the emotional impact of the picture by establishing an auditory tone for every sequence. The film’s composer composes the music, frequently with the assistance of an orchestrator, and finally collaborates with instrumentalists or uses digital composition tools to deliver the finished output. It’s an intricate process to learn about music composition for a film as it involves diverse stages including the ones mentioned below:
- Spotting session: The spotting session is a participatory procedure involving the composer and the filmmaker, rather than just an element of the artist’s workflow. The composer and filmmaker will review the movie collaboratively and generate music arrangements throughout the spotting session. They’ll debate on what sequences require music, as well as the characters’ behavioral patterns and the overall mood.
- Brainstorming session: A very famous proverb about brainstorming sessions is that there are no terrible thoughts. Music is individualistic, flexible, and able to grow, which is one of the most appealing aspects of the film composition planning phase. At this stage of the production, the objective is to bring the concepts out in a manner that can be analyzed, experimented with, and modified. However, they must never be discarded. Even if it’s the most ridiculous thought, write everything down if only to get that out of your brain. You could come back to it later and find that it perfectly matches a setting. Try using Google Docs for film composition.
- Create notes: A filmmaker’s notebook must be well structured so that they can go back to, edit and paste from it. You may sneak in the journal to pick segments of musical elements when required while writing your cues for a picture-locked scenario. You may draw orchestral structures or simply solo theme notes. Perhaps you may spend a few hours working out rhythm line variants for a chase scene. It makes no difference as long as it’s written down and retained for future reference.
- Sketching ideas: Throughout the film composition process, the creator examines the notes from the spotting session, chooses a few lines for the initial cue, and then begins experimenting till it sounds intriguing. This step is continued throughout this round so that the unifying theme may be established. Step on to the next concept whenever you’re satisfied with a drawing or have exhausted yourself attempting to attain the extraordinary. The next prioritized cue on the strike plan, or cue sheet, is an excellent place to start. It’ll probably be for a scene in the movie where a character’s theme is essential, or to emphasize a critical shocking moment. Make a point and scribble some thoughts down.
- This step of the composing process will aid you in moving easily on to the next process i.e., composition to picture. You’ll be adequately equipped for subsequent phases in the workflow if you invest more hours sketching concepts. The more resources you have to draft from, later on, the richer and more filled-out your journal endeavor is.
Students interested in composing process can also opt for specialized courses to get the required expertise and knowledge. So, sign up for this course now!
