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Composing for Visual Media | kmjfmusic_y2

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Breakthrough is based on the inspirational true story of one mother's unfaltering love in the face of impossible odds. When Joyce Smith's adopted son John falls through an icy Missouri lake, all hope seems lost. But as John lies lifeless, Joyce refuses to give up.

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Useful Padlets that i used for extra inspiration 

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Useful Padlets that i used for extra inspiration 

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Compositions for visual media notes and demos

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Compositions for visual media notes and demos

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State your intentions for each project or piece (MLO 4),

Genre - SCI-Fi /Atmospheric
Inspiration - work to reference
Blade Runner -  https://youtu.be/I4_AaEazcbk
What type of media would you use this for?
Film

Justify your use of technology (MLO 2), discuss highlights or key sounds used in certain projects
Instrumentation and effects

My original approach for this module was to compose a soundtrack for the trailer "Breakthrough" The reason why I wanted to use this trailer was because of the varied contrast between emotions from happy/fun to sad/suspense this was a good project to showcase what I can compose to. For the first half of the trailer, it shows a young boy waking up, going to school and playing basketball. All these video clips encourage me to compose a bright and uplifting section that would be easy listening and not overcrowded. For the piano, I used arpeggiator in a 1/16 rate which sounded like a typical rushed morning for a family. I still kept it happy and light with octave bass notes and added reverb for a softer feel.

My Improvements
Originally I liked how fast-paced this music was and at the time I only started to use the arpeggiator so I was very new to the tech side. When I came back to this composition a few weeks ago I knew I could improve some aspects that could make the trailer better. This time I used my acoustic guitar on capo 3 playing major notes that were D, A, E and G for a warmer happier feel I used a mixture of rhythmic strumming patterns and finger plucking panned both tracks were slightly panned L and R for the listener's clarity. I used the Logic drummer and edited it to where I could just have the tom fills, which levelled out the bright sounding guitar. The piano was played in a single chord rhythm sections, I used one of the plugins to "daylight piano" for a magical sunshine setting. which worked well for the visual media. All accompanied by a bass arpeggiator synth just replicating the same chords of the piano but an octave lower for a punchy feel.

The middle section of the soundtrack was gradually going into a suspense setting, the clips show a man shouting at the kids to get off the ice. For this clip, I wanted to use the Meditation Drone on the "Vocalesque" setting. Although it was simple one note on sustain, it gave an intense feel, letting the listener know there were about to take a dramatic turn. My intention for this section was based on what a client would want to hear. Another aspect I wanted to compose to was the hospital scene, where the heart monitor flashes on the screen. I wanted to add a heart monitor sound and symbols in every beat to give a dramatic effect. At the end of this scene it transposes to the last section of the trailer, this is where I incorporated a breathing loop synth to replicate him coming back to life, I also added extra reverb and dragged out the sound.

My Improvements

This was probably the only section of the composition that I didn't change musically, I kept the same chords on a downwards scale and made it heavier with added drones and an arpeggiator synth but instead of bass drones I mixed the buzz and texture of the synth creating a heavy and I took my original feedback and added sound effects that I sourced from logic loops. I used the water splash sound effect and synced it with the visual media of the boy falling into the water.

The best aspects of this composition that really work well with the trailer are the boy falling the water scene because I used a sound effect of water and delayed the sound which made it also haunting to watch, The heart monitor as I synchronize the camera flashes with dramatic pauses and near the end when the little boy appears in the glass reflection, because I used a breath logic loops. as a sign for the boy sadly passing away with his last breath, i think using sound effects are so effective and persue a new level of emotion.

When I was researching this type of move genre i noticed the similar patterns and instrument used, Typically in drama movie trailers you get intense sections and melodic sections that would consist of an orchestral string section that would act as an intense and emotional outlook of the storyline I used plugins and send Bus 4 on strings to give extra reverb and a fuller sound. I incorporated a piano and used the Curve tool to slowly decrease the volume at the end of the trailer.

