subject: Production Music Will Set The Tone For Your Film Or Video [print this page] Production Music Will Set The Tone For Your Film Or Video
The soundtrack is an important element in conveying emotion and setting the tone in feature length or short films. Finding the right production music for both narrative and documentary films is a key part in ensuring the success of the project. If you are producing a film for the first time, or you are struggling to find music that conveys the right tone, the following tips may be able to help you select the perfect tracks.
It is important to ensure that the production music will complement the action in the film. While this may seem like an obvious point, selecting a genre that will connect with the characters on screen or the subject matter can be difficult. Some film makers choose to select music that their characters might choose to listen to in their own lives, while others prefer music that, through lyrics, mimics the on-screen relationships.
Whatever the size of your film, producers must obtain the rights for any copyrighted music that they wish to include in their project. Any film that will be screened publicly must pay royalty fees, or receive permission, from the copyright holder of the music. The rights, or the contact information for the holder of the rights, can generally be obtained from the record label on which the track was released.
Films that are on a tight budget will often opt for public domain production music. This means that the music itself is no longer copyrighted, and there is no need to obtain permission to use it in a film. Typically, this includes classical music and even some early jazz. Producers should keep in mind, however, that even if the music itself is no longer protected, it is possible that a particular recording or arrangement is. When in doubt, contacting an intellectual property lawyer is a wise idea. For those who know talented musicians, you may even be able to use the original sheet music to record your own score.
Once the music has been selected and the film has been edited, you can begin to add the soundtrack. Being dynamic at this stage and ensuring that the music adds to, but does not overwhelm, your story is a necessary part of successful sound design. If possible, screen a rough cut with the soundtrack included for an honest audience who will give you feedback and allow you to make changes before festival submission or meetings with distributors.
A well produced film will include a soundtrack that complements the action but does not overwhelm it. If using popular or recorded music, always make sure that you have received the proper permissions before it is included in your film.
