Writing For Film...

Heyyo!

I've written a number of pieces, all of them just because I wanted to write. However, I wanted to try my hand at writing for video or film. One problem, I don't have any to write for! Can anyone suggest a good place to find some good video without music that I can score to?

- Tommy

Why insist on good video without music? You can always mute it. :)

I recommend Koyaanisqatsi. It's a very arty film with a minimalist soundtrack by Philip Glass, but you can turn the sound off, as I said. There's a lot of lovely imagery that will probably give you plenty of inspiration.

Probably the best thing would be to start small - don't try to score a whole movie, just find some short films or maybe Flash movies. I've often thought of doing this.

Have you thought of seeking out a local film group? Advances in technology over about 10 years have spurred some amateur or indie groups to think more seriously about music. Don't expect huge money at this stage. Just be sure you get a recording of what you've done (could be your recording is spotted into the soundtrack) and your name on the credits! Some societies treat the music/sound side pretty seriously and you may make contacts.

M

Thanks for the suggestions! I wanted something that normally doesn't have music because I want to actually try and compose without there having been something there in the first place.

Probably the best thing would be to start small - don't try to score a whole movie, just find some short films or maybe Flash movies. I've often thought of doing this.

Hey yeah, I've done that! not with flash, with some videos I edited.

Definitely fun.

I like to make short little films and try to score them.

Who says it has to be movies? Take scenes from your own life and score it, lol.

Why insist on good video without music? You can always mute it. :wub:

I recommend Koyaanisqatsi. It's a very arty film with a minimalist soundtrack by Philip Glass, but you can turn the sound off, as I said. There's a lot of lovely imagery that will probably give you plenty of inspiration.

That seems like a good idea, but what if you want the whole experience? Maybe dialogue with no music...

Thanks for the suggestions! I wanted something that normally doesn't have music because I want to actually try and compose without there having been something there in the first place.

Try scoring the part in "Star Wars" where the rebels are getting ready to launch from the 4th moon.A good place to start the cue would be where Artoo beeps a reply to Threepio while he's being seated in the X-Wing.Make it end just before Luke hears Bens voice.

Think carefully about how you want to do this and how your music would fit in with SW continuity if it were to be used.

As much as I love Koyaanisqatsi, I don't think it'd be a good choice if you really want to learn cueing and mood changes.