MiDI Keyboard

​​​​​​​Logic Pro X

Reverb

Echo Effect

Curve tool

Panning (L&R)

Sound effect loops

Dynamics

Piano

Bass

Percussion

Strings

Meditation Drone

Studio Double Basses

Arpeggiator

plugins

Send Bus 4 on strings

Composing to a movie trailer

Patch Instruments

Time Quantize

MIDI Effects

Automation tool

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Critically reflect on the work using feedback from others (MLO 3)

Over the weeks I've been asking for feedback from my peers, what was good and what I could improve on. This is what they said...

​Feedback Original Track - Peers

Add sound effects

Maybe slow piano to half the time towards the end or hold the notes

Maybe add bass

Mix the bass to sound more like fat thicker feel

Reverb on strings and piano

Remake the string section

My improvement

I took the feedback and incorporated this into my work. I changed the bass line to make it more simplistic to the start of the track and added reverb while using a different plugin to make the bass sound more rich and fuller in sound/texture. I also incorporated sound effects they were used from the Logic Pro x loops, in my opinion, the need work by adding delay and reverb but ideally, I do want to create my own. I also want to add a reverse crash symbol to add gradual emotional effect.

​​​​​​​Originally I had a string section that sounds odd and out of time and overall sounded horrible, so some of my feedback include to remake the section and add reverb and use the send patch on bay 4 for a fuller sound. I also added higher sting harmonies with help with the dynamics and texture of the overall sound.

When Comparing both the old and new tracks you can tell that I remade the whole ending again, this time with a more appropriate composition that suited the visuals. Originally I used uplifting chords and strings which sounded very common, and in my opinion and others, found that the only good aspect of the original section was the strings and even they were heavily added. I knew I could improve and get the best composition that fitted this scene. I looked through my composition track that I've been working on throughout this year, and I came across a demo called "Atmos" It was a short electronic/ atmospheric aura. When listening to it I suddenly realised that it reminded me of compositional work you would hear from TV/Film especially Casulity. I wanted to incorporate this separate track and make it apart of this bigger project. From the feedback that I've got form my peer and other influences in the industry, they loved how slow it progressed each bar had a new element added and they said it worked for the hospital scenes, It as also a sense of dread when listening to it. They especially loved the dramatic, Drum patterns that kicks in after the dramatic pause.

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Overall this project was quite successful yet challenging, as a singer/songwriter you're always in the same routine of composing music with a specific melody line and chord structure and can be quite repetitive and boring, However this project pulled me out of my comfort zone to think outside the box, doing this gave me a bigger understanding of how important and relevant music is for visual media. I'm hoping I can gain some more experience and learn a different way of mixing and mastering my work in the future. Using feedback to alter and rearrange this project helped me look at this from another point of view, I found I fascinating how my adjustment really transformed this piece to something I'm really proud of.

Feedback Original Track - Tutor
Piano texture at the beginning is very effective at creating a 'busy' vibe. The timing isn't completely tight either - is this intentional? Consider balancing instrument (device) volume with lower velocities as some notes sound quite forced.

It would be worth commenting on your piano version as an alternative to the song in the reflection - look to improve the production sound, it might be worth adding electric guitar and drums to emphasise the energy and give it more punch.

You're using 7th chords and ending on a minor chord, is this 3-chord harmony sequence as effective?

Mood change within the sequence shows thought to narrative with a good continuity achieved, both sonically and tonally - the Meditation Drone works excellently as a link sound between the sections.

Good justification of technology choices against your intentions and trailer context given throughout. Support your analytical comments on trailers by including some examples.

You've not saved a complete Logic project folder - ensure to include all the assets when archiving.

Feedback New Track - Peers
The first half of the trailer (Happy Social scene)
On the first section put the drums up a bit - done
and add bass to give a more uplifting feel - done
and strings overall list - I didn't add because it was too busy, distracted the audience
close the hihats on the intro - I took out the hihats at the start for a simpler rhythm

the second scene (kids on the ice)
Keep it on the beat - I didn't do that, I personally think having a heavy dragging synth adds to the tension
Sub bass for more drama - done

Emotional end piece string
overlap the strings to sound more real. - done also added extra reverb and also added double bass

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Feedback for Formative 2 - Case Study analysis

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Feedback for Formative 2 - Case Study analysis

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Support with some video clips if possible or research links (scene descriptions and Spotify link for iTunes). Some good analysis, explain the context of the movie at the beginning.See annotation within the text for further comment.

