ORCHESTRATION SONGWRITING & BUSINESS FOR FILM, TV & VIDEO GAMES
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“
Master Orchestral Composition with Live Instruments and Samples” ORCHESTRATION TION 1 by BEN NEWHOUSE FROM ORCHESTRA
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“
How To Compose For Any Scene— On Both the Big and Small Screens”
FROM SONGWRITING FOR FILM & TV by by BRAD HATFIELD
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“
Prepare Your Music for Any Visual Project”
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“
Video Game Sound Design”
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“
Learn Your Rights and Get Your Royalties”
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How To Navigate the Lucrative World of Song Placements”
FROM FILM SCORING 101 by DONALD WILKINS
FROM INTRODUCTION TO GAME AUDIO by JEA JEANINE NINE COWE COWEN N
FROM MUSIC LICENSING by SCOTT SELLWOOD
“
FROM MUSIC SUPERVISION by BRAD HATFIELD
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“
Creating Great Video Content”
FROM MUSIC VIDEO EDITING WITH FINAL CUT PRO by MEHDI HASSINE
MASTER OR CHESTRAL COMPOSITION WITH LIVE INSTRUMENTS AND SAMPLES FROM ORCHESTRATION 1
Orchestration is a complex discipline
around 20 strings. A large orchestra, on the
requiring expertise in both music structure
other hand, can have over 120 members.
and technological know how. We’re not
And growing one section of instruments
ju st talking about str in g arran gements
requires the others to grow as well to
and samples. That’s not even the tip
maintain a sense of balance.
of the iceberg. But fear not—all of the
Consider the biggest family of
techniques and skills
instruments
that I’ll cover here can
orchestral ensemble:
be
the
implemented
by
in
strings.
the
The
any songwriter in the
traditional
comfort of their own
family consists of the
digital home studio.
violin,
There are a few considerations
string
viola,
cello,
and double bass. The
you
pitch note in every
need to make as to the
string instrument is
makeup and the size of
determined
an orchestra. A small
length and thickness
orchestra may only
of the vibrating string,
have four woodwinds,
while
three brass, one to two
body
percussionists,
resulting sound. Even
and
3
the
by
the
wooden
amplifies
the
when writing for samples with the strings,
used in double, triple and quadruple stops,—
their ranges should still be considered
when the performer plays two, three, and
carefully. While it is possible to transpose a
four notes simultaneously. Double stops are
violin sample two octaves below its range,
the simplest to perform using an open string
the result would no longer sound like a
and one note on an adjacent string or—if not
violin.
using an open string—can be used to create
While the lower boundary of the violin
intervals of a third or sixth. Double-stops
range is very exact, the upper limit is very
are rate in orchestral literature and should
ambiguous. For orchestral writing, the
be used sparingly. That said, double stops
generally accepted upper limit is the E two
(along with triple- and quadruple-stops) can
octaves above the treble clef. However, individual soloists
be used to produce a
“
ORCHESTRATION IS, IN MANY WAYS,
ABOUT COLOR AND TONE.
can extend a fifth or more above this. The viola, slightly larger
”
loud and aggressive sound, and are quite effective on short,
accented chords.
than the violin has a lower pitch range and
The string family is particularly versatile
a darker, more brooding even when playing
group of instruments that can be played in
in the same ranges. The viola is commonly
a variety of ways. Simply bowing the string
used to play counterlines accompanying
will create a long, sustained note. Take care
other melodies, fill in needed harmonic
when using sampled sustained notes to
voices, and present its own melodic
note whether the note contains attack or
statements. The cello has a huge range,
release. String instruments can also play
extending from the low end of the bass
tremolos, staccato, pizzicato, crescendo
clef, through the tenor clef to the treble
and diminuendo (moving to and from a
clef. Finally, the double bass rounds out the
forte part, respectively), trilling, and runs.
orchestral string family, providing harmonic
But the string ensemble is still just one
foundation for the orchestra. Each open
of
strings
the on
these instruments carry a lot of power when played, but lack
vibrato
and
warmth. They are most
commonly
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element of the orchestra at large. Once
4.
the other instrumental families come into
wide variety of tone colors.
