Learn how to capture the DNA of a film through melody and sound
Key Insights

  • Crafting the perfect melody is as much about having a strong point of view as it is understanding the psychology of your audience. 
  • A good melody establishes a sense of place, time in history, pacing of the film, and general mood - bringing your audience into the story. 
  • A composer's role is to support the film through setting the tone and creating a framework for the viewer's journey. 
  • Take time and space to contemplate the world you want to create musically in a film. Meditating and taking a walk are great exercises to incorporate into your workflow so that you can formulate your approach. 
  • To nurture your ideas try sketching, referring to other music that inspires you, and working with an instrument to explore themes. This will lay the foundation for building a body of sound that feels "of the world". 
  • Connecting with the director early on to gather intel on their motivations for the film is a crucial step in the process - their perspective will ultimately inform your choices as a composer. 
  • The best music scores tell the story through the melody. It immediately elicits the right emotion. 
  • Don't be afraid to make the viewer feel. Make choices that reflect your point of view and opens doors to further discourse outside of the film.

Composer
Nora Kroll-Rosenbaum is a Grammy Award-winning Juilliard-trained composer (born in New York City). more...

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