Bringing films to life
When it comes to movies, the musical score is crucial for setting the mood and creating psychological effects for the viewers. It is used to properly enhance the right emotions and support the message and imagery used on screen. If films were comparable to cars, the footage would be the engine, and the sounds the bodywork. When it comes to selecting the right music, the director and producer need to first judge what kind of film they are making. While certain films are coupled with generally known music, some require a dedicated musical score that is written by a skilled musician and tailored to the film. This is where musical composers come in. They collaborate with the director, producer and other members of the crew to write music that complements the footage. It is a very interesting process, as the right soundtrack will blend so well with the film that it can turn regular footage into a masterpiece of cinematography, while conversely a great musical piece that doesn’t work with the footage can turn the film into a mess. It is a very interesting balance, that when done properly, will be worthy of awards and praise. A good example of a great composer is Hans Zimmer. Here is someone who truly understands the balance required, and is versatile in his capacity for musical creation.
How is the music played?
Once the music is written it needs to be heard. In some cases the music can be generated electronically through advanced computer sound generators. While computers are constantly advancing, nothing can compare, however, to a real orchestra being directed by the conductor who is very often the composer. Here the music comes to life and once added to the footage can make any film a truly gripping experience that separates the mediocre from the blockbuster.