Production Glossary
Score
In film, a score is music created to supplement the story being told visually. In order to accentuate the narrative, scores are written with specific cues that time out the introduction of musical elements. Scores are collaborative in that the films director and producer influence the process, but they are written and conducted by the films hired composer.
A score is developed using four distinct processes: spotting, writing, orchestration, and recording. Spotting occurs first in the development of the score. It is during this time that the composer is shown a rough-cut of the movie in which he makes note of timing and determines the initial placement of cues. During the writing process the composer utilizes spotting notes and keeps tone and narrative in mind to construct the best musical compliment possible. The writing process is unique to each composer- some use computer programs, others use paper and pencil. The element of orchestration comes next, during which the score undergoes arrangement to provide the individual instruments with their own copy of the music. Finally, recording occurs when, as the term suggests, the full score is performed and recorded. In order to ensure synchronization, the score and film are played simultaneously as the sound is recorded.
Royalty free music provides a low cost solution to a custom score and is frequently used by independent films and occasionally by big budget feature films as well.
