Composing

Stage 32’s founder and CEO, Richard “RB” Botto, shares two videos in today’s blog.

In the first video, infamous film composer John Williams breaks down how he has come up with some of the most iconic film scores of all time.

In the second video, director Damien Chazelle of “La La Land” and “Whiplas...

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Using stock music in film can be limiting for several reasons, particularly when compared to having a composer create original music that is tailored specifically for the project. I have used it, yet I understand the principles of synchrony. There are moments you certainly would not want to use it....

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I did do production work in Hip Hop back in the early 90s in a studio in Bronx producing R&B.

Here are some reasons why stock music may not always be functional for film:

Lack of Customization: Stock music is pre-made and may not perfectly fit the mood, tone, or pacing of a particular scene. It lacks the ability to be customized to match the specific emotions, dynamics, or narrative beats of the film.

Generic Sound: Stock music is often designed to be versatile and usable in a wide range of projects. As a result, it can sound generic or uninspired, lacking the unique character and personality that custom-composed music can provide.

Limited Options: While there is a vast library of stock music available, the options may still be limited compared to the creative possibilities that come with original composition. With a composer, filmmakers have the opportunity to explore a wider range of musical styles, instrumentation, and techniques to find the perfect fit for their project.

Lack of Synchronicity: Stock music is not composed specifically for the rhythm, pacing, and choreography of the film's visual elements. When a composer creates music tailored to the movement and dynamics of the scenes, it enhances the overall synchronicity and immersion of the audience, much like dance choreography with perfect synchrony.

Originality and Uniqueness: Original music composed for a film adds a layer of originality and uniqueness to the project. It becomes an integral part of the storytelling process, complementing the visuals and enhancing the audience's emotional engagement with the film in a way that stock music often cannot replicate.

Creative Collaboration: Working with a composer allows for creative collaboration between the filmmaker and the musician. This collaboration can lead to a deeper understanding of the film's themes, characters, and narrative arc, resulting in music that is truly integrated into the fabric of the film.

Alexander Benra

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- Ashley Renee Smith
- Linwood Bell
8 months ago

Thank you for this link - honestly it is the first time I heard this song. In my opinion the "magic" comes from the whispering voice with the breathing. That creates an intimacy. in melody or chords I do not see something special.

Ashley Renee Smith

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- Linwood Bell
8 months ago

Interesting read, Linwood Bell! Thank you for sharing! I'm not the biggest Billie fan normally, but I do find something very captivating about this song.

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Maurice Vaughan

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- Leonardo Ramirez
9 months ago

I'm working on a spec script, and I'm listening to the "Jaws" theme as I write it, Leonardo Ramirez. Perfect score to listen to when working on a suspenseful script.

Leonardo Ramirez

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- Maurice Vaughan
9 months ago

That's awesome, Maurice Vaughan. For each script, I've fallen into the habit of picking one piece that influences the overall screenplay and run with that.

Like listening to the same score/song over and over as you write, Leonardo Ramirez?

I know that sounds odd but in some cases, it's worked very well Maurice Vaughan. It keeps the tone consistent throughout the script.

Definitely, Leonardo Ramirez. I do the same thing.

Nick Phillips

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4 people like this
9 months ago

Loong overdue for both of them!

I've been a Terence Blanchard fan since Malcolm X, his score for that was amazing and it was one of his first!

Linwood Bell

For those that might not know...here's John's son. https://youtu.be/s021m2C7-aI?feature=shared&t=2001

Elena Maro

Thanks for sharing, Navid Lancaster ! So well deserved! And Terence Blanchard's webinar is fantastic!

John January Noble

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2 people like this
- Navid Lancaster
- Maurice Vaughan
9 months ago

Navid Lancaster Thaks Man !

9 months ago

Yessss, very cool article. Thanks for posting Linwood Bell!

What a great read! Thank you so much for posting, Linwood Bell !

Awesome share, Linwood Bell! Thank you!

Linwood Bell Thanks !

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9 months ago

How cool!

Thanks so much for sharing, Navid Lancaster. I haven't used them yet, but the moment I do I will let you know how it goes ;)

Yes, please update us when you do, Elena Maro!

Miquiel Banks

I didn't know about this, sorry. I have been using the Musio and East West Plugins for Cinematic Material....I'll go to the page and check it out. Thanks for sharing!!!

Navid Lancaster thanks !

I’ve been a fan forever. I’m old enough to have bought Big Pink and still have it.

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- John January Noble
9 months ago

Same here Linwood Bell!

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10 months ago

These are excellent points you make.

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- Mario Leone
- Maurice Vaughan
10 months ago

100% spot on. Thank you so much for sharing Mario Leone !

i absolutely agree with you. Stock pictures and stock music really starts to annoy me and could really result in disliking the video or movie

Morgan Aitken

Good points about stock music. What I wonder, as I play game apps with stunning soundtracks, apparently programmed by developers with no musical background or training, is how do sound libraries not f...

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- Rachel Walker
- Maurice Vaughan
9 months ago

Nathaniel Leivas , congratulations on finishing your song! If you are looking to connect to filmmakers to pitch your song to, well, you are in the right place! Have fun networking here on Stage 32 and...

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2 people like this
- Rachel Walker
- Elena Maro
9 months ago

Hi, Nathaniel Leivas. I agree with Elena Maro about having fun with networking on here. I treat networking like having fun and building relationships.

Networking is one of the most important things for...

Rachel Walker

Congratulations on your composition!! Well done Nathaniel!!

Nathaniel Leivas, Elena is right! The best way to network here on Stage 32 is to be more involved and active within the lounges regularly. That’s the best way to be seen and noticed. The most effectiv...

Nathaniel Leivas

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- Elena Maro
- Maurice Vaughan
9 months ago

Thank you very much for your advice

regards

Maurice Vaughan Music is an art that makes the film brighter. Like SILENCE OF THE LAMBS. Too bad he didn't get the OSCAR for music.

I haven't seen "The Silence of the Lambs" in a long time, John January Noble. I'll listen for the music when I watch it again.

Maurice Vaughan HAWRD SHORE AND THE MUSICIAN

Maurice Vaughan PORTUGUESE VERSION

Great title, Fran Harris! Take Charge Tuesday. You got me pumped up to work on my projects! Looking forward to the AMA!

Love it! Thanks for sharing, Fran!

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- Elena Maro
10 months ago

You're welcome, Randy Calligan.

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- Maurice Vaughan
10 months ago

See you in the Introduce Yourself Lounge, Randy Calligan . Happy networking!

Joel Irwin

In my 'day job', I am a wedding videographer. Most of the videos (not mine) are 'cinematic' meaning they are essentially short films that most of the time do not use the actual audio but rather overla...

Duane Carlton Merritt

From my experience working on feature films, a lot of it is really about networking and even cold emailing at times, especially if you have a website with a portfolio on it.

Pat Alexander

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2 people like this
- Maurice Vaughan
- Duane Carlton Merritt
9 months ago

for fun to practice my editing, i used to go download a bunch of random footage from pexels and just cut it together lots of which ways with different music just to see how it feels

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