Great orchestral music utilizes a
play, then more questions need to be asked. Typically, orchestral ideas are organized in
5.
terms of foreground, middleground, and
color to enhance the emotions of the
background material. In this organization,
music.
the foreground material is a melody and
6.
the middleground is a countermelody. The
Great orchestral music uses tone
Great orchestral music uses a wide
variety of compositional structures.
background, in this case, will be whatever material is necessary to complete the
7.
harmonic and rhythmic structure.
Great orchestral music balances
simultaneous ideas in terms of
Everything that I’ve mentioned here
projection power.
I’ve learned over years of experience as a composer. As long as I have been scoring
8.
and composing, I’ve thought on the
the listener to the melody which
question, “What makes great orchestral
characteristics in addition to
music?” Well, orchestration is a lot of things.
Great orchestral music leads
just volume.
It’s emotionally challenging and engaging. Orchestral music, if it accompanies a visual
9.
work, serves a supplementary role. But it
lot of music out of just a few ideas.
Great orchestral music creates a
also serves to elevate. Orchestration is, in
10.
many ways, about color and tone. Suffice
Great orchestral music has a
logical musical form.
it to say, orchestration is h ard to pin down. Instead, I think there are twelve basic traits
11.
that all great orchestral music possesses.
Great orchestral music has
structural parallels between harmony, melody and key movements.
THE 12 BASIC TRAITS 1.
Great orchestral music is practical.
2.
Great orchestral music
12.
all characteristics of the music (orchestration, harmony, counterpoint, etc.) are coordinated to create a single
compositionally adjusts the musical
underlying emotional response.
ideas to suit the strengths of each instrument.
3.
In great orchestral music,
I’ll leave you with some food for thought. When I was a student, one of my professors
Great orchestral music utilizes the
had a piece of advice for me that I think
vast dynamic range of the orchestra.
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holds up today. He told me, “Over the years I’ve heard a lot of theories come and go. And the one thing that has always remained true throughout each Johnny-come-lately phase is this: Great composers make a lot of music out of just a few ideas. I bet that will still be true when you’re as old as me—if you can make it.”
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HOW TO COMPOSE FOR ANY SCENE— ON BOTH THE BIG AND SMALL SCREENS FROM SONGWRITING FOR FILM AND TV
It’s not enough to say that songwriting
Let’s start off with a few considerations
for a visual medium comes with its own
you need to make for your music as it works
set of considerations and rules. “Sure,”
for any audiovisual project. The music will
you may say. “I’m going to have to time
always be in service of what’s on screen;
my work for the picture, work with the
the fundamental role of music in a work is
director, and blah blah blah. Can we move
to enhance the emotions that the audience
on?” What you have to understand is that
is experiencing. This is the case across
composition for any visual medium—be
all visual mediums. There has also been a
it film, TV, or video gam es—demand a lot
move away in recent years from prepared
from any songwriter. It’s not enough that
underscore to use of licensable songs across
you’re a good collaborator and that you
all visual media. These considerations apply
have the right connections. And you can’t
to both film and television projects. The
just be a great composer in your own right,
rules for video games are a bit di fferent.
able to write a score strong enough to carry
While many games will call for memorable
the entire work. It’s all of that and so much
themes and underscore, the music will
more. But by perfecting your skills as a
likely compete with loud sound effects that
composer, knowing the players and h ow to
might be included as part of the gaming
work with them, and understanding your
experience. These are common sense
role and the expectations that are going
understandings and will vary a bit on a
to be demanded of you, you’ll be able to
project by project basis.
succeed as a songwriter for film and TV.
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So what are the expectations of the job?
As such, you’ll often be required to
As a songwriter for visual media, you’re often
compose something in the style of the temp
going to be writing “on demand,” writing
track, or a placeholder song that can ’t be
on assignment that will require quick turn
used for one reason or another. This isn’t a
around that fits the wants of those involved
soundalike composition, but the song you
with the visual work. Consider these things
write may need to have the same lyrical
to think about when you get a chance to
content, groove, instrumentation, or energy
talk directly with the people in search of a
as the temp track it’s replacing.
song for a project.
When writing music with cinematic usages in mind, you have to understand that
LISTEN FIRST, THEN ASK QUESTIONS.
an editor will tinker with the audio so the
When they first contact you, they will
song works best in the scene. You’ll have to
likely have ideas they want to get right
provide alternate mixes and takes, backing
out; this is your best chance to figure
tracks, and supply stems to the editors in
out what they really want.
order to give them some flexibility while they work. Consider the image below as though it
IF YOU ARE CAPABLE OF RECORDING THE CONVERSATION, ASK FOR THEIR PERMISSION TO RECORD IT. If you are capable of recording the conversation, ask for their permission to record it. That way you’ll really be able capture everything and refer back to it while you’re in the writing process. Consider using a computer application like iChat to record the conversation.
