Composing

I agree with you, music has an amazing ability to balance emotional state. And it doesn't matter whether you listen to it or it's born within you.

Chris Stefans, you are right. I only recognized my songwriting ability in April of this year. In that time, I have written more than 400 songs. Some make me think, some cry, and some laugh.

Sanna Peth, there is absolutely nothing wrong with you. I just got lucky with creative synesthesia and having ADHD with hyperfocus. The combination means that ideas arrive constantly. For me, it is like standing beneath a waterfall. I catch the ones I can and write them down.

And no, quantity does not matter. I like all of my songs. However, I do know that some are better than others. As for perfection, I do not worry about perfection. Who is to say what is perfect? Was James Cameron highly successful with Avatar? Yes, and enjoyed by people around the globe. However, I cannot stand the film. My favorite films are those which tell tales without relying on overblown stories.

The 2010 film Main Street starring Colin Firth and Ellen Burstyn is a great example. It is a story in which very little happens, but it is a real slice of life. Another example is the sci fi film Hunter Prey which is also from 2010. It is primarily a story of the interaction of two opponents trapped in a situation they did nto expect. Another great one is the animated film Nocturna from 2007. It is a beautiful story of a child overcoming its fears. There are no big names in it and no massive animation budget. Not every cartoon requires Tim Allen and Tom Hanks.

As for feeling pain, I have felt so much in real life, physical and mental. I do write songs of longing and desire. I also write songs of pure joy. I am including links to two of my songs on Bandcamp. If you do listen, I would enjoy knowing how they make you feel.

https://wymanbrent.bandcamp.com/track/you-move-backwards

https://wymanbrent.bandcamp.com/track/yay-yay-yo

Wyman Brent It’s very unique and creative, that’s for sure. I think the important question is: what is your goal with it? Do you create mainly for yourself, or do you want to reach a wider audience? As a layperson, I feel that if someone aims for a more serious career, then either they need to follow the trends, or bring something truly new that makes a big impact. On my own path, I try to find the golden middle ground: keeping my uniqueness, but also paying attention to what works for readers / or what captures the audience in a film. But if, for you, this is more about self-expression and joy, that’s perfectly great too, because it really is unique.

Sanna Peth, you ask what is my goal. Good question. I create for myself because I must. The ideas come pouring out and I must capture them. At the same time, I create equally for a wide audience. I think of my family-friendly weekly animated series What the Mack? It has zero violence, zero bad language, zero cynicism, zero alcohol, drugs, smoking. The people can get on each other`s nerves. However, they always remain friends throughout everything.

As for finding the golden middle ground, I have no idea what that is. I create what I do without giving any thought to what is currently popular or trending. I have zero clue what is popular on TV or in the cinema in the USA or anywhere else in the world. I do not know who are the most popular singers and songs. I do not know any of the current social media trends or challenges. I keep my uniqueness 100 percent. I am in talks with an animation studio that is excited about What the Mack? I did not do any studies or ask anyone what they thought of my ideas before making contact with the animation studio. It was actually one of the owners who contacted me first. It is the same with my songs. I write whatever pops into my mind at the moment. It is great if people like the songs, but I will write them no mattter what. Many of my songs could become huge. However, those are not my thoughts when I write a song. i write them because I must. The same with some of my bizarre songs that are highly unlikely to ever become popular. They are just as important to me.

Wyman Brent Of course they are important — our creations are like our children, and we love them all equally. :) I’m really glad that you stay true to yourself, that is such an important thing. :) What more can I say, neighbor… only that you’re doing great, and I wish you lots of success and, of course, plenty of joy in creating!

Sanna Peth, you are right. They are like our children. I have a real life child. I do hope that my shows and songs are successful. He has special needs and I want to make sure he is taken care of for long after I am gone. He is a main character in my show What the Mack? The character is named Glenn just like my son and looks just like him. Every character in the show has a song. I wrote one for his character titled, His Name is Glenn.

Thank you for your good wishes. I also wish you success and happiness.

https://wymanbrent.bandcamp.com/track/his-name-is-glenn

When it comes to composing for intimate or love scenes, the music has to feel natural and not forced — too much and it becomes cheesy, too little and the mood is lost. That’s why I think inspiration often comes not only from films but also from real-life emotions and even the vibe of dating platforms. Sometimes exploring sites where people actually search for horny girls near me gives you a sense of rawness and authenticity that can be translated into sound. For example, some sites show how much atmosphere and desire matter — and music works the same way. The key is subtle tension, rhythm, and leaving space for emotion to breathe.

just use the Shhh-Ahhh from Harry Manfredini´s Friday 13th score but without strings, obviously.

David Laguillo hahahaha

Hmmm... that's one I've never composed for. Seems like most of those scenes are instrumental. Why do you think that is?

imho because words being sung or spoken in a love scene would detract from the action of the scene. Though I am sure there are many scenes in particular love scenes that act as final scenes that are "outro scenes" to the end titles.

Hi, Libby Wright! Hope you have a great Introduce Yourself Weekend!

Maurice Vaughan Awesomeness!

Thank you Navid.

where can I access this?

