Music for a young movie maker

[punkin]

One of my clients asked if I would talk with a film student friend about helping her with a film project. So, I did. She's looking for some background and musical tracks for a film project but I'm a little out of my element here. I tend to write instrumental stuff (no problem so far...she's in agreement with this) but the music tends to stand on it's own if you know what I mean. Not usually written or performed to be put in the background.

I'm thinking some simple things like synth strings, acoustic guitar and maybe some piano. I know that sound track bring a lot to the film. This is a new area for me. I'd like to help out if I can. Not sure how to go about approaching this little project.


Thanks!

[32-20-Blues]

I was asked to to do this once. As it turned out, it never happened (something to do with money), but I liked the idea.

First off, sit down and watch the finished film with the maker/director, and ask her which parts require music. Grab a stopwatch, and time the scenes, so you can get a ballpark idea of how long each piece should be - trust me, this will save a hell of a lot of editing work.

As for what to play, well, that's up to you and the film-maker. To offer you some encouragement: Don't worry too much about being new to the whole idea, or about your stuff being unsuited to being in the 'background.' Film music is rarely, if ever, incidental; usually it's there to be noticed, and to reiforce emotion.

Quite a few guitarists have done soundtracks over the years, to varying degrees of success. Clapton did all the Lethal Weapon muisc, Mark Knopfler did some stuff, Jimmy Page, and Brian May too. Richard Thompson did Grizzly Man, and hell, even Bob Dylan did a largely instrumental accompaniment for Pat Garrett and Billy ther Kid. Just go for it, the project sounds like fun.

[punkin]

Hey, thanks! Great ideas and suggestions. I'm intrigued by the game so yea, it sounds like fun. Good call on timing the scenes. I'm hoping to have a sit down later in the week to watch the film.

Thanks!

[DAS19]

Could be what you were destined to do who knows go for it and give it a shot seems like your stuff could suit cinema nicely.

[mikeh]

That type of opportunity does not come up often. I feel musicians/composers must accept any opportunity even if they think they will be in over thier heads. If they have talent they will rise to the occasion.

I've done music for a couple of independent films and I can tell you two key issues.

1. The film maker will not really know what they want - but they will know when they hear something if they like it or not.

2. When doing film - normally there is one key musical theme. This theme is repeated often during the film. As an example, in one scene the theme will be only a slow, sad string line - in another scene the theme may be a driving beat - but the same melody line is used.

Find a theme that you and the director agree on, and you are well on your way.

[punkin]

Great input! Thanks. I've been "listening" to a couple movies. Not getting sucked into the visual stimulation to see how some of the music flows. I see what you're meaning. Something thematic with variations on the theme.

This is going to be a fun little project. Thanks!

[mikeh]

punkin,

It appears you gave me negative rep - which has me confused since I thought I offered reasonable advice.

I don't really care about reps points - since I choose my words carefully on this site and I believe that stands for itself. I'm simply confused why I would get "red" rep????

[Bondo]

Originally Posted by mikeh

That type of opportunity does not come up often. I feel musicians/composers must accept any opportunity even if they think they will be in over thier heads. If they have talent they will rise to the occasion.

I've done music for a couple of independent films and I can tell you two key issues.

1. The film maker will not really know what they want - but they will know when they hear something if they like it or not.

2. When doing film - normally there is one key musical theme. This theme is repeated often during the film. As an example, in one scene the theme will be only a slow, sad string line - in another scene the theme may be a driving beat - but the same melody line is used.

Find a theme that you and the director agree on, and you are well on your way.

The hole theme idea can be seen in Unforgiven. It has that little theme that I believe Clint Eastwood did himself, ad it is used throughout the film. So yeah, the theme thing can be one way to look at it.

An idea for just songs, not sure if this will help, but if you are looking for a specific kind of music, and you can associate a band with that style and look for similiar bands on sometihng like myspace. You may be able to get an indie artist to contribute to the film as far as some music stuff. Dont know if it helps, just an idea.

[punkin]

Originally Posted by mikeh

punkin,

It appears you gave me negative rep - which has me confused since I thought I offered reasonable advice.

I don't really care about reps points - since I choose my words carefully on this site and I believe that stands for itself. I'm simply confused why I would get "red" rep????

I'm replying publicly to make sure I get this straight and out in the open. My most sincere apologies. It was my intent to give up a greenie. Your advice was sound, well received and very helpful. I'll make it up to ya. Seriously sorry about the click slip.

[mikeh]

I thought it may have been something like that. No big deal, I just wanted to understand if I had somehow done something to warrent a red hit.

Thanks for you reply - it was not my intent to in any way challenge you in the public forum (I rarely use private messages unless I specifically respond to someones private question). Your public reply seems very sincere and reflects well on you as a person.

You don't have to feel you need to "make it up" - (I've never understood the whole rep point thing anyway - the words we all choose and the way we present ourselves is more important than green or red dots) as long as we're cool, that's good enough for me!

[punkin]

Thanks for the understanding. Your input is valued.