Composing

Discuss, share content, offer tips and advice on hardware, software, style, strategies, process, work-flow and the business of scoring a film, video or theater production

Kat Spencer
Are you new to Stage 32 or looking to get more out of your time here?

Join the FREE Stage 32 Community Open House this Friday, May 30th at 12:00 pm PT / 3:00 pm ET!

Learn how to build meaningful industry connections, explore resources, and get live tips for making Stage 32 work for you. Plus, join in on a live challenge for your chance to win a FREE Stage 32 Webinar or...

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Leonardo Ramirez 2
Join the FREE Stage 32 Community Open House this Friday, May 30th at 12:00 pm PT / 3:00 pm ET!

Are you new to Stage 32 or looking to get more out of your time here?

Learn how to build meaningful industry connections, explore resources, and get live tips for making Stage 32 work for you. Plus, join in on a live challenge for your chance to win a FREE Stage 32 Webinar or Executive Pitch Session!...

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Maurice Vaughan
4 Ways Video Games Shaped My Approach To Composing

Shanika Freeman shares the four ways games shaped his approach to composing in today’s blog.

What’s your approach to composing music? Post it in the comments below or the blog comments.

www.stage32.com/blog/4-ways-video-games-shaped-my-approach-to-composing-......

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Maurice Vaughan

"Other times, it is hearing sounds around me whether nature or others tones of voice." That reminds me of how I get script ideas sometimes, Sherri ZImmerman. Sorry to hear you were in the hospital. I...

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Sherri ZImmerman

Maurice No longer here.

Sherri ZImmerman

Very interesting about you receiving scripts that way... very interesting. Miss you alot!

Maurice Vaughan

You're welcome, Sherri ZImmerman. It's great to see you again.

Sherri ZImmerman

DITTO. If I could put a HEART symbol here I would... LOL

Kat Spencer
Musicians have writer's block too....

Hi All! I just shared this with the authors lounge, but it applies to musicians and composers too, so in case you miss it there, here it is again! I hope you have a fantastic Friday and weekend. Please share your thoughts on how you get past writer's block: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IW3xOS_IYs...

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Geoff Hall
10 Blues Documentaries to Watch After ā€˜Sinners’

Yes, I’ve just posted something in the lounge about the music of Ryan Coogler’s film, ā€˜Sinners’.

This popped up in one of my social media feeds and I just had to share it with you.

What’s your favourite documentary? Who’s your favourite blues musician?

https://www.thewrap.com/blues-documentaries-to-watch-after-sinners/

Geoff Hall
Ryan Coogler's 'SINNERS' - the music

Last night I went with my son to see the much lauded film, 'Sinners'. We came out absolutely amazed and enthused, for such a beautifully made supernatural horror film with a difference - and that difference was the music.

It gave us a totally immersive experience, so much so that if you asked me whic...

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Kevin Kancel
Getting into the zone : Share your tips !

Hi everyone !

Do any of you have particular tips or personal rituals that help you get straight into that creative flow?

I'm a composer and pretty new here. I mostly compose dark ambient and orchestral music, and as some of you know, this type of work often requires diving deep into your inner world....

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Kevin Kancel

Ashley Renee Smith Thank you for your reply ! The candles seem to be an effective help. For me, it's more about emotional instinct. I close my eyes, take slow and deep breaths, block out every other a...

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Allen Lynch

I try to make sure that my workspace is free from clutter and remove any potential distractions (mute phone). These simple steps help prepare/remind me to relax and focus on the project at hand.

Kevin Kancel

Thank you Allen Lynch for your reply !

Kerry Kennard

Last night I did a Trailer for an associate / producer.

I dove right in, Granted, I set up some sounds the night before. One small Framework.

Then, from the Producer’s example, / YouTube video, I went f...

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Pamela Jaye Smith

"Real world" pretty well still works, it seems.

Kat Spencer
Why Does Music Often Take a Back Seat During Production?

It blows my mind how often music is treated like an afterthought in the production process.

We all know music is the thing that brings the emotional weight. It drives the moment, defines the energy, and sticks with the audience long after the credits roll. And yet… how many times have you heard:

ā€œWe j...

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Pamela Jaye Smith

Classical radio station KUSC.org often features music from the movies, and now even games as well. All still in the vein of classical.

Ayanna Anene

Yes, music has such an impact on the final effect of a film! I also understand budget often plays a role in song selection, since well known tracks have significantly higher licensing costs than others.

Kat Spencer

Ayanna Anene very true! which means, it should be easier for us little guys to get placed. hahahaha

Kerry Kennard

Probably way too many, Kat.

Those Temp tracks are really stuck in ā€˜some’

Producer’s head. (Some).

The other part is waiting for Post Production/

Lock … or unlock - lol (smiles).

Kat Spencer
Some beautiful thoughts for your weekend...

What emotions are currently fueling your creations?

Kat Spencer

That's awesome Maurice Vaughan! I love that. Being excited about your work is THE best place to be.

Monobjo Valerio Silvestri

Hi Kat, I’m currently working on TAROT, a performance in which each piece is inspired by a Major Arcana card.

Emotionally, I’d say I’m fueled by a mix of reverence and mystery, seeking that space between the sacred and the subconscious.

Allen Lynch

Hey Kat, cool question. I'm excited about finalizing the score for a horror feature.

Kat Spencer

That sounds very intriguing Monobjo Valerio Silvestri

Kat Spencer

Allen Lynch Awesome! I wish I could watch it. But I don't do scary hahahaha

Joel Irwin
Silence

I have from my scoring beginning assumed that any non-dialog section especially silence needed music. On a recent project, I scored a scene where the actress was crying. My filmmaker was insistent that it needed no music.

Today, in light of recent events with the election of a new pope, I re-watched...

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Ashley Renee Smith

This is such a thoughtful reflection, and a valuable reminder that silence can be just as powerful, if not more so, than music in the right moment. It’s all about emotional space.

It immediately brough...

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Allen Lynch

Two great points, Joel. Silence can be just as powerful as a musical cue. And there's nothing better than being on the same page as the decision makers.

Suzanne Bronson
Phoenix Metro Area Composers!

In person networking meetup next week! RSVP below:

https://www.stage32.com/meetups/2030

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