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State your intentions for each project or piece (MLO 4),

Genre - SCI-Fi /Atmospheric
Inspiration - work to reference
Blade Runner -  https://youtu.be/I4_AaEazcbk
What type of media would you use this for?
Film

I was creating music for the movie Blade Runner and wanted to understand how arpeggiators work and alternative film soundscapes work.

Justify your use of technology (MLO 2), discuss highlights or key sounds used in certain projects
Instrumentation and effects

The most important aspect of this was the arpeggiator, I first started hoe to use this tool on this track and for other tracks to come. The patterns made on the arpeggiator can really shape the scene. I also used the pitch shifter on my midi keyboard to replicate what a spaceship would sound like if it was to turn around, which you can hear near the end. Dynamics played a strong influence on that element of music.

Critically reflect on the work using feedback from others (MLO 3)

Feedback
The lead bit to have more reverb to give more space
not much kick needs more thud to it
kick with all attack and no tail
another texture in the louder bit
I liked the atmosphere
wasn't overbusy but just enough to keep the audience focused

Overall People mentioned that I did a good job portraying the sound that was relevant for that type of genre/ film. I took their advice and added extra reverb to the bass and rhythmic patterns to add more of a space influence.

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For completed compositions and written documatray please scroll to the right...

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For completed compositions and written documatray please scroll to the right...

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State your intentions for each project or piece (MLO 4),

Genre - Hip hop /Atmospheric
Inspiration - work to reference
Background music for Youtube - https://youtu.be/hKHB_xKPVig
What type of media would you use this for?
Web/ Youtube

My intentions were to create an atmospheric soundscape with an element of my voice portrayed to influence a multitude of sounds to create a relaxing and chilled. I was inspired by Youtube background music that is normally played in their videos. However, I took a slightly different approach to the overall sound and genre.

Justify your use of technology (MLO 2), discuss highlights or key sounds used in certain projects
Instrumentation and effects

The technology was electro-pop inspired I used a plucked synth that played the main melody line which was two notes alternating throughout the whole track accompanied by a plucked bass that was an octave lower. It was a simple yet effective structure to use. The best bit of this track for me was the vocals, I layer multiple sounds with my voice, which created a space styled atmosphere. Most of my feedback love the vocal section near the end and liked how it uplisted the track. At the time didn't know how to mix vocals into this kind of genre, the improvements that I made consist of panning instruments especially the drums. I altered them to sound like the drum kit was facing you in a live performance concept which is interesting for the listeners. One of the most interesting things I did was to experiment with the different plugin that logic had to offer, I came across an experimental page where they had a sound called "Alternate Swells" it definitely gives a horror fell and is quite hypnotising to listen to. I also used the automation tool to slowly lower the vocals near the end so you could alow dynamics from the arpeggiator that I used near the end.

Critically reflect on the work using feedback from others (MLO 3)

Originally the song was short and didn't really have a structure. So when I wanted to recreate this track I ask what I could do to make it sound more interesting. My feedback was...

Feedback
at the start
when your voice starts to ease in there drop the lead out
and then bring it back in when the percussion back in
use panning on the lead on a separate tracks
help with texture/ progress
you like the vocals
the drums need improving
midify the drummer so you can adjust/add extra control
cross stick

like the tones of the lead
the kick drum pattern helps to keep the track moving
I like the structure the dropouts and phrasing
like the vocals
harmonies are tasty

at the end
arpeggiator was tasty
synths use the pitch shifter with one notes

With this feedback, I was able to make minor adjustments that made it sound like a fully arranged and completed track. " At the start, when your voice starts to ease in there drop the lead out
and then bring it back in when the percussion back in." i used this feedback to give a dramatic drop into the rest of the song I think this works really well and can set the scene.