LOOK AT THE NEEDS FROM THEIR VIEW.
were a scene in a movie. How many different
They may have already visualized how
sources is your music going to be competing
the song is going to work. Try to pick
with? Where is your music going to be
up on that.
coming from here? Using these techniques
DON’T WORRY ABOUT HOW YOU’RE GOING
when producing your work will help an
TO WRITE THE SONG YET; YOU MIGHT NEED
editor get great results, even if they’re just
A COLLABORATOR OR HELP TO FINISH IT.
working with your full mix.
Use this opportunity to get an accurate
1.
description of the client’s needs.
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Use of consistent tempo
2.
Smart use of key changes
3.
Orchestrative changes
your prechoruses and choruses in a similar fashion, allowing easy jumps from one to the next. Let orchestrative colors begin and end
If you’re trying to achieve a steady
clearly instead of letting them bleed into
tempo, don’t be afraid to use click tracks.
one another. Editors will like working with
Bear in mind that playing to a click track
people that make their jobs easier, after all.
is an acquired skill for many musicians and
The issues we just went over will come
may be difficult for some players you record
up all the time in composition and song
with. Also you wouldn’t want to use a click
writing for film, TV, and video games. But
track if you were trying to record something
we’ve just barely scraped the surface. When
with a more rubato feel! Regarding key
you have a complete understanding of your
changes, sometimes the best modulation
role and the expectations collaborators
is no modulation! Most of the songs written
will have of you, when you have a capable
for visual works don ’t need to have a key
team of collaborators to help you deliver
change. If you need to switch keys but don’t
the final product, and you know the ins
have enough time to properly transition, a
and outs of the business then you’ll be on
well placed drum fill can be used to fill the
your way to making it in the world as a
“dead air” in the space between unprepared
commercial son gwriter. You can use all of
modulation (“I Will Always Love You,”
the techniques we mentioned here to make
anybody?). Finally, you can’t utilize all normal
yourself a more marketable songwriter. And
orchestrative practices, considering editing
the more marketable you are, the more work
issues. To keep things simple, orchestrate
possibilities will present themselves to you.
9
PREPARE YOUR MUSIC FOR ANY VISUAL PROJECT FROM FILM SCORING 101
Anyone
who
is
scoring
a
film,
in the scoring process. In every film or video
commercial, TV show, or video game
production, a decision needs to be made
needs to understand they are writing
whether or not music will be used in the
functional music. There’s a big distinction
production. The determinations that arise
between the music that is meant to stand
from these questions are referred to as
on its own and the music that is filling a
spotting. Typically, temp tracks will be used
support or supplementary role. Absolute
in every level of the production process,
music is self-sufficient and without stylistic
filling in and providing a framework of music
limitations. Functional music, on the other
expectations. These temp tracks have both
hand, is what you’ll hear in most films. It
streamlined and complicated the spotting
is music created to serve another purpose
process. After all, everyone is going to have
besides simply being music. It can be subtle
an opinion about the music for a project
accompaniment, sonic wallpaper, or the
and the temp track is going to help shape
engine driving any given scene. Composers
those opinions. It’s necessary to have a
have to understand that the functional
working knowledge of film techniques
music that they write for a project is not
and terminology. This will facilitate the
going to be the star of the show.
communication between yourself and
So let’s dive in. Spotting for music is
members of the production process who
a term you don’t often hear mentioned in
aren’t as musically inclined.
casual conversation but most composers
Composers will see the presentation of
agree that spotting is the most critical step
a scene before the audience. This rough
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assemblage of shots that comprise this
synchronization. What’s the conversion
collection of scenes is referred to as a work
from metronome to frame click tempo?
print and this version of the project will
The magic number to consider is 1440. This
lack the visual and sound enh ancements
is the number of total film frames in 60
that eventually follow. There are a number
seconds. So 144 will be the mm tempo of a
of abbreviations commonly used in the
10-frame click. But what frame click tempo
production process that are important to
is the same as mm 72? 20. You’ll reach
know. “CS” is short for “Close Shot”; “CU”
this number by dividing 1440 by the mm
for “Close Up”; “MLS” for “Medium Long
tempo (in this case, 72). The math is pretty
Shot”; “LS” for “Long Shot”, and so on. A cut
straightforward.
