Film Production and Composer's Role

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following best describes the role of orchestrators in the composition process?

They are responsible for organizing rehearsal schedules.

They possess skills in composition and music theory. (correct)

They only manage the final mixing of music.

They focus solely on the production phase of recordings.

What was a significant characteristic of the Baroque Period in music?

An exclusive focus on vocal music.

The development of the major/minor system. (correct)

The emergence of complex harmonies and improvisation.

A greater emphasis on emotional expression.

Which composer is associated with the Romantic Period?

W.A. Mozart

Ludwig van Beethoven

Richard Wagner (correct)

J.S. Bach

What is a key distinction in the Classical Period compared to the Baroque Period?

An increased focus on melody and emotional expression. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of music was prioritized during the Romantic Period?

Expression of emotion and narrative. Signup and view all the answers

What major change occurred in narrative films between 1905 and 1910?

Narrative films became the most important element in cinema. Signup and view all the answers

What was a common practice in musical accompaniment during the early 20th century?

Musicians often compiled classical or popular music for films. Signup and view all the answers

What did the Edison Film Company's 'musical suggestions' in 1909 provide?

General scene-by-scene suggestions for musical accompaniment. Signup and view all the answers

What was significant about the year 1912 in the film industry?

The establishment of the first 'Movie Palace'. Signup and view all the answers

What resource book was published in 1913 that contained music arranged by mood or action?

Sam Fox Moving Picture Music. Signup and view all the answers

What was a noted characteristic of musical accompaniment in the 1920s?

A wide variation in the type of musical accompaniment used. Signup and view all the answers

What type of articles did trade papers like Motion Picture World contain?

Articles about musical accompaniment and themes. Signup and view all the answers

What challenge did musicians face with cue sheets and scores in the early film industry?

Missing cue sheets and varying musical skills presented issues. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary purpose of musical accompaniment during the Silent Era?

To cover mechanical noise and address audience discomfort. Signup and view all the answers

Which invention was NOT created by Thomas Edison during the Silent Era?

The Zoopraxiscope Signup and view all the answers

Which type of venues began to dominate film showings after the onset of the Silent Era?

Vaudeville Theatres that featured films. Signup and view all the answers

What is typically included in the preproduction phase of film production?

Casting and location scouting Signup and view all the answers

What characterized George Melies' contribution to film during the Silent Era?

He was an early experimenter with camera effects and narrative structure. Signup and view all the answers

During which phase do most composers begin serious work on a film?

Fine cut Signup and view all the answers

How did the development of Nickelodeons change film viewership?

They provided access to films for a broader audience. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was a common method of providing music for films showings during the Silent Era?

Piano, player piano, or small ensembles. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the spotting session in the film scoring process?

To discuss placement and timing of music cues Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the film 'The Arrival of a Train' by the Lumiere Brothers?

It marked one of the first instances of projected motion pictures. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes temp music in film production?

Temporary music used during early editing for a finished feel Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about scripts is true regarding their impact on composers?

Scripts can change significantly during production Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary focus of adaptations of music during the Silent Era?

Using classical and popular songs as a form of accompaniment. Signup and view all the answers

What typically happens during the postproduction phase?

Editing film and adding music Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of cue sheets in the film scoring process?

They outline the specific sections where music cues are needed Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the 'rushes' in film screenings?

Early footage viewed as a rough version of the film Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Film Production Timetable

Preproduction involves script development, financing, casting, costume/set design, and location scouting.
Production includes finalizing the script and production design followed by principal photography.
Postproduction focuses on film editing, audio/visual effects, music composition, and scheduling a release date, typically taking 5 to 8 weeks.

Composer’s Role

Composers use scripts to gain insights and may begin researching and creating source music.
Scripts often undergo significant changes, lacking detailed timing for composers.
Composers typically start serious work during the fine or locked cut phase, when most editing is complete.

Music Spotting and Temp Music

Spotting Session includes discussions among the director, composer, and music supervisor about cue placements, timings, and approaches.
Temp Music provides a polished feel to early edits, often sourced from other film scores or classical music.
Composers have mixed opinions on temp music; it can influence their creative process and expectations.

Composing Process

Composing usually spans 5 to 8 weeks, influenced by fixed release dates and potential delays from the production phase.
Key roles in music production include orchestrators, copyists, and music librarians, who ensure scores are ready for recording sessions.
Final components include recording and mixing the music.

Historical Context: Baroque to Romantic Periods

Baroque Period (1600-1750): Key composers include Vivaldi, Handel, and Bach; marked by the development of the common practice and structured musical forms.
Classical Period (1730-1820): Featured composers like Mozart and Beethoven, emphasizing melody, emotion, and variety in musical dynamics.
Romantic Period (1800-1910): Focused on emotional expression, with notable composers like Wagner and Tchaikovsky, expanding musical dynamics and storytelling.

The Silent Era (1895-1927)

Marked by early technology such as the Zoopraxiscope and Kinetoscope, leading to the first projected films by the Lumiere Brothers in 1895.
Music served pragmatic (to mask mechanical noise), psychoanalytic (to soothe audiences), and traditional purposes (long-established musical accompaniment).
Three major approaches to film music during this period: adaptations of classical music, popular songs, or original scores.

Evolution of Narrative Film

George Melies pioneered narrative techniques, with notable works like "A Trip to the Moon" (1902).
Narrative focus shifted in films from 1905-1910, leading to more complex plots and a shift in musical aesthetics towards supporting drama.
Rising Hollywood prominence in the 1920s led to longer films and the establishment of “Movie Palaces,” featuring larger orchestras and specialized structures for musical accompaniment.

Music in Film Practice

By the early 1900s, musical accompaniment mostly consisted of compilation and improvisation, evolving toward original scores as the industry matured.
Practical resources like cue sheets began to guide musicians in providing appropriate scores for scenes, indicating timing and mood.
By the 1920s, musical performance in films varied greatly due to diverse venues, skills of musicians, shortcomings in cue sheets, and issues controlling music quality.

Additional Notes

The art of Foley sound is integral to film production, enhancing realism through added sound effects.
The complexities and pitfalls of temp tracks are noteworthy in understanding film composition challenges.

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Description

Explore the intricacies of film production from preproduction to postproduction, focusing on the role of composers in creating music for films. Learn about the importance of spotting sessions, temp music, and how scripts shape the composer's work during various production phases.