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State your intentions for each project or piece (MLO 4),

Genre - New Blues / Soul
Inspiration - work to reference
LUTHER Trailer - https://youtu.be/zltvWcctE6g
What type of media would you use this for?
TV - Crime

I wrote this composition to complement a TV crime series in the Uk called LUTHER. It's based on a detective who investigates crimes. Its overall aesthetic is very dark and heavy. So I wanted to write something that can reflect that.

Justify your use of technology (MLO 2), discuss highlights or key sounds used in certain projects
Instrumentation and effects

The piano is the main element of this track, using reverb and an echo effect on the EQ, the simplistic downwards minor scale to create a heavy and haunting element. All looped with bass strings and an organ. The bass needed to be thick and rhythmic so it could complement the syncopated drum patterns. I also added in a choir that was played on my midi keyboard 1and 2 octaves below.

Critically reflect on the work using feedback from others (MLO 3)

I personally think the only thing I should improve on is a structure, its fine with loops and you can add another instrument to make it sound interesting but I think if I was to do this again I would include dramatic paused and maybe even a key change. Other peer feedback said that they liked that it was repetitive as they could see it as a LUTHER advert. however I notice there was a lot of people asking for horns and trumpets to add harshness to it, it would be interesting if find out whether or not that could complement the track.

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State your intentions for each project or piece (MLO 4),

Genre - Electro RnB
Inspiration - work to reference

Chernobyl 2019 trailer - https://youtu.be/s9APLXM9Ei8
What type of media would you use this for?
Film - Animation

Justify your use of technology (MLO 2), discuss highlights or key sounds used in certain projects
Instrumentation and effects

The soundscape was the inspiration for this track. Being able to capture space-time in music was what I wanted to do. at the beginning of the track, I used a loop drum kit that was in steady swing and I added a slight echo on bus 2 and bus 3. The later accompanied by a piano synth which was panned from left to right over and over again, making it feel like you were going back and forth in space travel. I then added a low and simple melody pattern which was mixed in the EQ setting to the low end which you can hear as stubby.

Critically reflect on the work using feedback from others (MLO 3)

The majority of the feedback, people enjoyed the easy listening aspect to it, and it made it a nice background soundtrack that wouldn't be too intimidating.

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State your intentions for each project or piece (MLO 4),

Genre - Melodic pop
Inspiration - work to reference
Breakthrough Trailer - https://youtu.be/52bORzIODec
What type of media would you use this for?
Film - Drama
Film / tv  casulity

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State your intentions for each project or piece (MLO 4),

Genre - Electro Rock
Inspiration - work to reference
Black ops 4 trailer - https://youtu.be/XPXpKxz6LE4
What type of media would you use this for?

Game

Justify your use of technology (MLO 2), discuss highlights or key sounds used in certain projects
Instrumentation and effects

Single note melody patterns are played at the start of the track, I used the plugin Dyna-Trem witch has reverb and panning qualities that have a nice sound overall. Which are then accompanied by a higher melodic guitar pattern that is in unison with the original guitar.
Followed by the bass which had added effects from the plug give it that earthly and mumbly quality. The drums were sourced from the logic drum section in Rock and I used mainly the whole kit. Which structures the track nicely. The majority of this track has been looped but it was intentional, for the gamers to still concentrate on their game.

Critically reflect on the work using feedback from others (MLO 3)

Halo has been inspired by game music, what you would hear as your just about to head into a fight. My brothers feedback mentioned that he plays Black ops 4 which has a similar sound. He explained that there two types of tracks that you hear when playing a game. there's the per battle where you hear music that slow and steady whilst you're waiting for the team members to play with you. Then the battle music, where it's heavy and designed to be like that so your adrenaline is high and you get that rush of winning. With this in mind, i originally planned to use my guitar and play one note melodies. every 4 pars there is a harmony of that initial melody. and it portrays an anxious feeling. Just like you-you preparing for a battle.

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Summative Assessment: Soundtrack Portfolio

Assignment Brief

Submit a portfolio of work that includes music you have been working on throughout the year. The content can be anything that has specifically been composed for a visual media context, e.g. music for games, TV / film, web, animation or even a mobile app. Bespoke briefs may be offered on NOW throughout the year. It is expected that you include completed or updated versions of the work from each formative assessment.

