THE SECRET TO FILM SCORING

[ENW1]

Okay, I’ve been watching Action/Adventure & Sci-Fi films with headphones for 2 months (really). I finally had an Epiphany.
THE MUSIC IS ALL THE SAME! I know! I’m as surprised as you.

THE FORMULA:
1. Use a minor key.
2. Begin String Ostinato (hi-lo, lo-hi. whatever).
3. Introduce Large Drums (build to a fevered pitch).
4. Bring in the Low Brass (lots of French Horns & Trombones)
5. Plenty of Cymbal Rolls.
6. Abrupt, Dramatic Ending.

NEVER EVER USE:
1. Major keys.
2. Woodwinds.
3. Accordions.

I shouldn’t be telling you this. Now everybody can do it.
Hans is going to kill me. Please don’t tell him I told you (shhhh).

[Art Munson]

Bit more to it. Here’s some more tips, but not all of them:

Using scales other than major or minor to create dissonance is common.

Melodic content does not appear often, but when used it’s short fragments.

Woodwinds are often used, but as ascending runs and crescendos.

Rapid key and chord changes are common.

[ENW1]

I was joking.

[BrianDWatson]

HAHAHAHA

[Themusicman]

Key? String Ostinatos? Who needs this?!

Here is a much easier formula:

Obscure ambience.
Big Drums
Braaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaas! (Ultra low single note, preferably with some distorted synth).

Done.

[edhartman]

Hire 40 interns for free. Go back to sleep.

P.S. Hans is going to kill me. Please don’t tell him I told you (shhhh).

[NY Composer]

Taikos, Taikos, and more Taikos. It seems that every movie trailer is pounding with Taiko drums and very little melodic content these days.

[Author]

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