1. Music for the Moving Image
Use of music in TV and Film
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Music technology A2

2. Introduction The Development of music for film
Sound synchronisation and function
Function of music for the moving images
24/02/2019
Music technology A2

3. The development of music for film
Earliest cinema Lumiere brothers 1895 noisy projectors. Pianist or small band
Moved to music hall orchestra provided mood (romantic for love scene)
Reached greatness 1915 orchestra behind screen sound effects or pipe organs + percussion
1927 Jazz singer Al Jolson first ” talky”
Live performances dwindled composers drafted in to write.
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Music technology A2

4. The development of music for film
Well established Walton Prokofiev, Copeland, Korngold Rhespigi.
Gradually specialised Max Steiner first 1933 King kong, gone with the wind 1939
Bernard Herrmann developed the art Citizen Kane 1941 Psycho 1960
24/02/2019
Music technology A2

5. The development of music for film
Pop music industry met film music 1950’s High Noon
“Do not forsake me oh my darlin’”
Producers now wanted marketable songs and music
Many written John Barry’s James Bond theme etc.
During 70’s orchestral scores popular again Spielberg and John Williams collaboration with “Jaws”
24/02/2019
Music technology A2

6. The development of music for film
Then more prominent with “Star Wars” 1977 E.T Raiders of the Lost Ark 1981, Jurassic Park 1993 etc.
More recent composers such as James Horner (Titanic) Michael Kamen (Robin Hood) Danny Elfman (batman /Spiderman)
24/02/2019
Music technology A2

7. Sound Synchronisation and Reproduction
Amplifier /loudspeakers in 1927 developing
Problem with Synchronisation
Early attempts pulleys linked to gramophones
Most successful Optical sound track stored on film itself
24/02/2019
Music technology A2

8. Sound Synchronisation and Reproduction
Standard time code in the industry SMPTE
Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineer or “Simpty”
Represents frame numbers
Similar for Video
With sequencers MTC
MIDI Time Code
Quality of sound gradually Better
“Surround” sound now in the home.
24/02/2019
Music technology A2

9. Functions of music for the moving image
To Reinforce mood and emotion
To provide information about the plot
Reinforce gesture within images
To act as a glue to cover edits within images
To provide conflicting information to the images
To suggest a sense of acoustic space
To add a sense of history
To act as a motif for special characters.
24/02/2019
Music technology A2

10. Compositional Techniques for music for the moving image
Composing Music of a specific time length
Developing a theme and variations
An ability to work with pastiche styles
Orchestration and arranging skills
Composing music that is synchronous with the images
Composing Underscore that does not interfere with the dialogue
Composing motifs and musical gesture
24/02/2019
Music technology A2

11. 1 The Commercial Composing Process
The composer is selected by the producer and director
Given background information about film and copy of scripts
Attend “spotting session” with director to highlight where music is required
Composer uses rough cut “off line” edit to begin composing
24/02/2019
Music technology A2

12. 2 The Commercial Composing Process
Composer produces music which is sent to director for approval.
Often a MIDI demo version
Composer completes score
Orchestration and preparation of instrumental parts
Often undertaken by team of musicians to meet tight deadlines.
24/02/2019
Music technology A2

13. The Commercial Composing Process
Music recorded with orchestra or ensemble
Music added to pictures, sound effects and dialogue tracks at the post production stage.
The composer may attend to ensure the music is placed appropriately balanced with other sound elements
Completed film released
24/02/2019
Music technology A2

14. Approach to your brief Issue brief A whole class discussion
Watch examples of similar briefs
Prepare an individual response outline of approach
Class discussion sharing ideas
prepare composing timetable setting goals for completion of key aspects
Begin composing
Support by individual tutorials
Composing log to be used daily
24/02/2019
Music technology A2