is the primary transition technique between
What about when music is being used
scenes, but the Dissolve or “Diss”—the
as the engine for action, when a scene
common overlapping of two scenes for a
calls for the music to change in order to
brief period—is a common method as well.
support developments in the story? These
So you may have the terminology down,
musical segues, or overlaps, can be created
you still have to work on the technical.
by sustaining the outgoing cue prior to
Synchronization is the most important
the point of overlap and introduce new
consideration of how your music is going to work with a visual element. Again, we’re going to need to have a solid grasp on the terminology. Picture
Cueing
involves
composing with a stopwatch for
a
more
free-flowing
quality, then later conducting the music to a video playback of specific scenes. This method of synchronization is supported by visual indicators, Streamers and Punches, that appear in the rough cut
material or by duplicating the orchestration
of the video. “Wild” timing isn’t as crazy
or texture at the point of overlap. The
as it sounds. This is a non-synchronous
former technique should be utilized when
method that is common when there are no
a seamless connection that feels like a
mechanical devices (click track/metronome
continuation in music is desired. The latter
or streamers/punches) that are used in
helps give more dramatic emphasis when
the production of the music. But say you
the outgoing cue hits on a desired visual
are using a metronome to help time your
point and the incoming cue starts from that
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point and elaborates with fresh musical
things can be rough. You’ll have to price
content. Both of these overlap techniques
out your work (never a pleasant task!) and
come with a few musical considerations.
start out small, scoring student films and
Duplication of the orchestration or texture
or other small projects. Be wary of people
requires compatibility between the two
who will want you to work for free with the
cues. Even if a non-tonal quality is occurring
promise of future work. But bear in mind
in the first cue, it needs to connect and
that any money you make starting out is
blend with the second.
less important than the experience and the
So these are just some of the basics of
screen credit you’ll gain from the project.
film scoring. Once you’ve got your technical
But as long as you keep yourself busy and
knowledge down, the next step will be
continue to learn and build your experience,
to break into the business. Starting out,
something good will result.
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VIDEO GAME SOUND DESIGN FROM INTRODUCTION TO GAME AUDIO
Game audio has enjoyed tremendous
technology and surround sound systems
growth in the last decade. The current release
have also contributed to elevating the audio
of nex-gen console hardware in conjunction
aspect in the gamin g experience. Despite
with advances in personal computers has
(or maybe because of) this, employment
allowed for more intricate and im mersive
opportunities in the industry are highly
audio soundtracks to be realized. Increases
competitive. Individuals who work in game
in quality in moderately priced home stereo
audio are not just musically and sonically
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creative but can also manage and implement
need to have a big, diverse microphone
the complete sound requirements of a
collection (though that would certainly be
project.
nice!) but you just need to understand how
So what goes into a video game audio
any mic you’re using is affected by sound.
project? The diagram on the left gives a basic
The polar pattern of a mic describes how
overview of the kinds of personnel that will be involved in the creation of a video game. And as a sound designer for a game you’ll be interacting with nearly every member of a team like this from very early on in the project. However game audio does not move at the same pace as the rest of the production elements. Most of the work that the sound designer will be doing will come in the last ½ or last ¼ of the project. This is because the audio of a game is beholden to the art and animation, two design elements that will be changed and tweaked as the game is created. Think about it this way; say you’re designing sound for a robot with missile launchers on each shoulder. At the last minute the Design team makes changes to said robot. Now instead of missile launch ers it has lasers and it’s twice the size that it
it reacts to sound pressure changes from
was going to be originally. That example
different angles, i ts directional sensitivity.
illustrates why game audio won’t be coming
An omnidirectional mic will respond to all
first in the production process. If it did you
sounds equally, regardless of direction. A
would always be redoing your work, over
bidirectional mic will respond to pressure
and over again.
changes only in the front or rear of the
Creating original sound-design elements
microphone. Cardioid or unidirectional
and signature sounds increases your ability
mics have directional sensitivity along the
to create a fresh, innovative, and unique
front of the mic or on-axis. Shotgun mics
sound experience. A big part of that is how
(generally used on location) are considered
you record your sounds. Now you don’t
ultra carotid. The important thing to bear
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in mind when choosing mics is that each
after a goal has been scored. The sound we
is going to receive the sound differently.
hear is related to the images on the screen
Do you want a lot of ambient noise from
(diegetic) and the sound design team is
the room? Then you wouldn’t want to use a
attempting to make the environment as
shotgun mic, for example.
