If I have a scene that I want to write that is basically an over the top dramatic no holds barred scene with something like 'O Fortuna' from Carmina Burana playing in the background as an indicator as just how overly dramatic the scene is, how would I go about writing that into the the scene?
Screenwriting : Wanting to include specific song/music in script-how to write in by Krista Crawford
Wanting to include specific song/music in script-how to write in
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Write it something like this : Carlos and Javier enter the room, all eyes from THUGS and MOBSTERS burn into them. From a nearby radio, a song like 'O Fortuna' by the band Carmina Burana comes on, just as the tension reaches a fever pitch.
The idea here is that you used the words "a song like" not just "a song". You've indicated what you want while also showing that you are not "married to it." You can thank me in the credits. Or at least visit my website mikemessier.com
I might be wrong, but O Fortuna (from the opera Carmina Burana) was written by Carl Orff, who died in 1982. Copyright on his work should last 70 years after his death, which means whoever produces your film will have to pay royalties to use that specific song. That could put some people off, but I don’t think it would be a deal breaker, because it’s easy fixed by changing it. I would bypass it by describing a general music rather than a specific one, nothing to do with the song itself but me, when I read something so specific in a screenplay, my head abandons the story and I get distracted rather than helping me to immerse in the story. I’m sure there are movies that had the same element, maybe you could have a look and see what the screenplayer did? It could give you a benchmark and when asked why you decided to mention the music, you can say you followed produced examples. Good luck with it! :)
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Krista, just put it in your spec, you'll be fine. Perhaps use "something like, 'O Fortuna.'" You are creating/hinting at a specific tone. What could be, not what should. If/when this script goes into development, those details may change or will be worked out. A screenplay is a flexible, changeable document. Don't worry about it. You are the filmmaker until someone else shows up. Lol! Your "job" is to write an effective story. :)
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Thanks to everyone for all the great suggestions!