ABOUT FILM SCORING

What is Film Scoring?

Film scoring is usually described as the process of writing dramatic music to accompany scenes in major motion pictures. More broadly, it also refers to writing the music for television shows, mini-series, documentaries, commercials, and public service announcements. Even some video games are accompanied by original musical scores. The name "film scoring" applies to writing music for all these types of visual productions.

What Does It Take to Write Film Scores?

To write the musical score for a film, a person must first possess the same basic skills required of any composer. He or she must be able “to transcribe ideas into musical notation using harmony, rhythm, melody, and tonal structure,” as the popular Occupational Outlook Handbook describes it. This ability typically requires formal training in music composition.

The art of film scoring, however, requires certain additional skills.

First of all, film composers should be versatile in their ability to work with many different genres of music. While some composers prefer to write in only one musical style throughout their careers, such as jazz or chamber music, film composers should be able to move from style to style with ease. One project might require grand orchestral overtures; the next might call for Bluegrass or Celtic themes. In fact, interest in writing various types of music is a primary reason many composers pursue work in film.

Writing music for film also requires a great sense for drama, similar to that of an actor. Oftentimes the film score is thought of as an additional cast member, since the music that accompanies a scene can add a great deal to the film’s overall dramatic effect, as anyone who remembers the ominous attack theme from the film “Jaws” will understand.

Film scoring also requires technical skills that other types of musical composition do not, particularly in the area of “timings and synchronization.”

Composers for concert works, for example, can devote as much time as they choose to developing a certain mood or emotion, be it twelve bars or an entire movement.

Film composers, however, are always presented with completed scenes that have been edited for maximum dramatic effect by the director and film editor. Their job is to compose a score that not only fits the length of those scenes, but also creates the appropriate mood while synchronizing with the action on the screen.

Finally, film composers must also be able to work quickly. While the entire production of a film might require two years or more, the musical score often must be composed and orchestrated, have the parts copied, and be recorded and mixed into the sound track of the film in a matter of weeks.