“real” as possible (literal). No matter what
While the technical aspect of recording
the project, the sound design team’s job is
is fairly straightforward, there are some
to create a believable sonic space. That said,
issues of aesthetics that we should address
believable is not necessarily synonymous
here. As the sound designer, it’s critical to
with true-to-life. This is where conjectural
have a clear concept and plan for the use
sounds come in. Sounds that don’t really
and function of sound within the structure
have a real-world sonic equivalent are
of the game. There are two major theoretical
referred to as nonliteral sounds. With
approaches sound designers for film that
nonliteral sounds you can attach unexpected
can also be applied to gaming:
sounds to visual elements seen onscreen or you can add sounds not specifically related
•
realistic/literal vs. conjectural/
to onscreen action visuals to ch ange the
commentary sound •
player’s perspective of the environment. The way these sounds provide clues to the
diegetic vs. non-diegetic sound
player, the way they subtly move the action In short, diegetic and literal sounds are
or the emotional energy of a game means
both representations of actual sound in a
they provide commentary or conjecture on
project. Imagine typical scene for a sports
any given scene or sequence. Finally we’ll touch on some of the
game; a soccer stadium cheering just
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elements of the mix that you will work
the surround mixer, to creatively adjust all
with as a sound designer. Today’s console
the nonvisual-based sounds within that full
and computer games are all deli vered in
speaker arrangement.
full surround sound. The industry standard
At the end of the day, game audio boils
during the production process is that the
down to your expertise and professionalism.
composer/sound designer delivers each
The efficient delivery of your assets is key
track of a typical 5.1 surround setup as a
to your success and continued employment
separate, individually mixed track. In a full 5.1
in the game industry. As you begin your
surround set up, six individual speakers will
investigation of work within the industry
be playing back six discrete tracks: L(eft),
you will want to prepare not only lists
R(ight), C(enter), Ls (Left surround), Rs
of possible employment opportunities
(Right surround), and LFE (Low Frequency
but about your personal presentation to
Effects). When working with surround,
prospective employers. But fear not. The
the number one consideration is that you
game industry needs many more qualified
have independent control over all the
individuals whose passion is sound and
discrete channels. This is because in a game
music and have the ability to propel an
environment there is much more happening
interactive world’s audio experience.
than what we see on the screen. Every sound element will be complementing a companion visual element that will be coming from one of the three front speakers, the LCR group, and the rear LsRs group. How you utilize this arrangement is really up to you. There are no standards for how to treat surround speakers or how to integrate front to rear panning, front to opposite rear panning or even circular motion around the speakers. The opportunity exists for you, as
16
LEARN YOUR RIGHTS AND GET YOU R ROYALTIE S FROM MUSIC LICENSING
Music Licensing is ubiquitous. There are
For music licensing, you’ll need to leave
artists making $10,000 on Twitter in one
your inhibitions about selling out at the
night, reaching millions and millions of
door. Let’s take a look at textbook licensing
listeners on a daily basis, and are earning
success story, electronic artist Moby’s
every cent that is owed to them in royalties
album Play, released in 1999. Traditional
and revenues. But only because they have
avenues of promotion weren’t working for
an understanding the licensing game.
the record during the release cycle. The
Recording
agreements,
public
album’s blend of gospel and electronica
performances, distribution agreements,
initially found a home on mainstream radio
and film and TV soundtracks are all founded
and didn’t serve to expand Moby’s fanbase
upon a licensing agreement. In today’s
on its own. As a result, Moby and his
entertainment industry, there are more ways
team worked to make his songs available
to exploit your music than ever before. Yes,
for use in a number of commercial
I said exploit. For any artist interested in
opportunities, from commercials to TV
reaching as a large an audience as possible
shows and films. This unprecedented level
and who want to make a living through
of placement had the result of getting
their music, a sound licensing strategy is
every single track on Play licensed for some
a necessity. Licensing may be a complex
commercial opportunity. While some might
world to navigate—especially in the United
cry foul over the level of branding that Moby
States—but you can learn how to represent
associated himself and his work with, he
and monetize your own catalog of material.