Here's the link, Tramere Anderson: www.stage32.com/education/products/stage-32-x-film-raderie-composer-film...

excellent

Ashley Renee Smith, thank you. I only discovered my true creativity in April this year. Things just exploded. At least 400 songs written, all in five minutes or less. Developing four TV series, four films and a stage musical. Being on the extreme spectrum of creative synesthesia apparently has its advantagage. Plus, haivng ADHD with hyperfocus.

I '"feel" the quality of the scene - hear the music inwardly - then compose.

Ashley Renee Smith it’s an interesting question: I think every movie has a sound palette (acoustic, electronic, or mixed); and every scene of that movie can use different nuances of this palette. And the variables are many, so every movie can really have its sound… I loved Alex North because he had this very philosophy; and Thomas Newman, and Ennio Morricone (probably the best, he really created some sounds)

Wow, I love the comparison of palette to sound, Alessandro Sicardi . It makes complete sense, just the way colour grading applies a palette of emotion to a film, so does music and sound. Probably more so. It's also why there are rock-star colourists out there, just like composers. Makes total sense.

Thanks Morgan Aitken ! I really think music is photography, and lightening, for ears :) Some physicians used kind of a coloured scheme to explain how we perceive timbres, it’s very interesting

Yeah, it's like that sometimes, Wyman Brent ("Sometimes creativity is about quantity"). Sometimes you just come up with one thing though, like you did. I'd rather write one incredible scene, screenplay, etc. than five average ones. And I love it when it's quality and quantity!

Agree - quality over quantity.

I am enjoying looking at your website. "Music in service of story" That really resonates with me.

Hi, Jose Antonio Betancourt Campos. Welcome to the community. Stage 32 has a blog that'll help you navigate the platform and connect with creatives and industry professionals all over the world. Producers, directors, composers, writers, and more. www.stage32.com/blog/how-to-successfully-navigate-the-stage-32-platform-...

Stage 32 had its monthly Community Open House recently. You can watch the recording here (www.stage32.com/education/products/stage-32-s-august-community-open-house). It's free. It'll also help you navigate Stage 32 and connect with creatives and industry pros.

I just watched your composer reel. Your scores are incredible! My favorite score is the one for Orbital. You could post your reel on your profile. You can add it by moving your mouse over "Profile" on the bar near the top of Stage 32's home page and click "Video/Audio." You can also post your reel by moving your mouse over "Browse" on the same bar and clicking "Video."

oh I didn’t know that! thanks that’s so kind

You're welcome, Jose Antonio Betancourt Campos. That way other members can find your reel easily, and they can rate it and leave feedback.

brilliant website, congratulations!

Prioritizing studio time for me this week (I'm a film composer). This is a great post

Thanks Hannah Woolmer . What are you working on currently? Do you have a home studio or do you go somewhere?

Libby WrightI just finished a huge project: a feature film that was packed with music in tons of different styles. After that intense stretch, I spent a couple of weeks resting and reconnecting with nature. Now, I'm excited to dive into some personal projects this week, which will be a great chance to experiment and try out new things before moving on to my next two films. What genre is your script?

Here's a stage 32 link to my personal take (a loop) of the music that might do this promo justice. I did it on my phone in a few minutes... probably like the promo, poster, marketing, social media... etc. Like Schultz from Hogan's Heroes "I know nothing!" I just pay the bills, scramble for footage and equipment, and try to keep the cast alive and away from my throat.

https://www.stage32.com/media/3891542334319373013

Honestly, I had no idea what I was getting into before launching into a production that turned out to be a broom-closet (or backseat) film school - that goes to extraordinary lengths to keep me out of the know.

But what the hell? Might as well have a little fun. As I say, if it's not fun, you're not doing it right!

Hey, let's hear some other musical stylings. You know, you can post them on your profile and link em into threads, like this one. Let's have some fun!

Morgan Aitken It's a Baldwin. And thank you! I don't do piano samples, only originals played by me. I add layers (strings mostly) sometimes, but I haven't done anything else with these improvs yet. And I haven't had any composing gigs yet, but people have synced my original music. - Good luck with the project that sounds like it's run away from you ;) I hope it turns out for you!

"No gigs yet." - worry not, Kat Spencer ! You're improvs are good. If you can get them down as score or midi you'll have a nice library of stuff to work from for scoring to spec. I like your use of minor keys - way more emotional space than major. Throw in some modulation and you'll yank the heartstrings that have prods reaching for their option-writing pens.

Have you thought about chopping together some short scenes from existing films, scrubbing the original audio, then scoring them with your own music? I've got to tell ya, it makes for an effective demo reel.

As for the project I signed onto... that puppy bit through the leash and got away! My bad. But you live and you learn.

soft piano, strings and timbal percussions at Vangelis´s style. Call me (not freebies).

Morgan Aitken it depends on what the director wants to communicate... This intro seems an introduction to a tense situation, so I would probably use strings: dissonant, with sordino (Alex North, Bernard Herrmann), no rhythm, just an interrogative atmosphere. I'd choose this approach instead of a "spoiling" cinematic track.

Good talk, thankfully I always passionately appreciate what I create. Cheers.

Maurice Vaughan, you are very welcome. I am glad I have some little bit of wisdom to share.

Wilhelmina Wells, you and me both. I only started on this journey in April and I am loving it.

I love your poems too.

Tahoura Sheikholeslami, I love that you are in love with my words.