Composers

[Brainmuncher]

Any other composers around?
I'm just interested in the creative process for writing film music...where do you get the inspiration?
I usually tend to write a theme after i read the script (or while i'm writing it), as you get a clearer picture of the charachters (in my opinion), but I think it's also common to write music after seeing the film (certainly the timing will be a plus).

Just curious...

[Kev Owens]

I refer you to Pauldrystonewall who usually posts links to his work on his website here-

http://www.hostboard.com/cgi-bin/ult...c/f/410/t/5245

http://www.hostboard.com/cgi-bin/ult...c/f/410/t/5190

[Patriarch]

Hi...

I also start when I get the script (when I do). Sometimes I hear abour a project while its still on an idea basis. This happens sometimes when I work with a director on another project and they start telling me about the next.

Currently im scoring an american feature. I read the script like maybe a year ago, and started composing themes for the major characters. Then about a week ago the film was completed as a rough cut, and ive begun scoring varrious clips.

Im off now, since my deadline is soon [img]biggrin.gif[/img]

[pauldrystonewall]

hey,

i pretty much start on themes as soon as i get involved in the project in any way at all, either from the script, or even just a chat with the director or producer.

i find this just gives me a headstart for when i finally get the film to work with.

sure, there is a chance that you might have to throw all your ideas out and start again, but i like to at least get my brain thinking in the right direction.

but speaking for myself, i work on musical ideas constantly....for projects or just for fun. so i very rarely have to start work "cold". so for example, if am asked to score a thriller, there is a good chance that i have some ideas lying around that can provide a springboard to the finished piece....the finished music may not bare any resemblance to the idea, but it all helps!

[Brainmuncher]

and started composing themes for the major characters

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">This is a technique I have never really understood...it seems bizarre to me that person's charachter could be adapted into a theme
Is it? I've heard its quite common

[pauldrystonewall]

it's a very effective technique indeed, and fairly common.

i think one of the best examples of this is not actually film music...try listening to "peter and the wolf" by prokofiev. that will demonstrate the idea brilliantly.


however, don't worry that you HAVE to do it this way....there are as many ways to score a film as there are films!

i am actually just starting out in this business, so i am reading a book called "knowing the score" by david morgan. i can wholeheartedly recommend it, it gives some great insight to how various composers approach their work.

[Patriarch]

I also do character themes when appropriate. Many films however dont lend them selves to this technique, in which case I rather make a theme for the movie itself - One that defines the moo dof the film

[pauldrystonewall]

another way around it is to use the same theme, but on different instruments.

if i remember rightly...(which i probably don't!) the lethal weapon films used eric clapton on guitar for mel gibson, and david sanborn on sax for danny glover.....but that's michael kamen for you!

i also want to point out that christian here is head and shoulders above me composition and experience wise...so feel free to ignore me at anytime! [img]wink.gif[/img]

[sn-films]

John Williams does some great stuff as far as giving characters their own themes. In the original Star Wars, there is the "imperial march" for scenes with Darth Vader, Princess Leah has a theme, farmer Lukey has a theme, and yes, the Force has a theme as well.

<font color="#a62a2a" size="1">[ November 18, 2003 11:34 PM: Message edited by: sn-films ]</font>

[Brainmuncher]

So how would that work? Do you tone the charachter down and then base the theme on that simplified person, or the other way around?