successfully challenged the notion that
17
artistry and brand association don’t mix.
from the placement of music in visual
So what does a license do? A license
media to the performance royalties from
allows the copyright holder (or licensor) to
performances of works on TV, radio, online
give another (the licensee) the ability to use
streams or in venues. I ndeed, performance
the copyrighted work in a certain manner. A
royalties now account for nearly three-
license, in other words, is a grant of rights.
quarters of artists’ revenues. This is thanks
These rights can apply to one or both of the
to the new performance opportunities that
copyrights that are associated with every
advances in technology have provided, such
musical recording.
as online interactive streaming services.
•
The words and music of the
A PUBLIC PERFORMANCE IS:
underlying song are known as the music composition and it is owned by the
1.
songwriter or a music publisher.
The performing of music directly
(i.e. live musicians, choir) to an •
The
copyright
of
the
sound
audience “where a substantial number
recording is known as the master. The
of persons outside of a normal circle of
master is an audible rendition of the
a family and its social acquaintances is
composition. The copyright to the
gathered.”
master is owned by whoever produced it, typically the artist or the record label
2.
they’re associated with.
boombox or MP3 player, DJ) in a venue
The playing music via a device (i.e.
where a substantial number of people are gathered.
It’s worth noting that the composition can be licensed by itself. For example, a
3.
cover version of a song will only require
The transmission of music to
members of the public (i.e. radio
the licensing of the composition. However,
broadcast, internet radio) whether the
the master cannot be licensed without also
transmission can be received at the
licensing the composition. As the master is
same time or at different times.
an audible rendition of the composition, the music composition can be thought of as
It’s not enough to just get yourself and
embedded within the master. Any kind of
your songs registered with a PRO, though
license, for the composition or the master
that is a hugely important step. In order to
or both can be used to generate some
maximize the revenue that you can earn
revenue.
from performance royalties, make sure that
This revenue can take many dif ferent
all writing credits are in order. Bear in mind
shapes, from synchronization fees earned
18
that the money from royalties is going to
decision makers as far as your music goes,
be following the information. If you’re the
given the various methods of access they
primary songwriter or only songwriter in
have at their disposal. The core primary
your group, this means representing yourself
consideration of representation in any form
as such. There’s a certain administrational
is to be exclusive or not exclusive. Non-
aspect to this. Registering cue sheets
exclusive deals allow artists to pursue a
with PROs when commercial placement
number of avenues and potentially court
opportunities arise, for example, might not
direct offers from licensors. Exclusivity with
be sexy, but it could determine whether or
the right agent or service, on the other hand,
not you’re earning the performance royalties
can provide placement opportunities that
from those placements. You can request
would otherwise be unavailable through
copies of the cue sheets and records like
direct offers.
this from supervisors or producers of the
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again:
projects you’re working on.
licensing is complex. Professionals that
I mentioned earlier that representing
have been in the game for years can still
your own material is certainly possible. But
find themselves learning every day in a
many artists are understandably too bu sy to
constantly changing environment. But
effectively exploit their own work. There are
licensing has the power to get a defunct
a number of different options that an artist
band with members that aren’t talking to
can choose from for representation of their
each other revenue on an ongoing basis.
catalog. In-house staff can be brought on
Learn how to register and manage your
while artist turn to third party agents and
works and stay creative! You’ll n ever know
online databases/storefronts. Each avenue
when the perfect opportunity will present
has advantages and disadvantages. There’s
itself.
no perfect way of getting your music out to music supervisors and producers, the
19
HOW TO NAVIGATE THE LUCRATIVE WORLD OF SONG PLACEMENTS FROM MUSIC SUPERVISION
Combining music with visuals and other
understand the budgetary and creative
media is one of the strongest and vibrant
concerns of supervisors to better improve
segments of the music industry today. The
their writer’s chances of placement.
thing is, anybody can be a music supervisor
There’s a lot to consider when you start
at some point during the production
formulating what music might work for a
process. What I mean is that its an aspect
scene or project. What you’re looking to
of the production job that both music and
accomplish with any project is the creation
non-music people are going to be involved
of a unified feeling. Let’s consider the
in at one time or another. TV producers
movie Borat. That film is a great example
might be forced to find something quickly
of character-driven music supervision. In
as a replacement spot or a music editor
that film, the gypsy style tunes follow the
might need to supply a track for a scene,
titular character as he travels across the
for example. It’s an important job in both a
United States. Borat’s infatuation with
financial and creative sense.