It is essential that you complete the written component of the portfolio as this is what addresses the learning outcomes and therefore enables you to pass the module. Update your Pebble Pad to include discussion of the portfolio as a whole:

1. State your intentions for each project or piece (MLO 4),

2. Justify your use of technology (MLO 2), discuss highlights or key sounds used in certain projects

3. Critically reflect on the work using feedback from others (MLO 3)

For Module Learning Outcome 1, submit a completed version of your Case Study from the Formative 2 assessment.

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Formative Assessment 2: Case Study analysis

Assignment Brief

Carry out some individual research and analysis into the relationship between music and visual media. This could be a case study into a particular film, game or TV programme, discussing key moments that demonstrate the interactive nature between music and visual, or it may be examples from a specific composer, genre or media type. You need to include reference to current practices within the field and should consider discussing musical elements such as rhythm, melody, harmony and instrumentation. The analysis may be relevant to the content within your own portfolio or be something entirely different. You are encouraged to make use of online resources such as Learning On Screen Box of Broadcasts and YouTube Fandango movieclips.

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Formative Assessment 1: Soundtrack and Commentary

Assignment Brief

Submit a composition you have been working on for visual media. This can be work-in-progress on a brief set. Use Pebble Pad to present your supporting commentary, ensure to cover the following:

  Communicate the intentions of the work (MLO 4),

  Justify your use of technology (MLO 2),

  Critically reflect on the work using feedback from others (MLO 3).

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Assessment Summary

Formative Assessment 1 – Soundtrack and Commentary
Deadline: 11.59pm, December 14th 2018 You will submit a soundtrack composed for visual media with written commentary. Module Outcomes being assessed: 2, 3 and 4
Programme Learning Outcomes being assessed: 1, 3, 7, 9 and 12

Formative Assessment 2 – Case Study analysis
Deadline: 11.59pm, February 3rd 2019 You will submit an initial version of your analysis and research on your chosen case study area. Module Outcomes being assessed: 1
Programme Learning Outcomes being assessed: 1, 2 and 3

Summative Assessment – Soundtrack Portfolio
Deadline: 11.59pm, May 5th 2019 You will submit a portfolio of soundtrack for visual media with accompanying written work and completed case study. Module Outcomes being assessed: 1, 2, 3 and 4 Programme Learning Outcomes being assessed: 1, 2, 3, 7, 9 and 12

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Learning OutcomesKnowledge and understanding.

After studying this module you should be able to:

1. Analyse the relationship between music and visual media, making reference to contemporary practices in the subject area.

2. Justify your approach to the use of technology when creating musical ideas relating to, or combining with, visual media (e.g. film, games and television).

Skills, qualities and attributes.
After studying this module you should be able to:
3.   Reflect critically on your completed compositional work, using feedback from others and using appropriate musical language (e.g. when referring to aspects such as rhythms, motifs, modes, meter etc)
4.   Successfully communicate ideas and intentions about your compositional work, making reference to client and consumer expectations.

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Module Overview

This module follows on from your first year studies in composition and arrangement, this time focussing on composition for visual media. This subject area brings with it distinct challenges for a music composer. A composer for visual media must be able to work collaboratively, taking direction from others in the development of their work. It is also important to understand the emotive impact music can have and how to write music that enhances the viewing experience. Therefore, you will explore the application of compositional tools for specific themes such as horror, romance, drama, sadness, suspense and comedy. There is a strong emphasis on critical thinking and reflection in this module through the study of a wide range of commercial compositional work and analysis of your own work in this context.

