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New from SAE: Film scoring lesson

Modern Scoring Techniques
There are many programs that can create a soundtrack and are well suited for scoring. The primary requirements are that they include software-based instruments and can import video playback to create the cues (cues are pieces of audio that play in specific spots in the film). Apple’s Logic Studio 9 is a good example. Logic allows you to import movies, audio samples, sound effects, and dialog into one production window. While Logic and other programs (including Digidesign Pro Tools, Steinberg Cubase, Cakewalk SONAR, Ableton Live, and Mark of the Unicorn Digital Performer) allow you to perform a lot of tasks, the fundamentals of getting your music in sync with a film are actually quite easy. Additional software such as Propellerhead Reason lets you create sound and build grooves that can be part of the soundtrack. So let’s look at setting up a session in Logic to score a film...

PICK YOUR TEMPLATE
Logic has a built-in template for scoring which is perfect for the novice film composer. It gives you several instrument tracks (which can “play” from a keyboard or other MIDI controller), audio tracks (for recording or importing audio), and MIDI tracks (to use with external keyboards and samplers).

IMPORT YOUR MOVIE Always get your movie into the Logic session before you start your composition. Go to the OPTIONS menu: MOVIE / OPEN MOVIE. You will be taken to a directory on your computer where you can search for a video file. Once imported, the video is displayed in the Logic project window, and as you move through the timeline, the music and the image move together. .

FIND YOUR CUES
A good composer finds the points or events in a movie where music can add impact to the scene. Watch the film with and without the dialog audible. Use the program’s marker to identify places where music can help make the movie more interesting. Identifying your cues in the beginning makes it easier to write and structure your score. .

SCORE YOUR FILM
With the template, format set, and cues identified, you’re ready to start making music! If you’re new to composing, try importing some pre-recorded loops that fit the scene. But also try to write a melody. Try different sounds and styles; how does the change in the music affect the meaning of the video? .

CREATE A FINAL MIX
Once the project is completed, go to FILE / EXPORT MOVIE. This will tie sound and film together as a self-contained file. This process is known as bouncing. .

Every composer should strive for a unique style. Using unique sounds can help set your work apart from others. Although using the “standard” instrument sounds that come with programs like Logic or Reason can get the job done, try developing your own by experimenting with each instrument’s controls. You’ll be amazed how altering the tonality of the instruments used in your score can change the entire feel of the movie.