Pam Anderson’s character in Baywatch
In other words, knowing how to operate
is signaled with “Ederlezi”, a traditional
as a music supervisor is going to greatly
Eastern European folk song. Once this track
increase your attractiveness as a music
is played in a montage sequence early in
professional. It’s a benefit for songwriters
the film, the audience only needs to hear a
to know how to work with a potential
motive before we are immediately drawn
music supervisor as it will level the creative
into the character’s thoughts. The audience
playing field. Publishers would do well to
and their knowledge is always the top
20
consideration for any placement.
to the basic contracts used in the song
Knowing how music works with visual
placement process. Blanket master/sync
content is certainly important in music
licenses are typically used by networks,
supervision. But to get music placed on
allowing them to use a track over the entire
any audiovisual content, you’ll need to
network whenever they want without
understand the ins and outs of licenses. A
issuing a new license or pay additional fees
master/synchronization and performance
for the use. Mechanical licenses are going to
license is the license that you will encounter
be used when a song is made available for
the most as a music supervisor. There are a
purchase separate from the visual media it
few steps that you need to complete before
was used in.
you can reach the completed, executable
There’s a great deal of crossover
music license. Due diligence is necessary
between the worlds of music supervision
here; between researching the various rights
for films and TV. Music supervision for video
holders and fee negotiation, the process
games, on the other hand, comes with its
can become complex very quickly.
own production hierarchy. In this world, the game publisher operates not unlike a book publisher. They oversee the content of
STEP 1: Establish correct contact
the game as well as the marketing, market
information for rights holders.
research, manufacturing, and advertising of the final product. What was once simply
STEP 2: Prepare license request
“bleeps and bloops” have transformed into fully produced audio tracks featuring
STEP 3: Send license request/proposal
anything from rock, hip-hop, and electronica, to scores featuring a full orchestra. One
STEP 4: Negotiate fees
unique aspect of video game music is that the music in the work rarely comes to an
Many aspects of the li censing process
actual end, instead cross-faded with the
are customizable, from the type of license
next cue. Another unique quality of scored
that it is (master use, sync or performance
music for video games is the ability to
license, or a combination of both) and the
reduce the number of stems that the gamer
duration of the license to the territories that
might be hearing at any point. This would
the work will be distributed in and whether
be the equivalent of a bandleader asking
the work will be credited. Many licensing
certain instrumentalists to lay out during
contracts consist of standard or boilerplate
the score. But what about the money and
language that will stay the same for the
the exposure? As a composer, you could
majority of uses. There are some variations
earn a fixed amount for every game unit
21
sold, a fixed amount once a certain number
This demand, fueled by new technology, has
of copies are sold, or a one-time fee once
created the need a new position: the music
sales hit a landmark amount. The level of
supervisor. Even if you’re not interested in
exposure for video game song placements
pursuing a career in supervision, chances
is unparalleled, with the songs in video
are that you’re going to be working in that
games played more frequently and with a
position occasionally over the course of
greater connection with a captive listener
your career. Understandin g the role of a
then any other medium—especially top 40
music supervisor will broaden your career
radio!
horizons as a music professional, expanding
The new uses in video games illustrates
your both your artistic and financial sense.
the point that the amount of mixed media experiences have exploded in recent years.
22
GREAT VIDE O CONTE NT FROM MUSIC VIDEO EDITING WITH FINAL CUT PRO
your video happens before you even
“THERE IS BUT ONE ART, TO OMIT.”
open Final Cut Pro. As a creator you need
—Robert Louis Stevenson
to establish a method of organizing your media. This is referred to as your workflow;
Over time the marriage of quality
all of the elements, tasks, tools, methods,
musical content with equally compelling
and resources involved in the process of
visual elements has become more and more
completing your project from start to finish.
important. Music videos have kickstarted
To accomplish this I highly recommend
the careers of numerous artists and bands in
getting an external hard drive for audio and
recent years. Visual content has expanded
video content. Without a dedicated drive
the potential audience for many musicians,
your hard drive can become overburdened
helping many independent make music
processing too many tasks, leading to
their careers now more than ever before.
sluggish or choppy performance. There are a few other technical considerations to
The
standard
program
for
many
make when looking for a dedicated drive for
producers at both the amateur and
your video:
professional level is Apple’s Final Cut Pro. Knowing how to effectively use this •
software will allow anyone to create high-
Your drive should be at least
7200 RPM.
quality content on their own. However, one of the most important steps in creating
23
Your drive should have at least
edit types that allow you to insert, append,
one Firewire 800 port. Thunderbolt is a
overwrite, and replace footage within your
newer, faster alternative to Firewire, and
project.