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State your intentions for each project or piece (MLO 4),

Genre - Electro Pop/ Reggae
Inspiration - work to reference
God is a woman - Ariana  Grande https://youtu.be/kHLHSlExFis
https://youtu.be/agk2svo7svI
What type of media would you use this for?
Animation

Justify your use of technology (MLO 2), discuss highlights or key sounds used in certain projects
Instrumentation and effects

This track was created and inspired by a song called "God is a woman" by Ariana Grande. This
has an echo effect on the whole song just to give that atmospheric feel. The Ogan that I used was made with a loop that inspires the rest of the elements of the song all midi was quantized before adding percussion. I used the preset plugins to create the sound. The two organ tracks were the same melody line but one was behind the other slightly so you could hear the delay effect which adds a nice eery atmosphere. The drums that I used were from the drummer section Hip-hop, which I looped at the forte section alongside with an acoustic drum beat both were mixed and panned L to R which make it sound like a real performance. The main aspect of this track was to add bass and an arpeggiator to the production although simple I played alternative rhythmic pattern with syncopation in mind, which gives more texture to the overall track.

Critically reflect on the work using feedback from others (MLO 3)

Original throughs and opinions

I want it to be catchy and simple
have a lower range to the production
Inspired by reggae

Improvements I've made

With the feedback been given, I was told that I needed more texture in the mix, using this in mind I incorporated thicker bass line and an arpeggiator near the end.
People were impressed with how atmospheric it sounded and were intrigued if there was more. I kept it short for a film perspective. When composing music for visual media especially film. It can be so diverse and quick to change. For this purpose, I was writing for a sci-fi action scene. Overall I think I did a good job connecting the relationship between my composition and the film I had in mind. The main goal for me was to make it easy to listen to and has an unusual atmosphere to it and I believe i achieved that.

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reactor 6
softwere instrument track
stereo
mono
need to load rounds
click on rounds folder
drag in to the empty folder

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Original music created by visual stimulant

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Original music created by visual stimulant

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Justify your use of technology (MLO 2)

Justify your approach to the use of technology when creating musical ideas relating to, or combining with, visual media (e.g. film, games and television).

Critically reflect on the work using feedback from others (MLO 3)

Reflect critically on your completed compositional work, using feedback from others and using appropriate musical language (e.g. when referring to aspects such as rhythms, motifs, modes, meter etc).

Communicate the intentions of the work (MLO 4)

Successfully communicate ideas and intentions about your compositional work, making reference to client and consumer expectations.

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Film music is composed to accompany the action on screen and often uses:

quick and abrupt changes of tempo, harmony and melody

rapid shifts from one musical idea to the next

Film music composers often use leitmotifs to help build a sense of continuity. A leitmotif is a recurring musical idea (a melody, chord sequence, rhythm or a combination of these) which is associated with a particular idea, character or place.

Leitmotifs are manipulated to match the action and mood of a scene.

They could be altered by:

changing the rhythm or pitch

changing the instrumentation or accompaniment

adding new material

developing fragments of the idea

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Journal - Demos made throughout the year 

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Journal - Demos made throughout the year 

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Areas to consider when composing for visual media

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Areas to consider when composing for visual media

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establish atmosphere, time and place

move the action forward

describe character

accompany scene changes

add to the dramatic impact

provide continuity across edits

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Music contained within the action is usually referred to as diegetic music. It is included in the story, eg music heard on a radio. Most film music is non-diegetic.

Background music is often referred to as underscoring. It adds to the mood of the scene, reinforcing dramatic developments and aspects of character.

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Today i'm attempting to work on a sniper of the movie Bladerunner. This snippet was given to me through template that was set up by our tutor.

-  Use kick dum and add reverb

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I did some research on many different genres and movie trailers that could inspire me for this assignment

so far im working on
- Horror
- Spy
- Action

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I was ill on this day, so i did extra work at home. This was inspired by the 80's.

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adjusting my soundtrack form what my peers have given me.

Things to improve/change
- add background noise so  it runs well with the rest of the sections
- add an explosion sound to add more dimension to the movie
- use alternative drum sounds/ Add kick drum with reverb
- consider where you could add more
- The sound is balanced nicely, no to heavy or overpowering for the movie

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Types of instruments used

Strings

Brass

Organ

Telecaster guitar

Tambourine

Liverpool kit

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- Getting the basics on how to use logic pro

- Understanding what the key commands mean

- Creating our own western themed song