I usually have a single idea or image come into mymind then think about what it could mean. My first fil I started with the image of a sad clown on a bench lookin at an old photograph, after much thought I worked out why he was sad.

I know for a lot of people, it's music that inspires them. Me too. Except it's not really when I listen to music that I think of things, it's when I compose it.

Here's a little number I've been writing these past few days. I was having a bad day, it was overcast, and bats were flying around the room so I wrote this:

Hebronhalls.mp3
Cubase is your friend.

While you listen to it:
Imagine the opening credits. Slow pans and dolly shots of the corridors of the school and close-ups of things you didn't realize were creepy about a school--the monotonous ceiling tile patterns, the rusted doorknobs--fading in and out between text on black. See it?

It's for a thriller/horror flick I'm filming all during this upcoming school year.

I like how the tune is coming together in my head and on the computer, but problem is, I don't know how to end the darn thing. That's why it fades out. So I guess I'll have to look for other inspiration.

I'll do you one better. My brother saw the footage from one of my short films and was inspired (by the film, mind you) to compose the soundtrack for it. This year he'll be at the same school I am and I can't help but expect awesome sound design from him.

And funkbomb? Great tune, by the way. Very professional. Just complicated enough to not be simple and just subtle enough to not draw attention to itself.

It's one thing to make a great film, but to have written the soundtrack to it really makes it your own. That way no one can say, "The music made it." I don't know how other people feel about this but I've taken it upon myself to personally compose or supervise all original music for every film I do from here on out. I encourage everyone else to do the same.

If you want a great example of a fitting soundtrack check out Harris's "Spring Heeled Jack." Ruddy brilliant.

Funkbomb.... that is funking (hehehe) fantastic! What are you using to compose record it? The piano sounds accoustic but you couldn't do all the rest yourself... could you? Talent and a half right there.

quote:

I like how the tune is coming together in my head and on the computer, but problem is, I don't know how to end the darn thing. That's why it fades out. So I guess I'll have to look for other inspiration.

FB, two suggestions:

-For inspiration, try to find the tune "Adiós Nonino", by Astor Piazzolla. He was one of the main innovators in the Tango genre, by blending it with some Jazz harmonies and some theme development that you can find in orchestral works, translated into a small ensemble. Your piece reminded me of that tune's motif, and you might find helpful to listen to it and see how his theme develops.

-Secondly, for a Horror/thriller film, I'd replace (or follow) the crescendo you have at the end by the same melody/theme, played on the cellos and basses (maybe a basson or CB to reinforce the attacks), with the arpeggiated ostinato in the woodwinds (with the celesta and a harp for added color if you like it), over a pedal in the Vns and Vls. That would sound natural to me, and I think would lead well into what could be your first scene.

Hope this helps. Well done so far, btw.

Peace,

E.

quote:

I'd replace (or follow) the crescendo you have at the end by the same melody/theme, played on the cellos and basses (maybe a basson or CB to reinforce the attacks), with the arpeggiated ostinato in the woodwinds (with the celesta and a harp for added color if you like it), over a pedal in the Vns and Vls.

Read my mind. Not...even...joking. Except the celestra/harp idea. I'll definately try that. I knew I had to sort of rehash the melody along the low-end but I didn't know exactly how it would mesh. That's why I tried to fit in that slightly arpeggiated ostinato before the second crescendo, although it's more closer to the actual melody than an arpeggio. I'm going to add that basson for the attacks, definately.

Thanks for the compliments and help!

I'm using Cubase SX 3 to compose this. You say the piano is acoustic? Well, meet Edirol Orchestral, a beast of a VST plugin that almost perfectly emulates a real orchestra. Convincing, ain't it? I can't stress enough how much I'd throw myself off a cliff if I ever lost the program. It's what keeps me together between coffee breaks.

I definately recommend trying it out.



The screen name that I'm talking to is Kinslowsays. He's my fellow videographer along with Noah Bird. He wrote the script and did a lot of the shots for Ace Ramano.

This is him:
http://www.astronautradiomusic.com/nigelsgarden.mov

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Also, have you ever seen a dilapidated old run-down playground or children's amusement park? One that was all dirty, neglected and surprisingly creepy? That's the atmosphere I was going for for most of this piece.

I'm sorry, what I mistook for a celesta might have been your glock... Unless of course you HAVE a celesta in there, in which case I was right from the very begining, and you just don't like that combination.

E.

No celesta's in there yet, but I'm definately going to try it out. Always room for experimentation . That's what this whole thing has been really. I'm ashamed to say I haven't touched a sheet of manuscript paper yet for this, lol.

EDIT also I updated it just now to a sort of semi-finished state. I'll have to work on it more tomorrow.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: funkbomb,

Does it feel a little weird knowing that your song is now in my iTunes library?

This is how people make connections.

Hahahaha. I'm flattered! I'm really curious as to how you filled out the information tag with artist and title info. lol.

I don't really know how I come up with my ideas. I think it's a mixture of music, and other films. I get so into my own film that I forget where the idea originated from lol. I think watching a movie, and then thinking, I'd like to do a movie like that is one the ways I get a spark for my idea. And then I use music to find the style I want.

I listen to pink floyd. Try it sometime, I have tons of stories under my belt that i've twisted around from some of the songs.

Ya know, actually I lied. Well, I omitted information. I listen to music left and right. This usually draws some sort of emotional response, i.e. I feel like crap about an old relationship or the death of someone close or something (because I never let things like that go; I focus on them for fear of forgetting) and then the ideas just flow. They pour out with Niagra Falls action; faster than I can catch them.

But of course, then it's all drama or tragedy. Death Cab for Cutie, Copeland, Butch Walker, Jupiter Sunrise, Bright Eyes, Brand New or anything else soft, underground, or acoustic helps draw out memories, which I then transfer to text and ultimately motion picture.

There. My conscience is clean. No more half-truths.