Introduction to Music in Film and Video

Explore the theory and process of incorporating music with film and video projects—and gain understanding about the rules and workflow of various film score options.

Introduction

• Welcome

1. The Impact of Music

• The power of music: Emotion, subtext, information, and rhythm
• Music as a unifier and connector
• Background music and more: Examining the non-diegetic score
• Source music: Examining the diegetic score
• Instrumentation, style, and emotion

2. Setting Up Your Music Plan

• Before adding music: Analyzing your video project
• Choosing your music options: Create your own, license preexisting music, or hire a composer

3. Working with Preexisting Music

• Exploring free music options (public domain and Creative Commons)
• Using preexisting music (nonlibrary option)
• Using production music (library options: rights managed and royalty free)
• Finding the right production music for your film

4. Working with a Composer

• The spotting session: Planning the music cues
• Understanding the general workflow and review process for working with a composer
• An inside look: Conversations with editors and composers

Conclusion

• Next steps