•
is also acceptable if your computer is equipped for it.
1.
Insert edits automatically shift all
content that follows in the timeline by
Now let’s take a look at the layout
the duration of the clip.
of Final Cut Pro X, the software’s current release. The Event Library all ows you to
2.
organize all of the media that you are going
Append edits are insert edits that
will automatically attach your selection
to use for you project. Media in the Event
to the very end of your current
Library is organized into events, which are
storyline. Note that Insert and Append
essentially folders. Clicking on an event in
edits both affect the overall duration
the Event Library will display the contained
of your video so they can throw off the
media in the Event Browser. The Timeline
visual sync of your project if you’re not
below displays a horizontal arrangement of
using them carefully.
your clips as a finished project. The Viewer will preview content selected in either the
3.
Event Browser or the Timeline. Fin ally, the
Overwrite edits will lay the
incoming clip over any media at
Toolbar allows for quick access to some of
the designated edit point, leaving
the most common tools and features that
the overall duration of the video
you will need when creating your project.
unaffected.
Now that we have an understanding of how everything is going to work, let’s move
4.
to some basic editing. You can assemble
variation on an overwrite edit to replace
and modify your music video project using
a previously added clip of footage in
Replace edits allow us to perform a
the timeline.
These edits can be made through a few different ways. Dragging and dropping into place is an intuitive exercise but you’ll want to use the Playhead and the Skimmer markers
more
often
than
not. The Playhead, indicated
24
visually by a small, gray
effect. There’s also a
arrow and line running
pretty
vertically through the
of possible transition
timeline, shows where
effects found in the
the playback for your
Transitions
program will start. The
Audio transitions work
Skimmer, a vertical
in the same fashion
pink line, acts as the
though Final Cut does
default position for
not have a built-in library
playback when it is on
of audio transitions to
and lets you preview
choose from.
material in other parts
variety
Browser.
These are just some
of the production. Straight
good
of
the
more
basic
edits
concepts involved with
are going to be your
editing in Final Cut Pro.
bread
butter.
Every piece of footage
But there are times
tells a very distinct story
and
when cuts like these will be undesirable.
and the decision about what to keep and
We may want to make use of transition
what to cut is as important as where in your
effects when a straight cut would create an
program it belongs. The abili ty to create
undesirable visual jump, you’re transitioning
compelling video content isn’t just limited
to a completely different time or part of the
to music video making musicians. The best
story, or two shots happen to create a very
way to enter into a music conversation is
appealing third image when superimposed.
to create and share great content, whether
To apply a transition effect, select the clip
you’re a blogger, audio engineer, musician,
or clip boundary where you want to add the
or educator. So why limit the ways you can
transition. From here, hitting Command+T
communicate?
will automatically apply a cross dissolve
25
ONLINE COURSES IN ORCHESTRATION, SONGWRITING, AND BUSINESS FOR FILM, TV & VIDEO GAMES STUDY WITH THE RENOWNED FACULTY OF BERKLEE COLLEGE OF MUSIC FROM ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, WITH ONLINE COURSES AT BERKLEEMUSIC.COM
ONLINE COURSES •
Orchestration 1
•
Orchestration 2: Writing
CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS MASTER CERTIFICATES (8-12 COURSES)
Techniques for Full Orchestra •
•
•
•
Film Scoring 101 Songwriting for Film and TV
SPECIALIST CERTIFICATES (3 COURSES)
Music Composition for Film and TV
•
Music Video Editing with
•
Music for Film & TV
•
Orchestrating and Producing Music for Film and Games
Final Cut Pro •
Orchestration for Film and TV
Audio Post Production for Film and TV
•
The Language of Film and TV
•
Introduction to Game Audio
•
Music Supervision
•
Music Licensing
•
Orchestration for Film and TV
