The Fundamental Elements of Film Music

[@PullMyFocus]

Brilliant stuff. Jazz fans would appreciate the fact that Count Basie and Fats Waller also played music for movies "back in the day!"

[@SaturnCanuck]

Awesome. As a musician and film maker, all I can say is you hit the nail right on the head.

[@Chloe-zj2si]

Hi john my survey of media class watches your videos almost every week. We love you so much you are a class room hero.

[@wado1942]

Expression; something I wish more desktop composers and musicians in general would understand better. People have asked for advice on countless scores, usually frustrated that their scores have no impact or "just don't sound right." They're almost always sample libraries either played on keyboards or sequenced via MIDI. Most ask about using different samples, more processing or some kind of specialty hardware device but I always tell them that won't work. One of my proudest achievements in working on a movie was regarding some incidental MIDI "orchestral" music. The composer said he was about ready to give up on the piece he wrote and start again, but gave me free reign to do what I want with it. I simply brought in some string players to replace most of the MIDI tracks with real musicians and it worked beautifully. As the great Victor Wooten said "I can program a computer to produce any note I want but it can't make music."

[@SergeantSmilo]

Actually, with a lot of newer sample libraries, expression is more than just possible. It all comes down to how well the composer knows what they're working with. If they do, and they put the time in, a piece created on a computer can be just about indistinguishable from a live performance.

[@crtstrubelj6566]

The amount of knowledge I gained from watching your channel is incredible! Amazing what you can condense into a 20min video...

[@jackohare9504]

Amazing lesson to a father of a brilliant musical daughter.... I am grateful for your channel in that it informs me of how a musician and cinematographer becomes so inspirational to us laymen/laywomen. Thank you and keep doing these lessons in film making.

[@mychalsimmons4177]

I’m a musician/composer/songwriter who decided to pursue my film making quest. This episode of your channel really made me realize why I chose to pursue my film making desire. Thank you Jon

[@kevinryan7717]

I love how a completely finished film is a culmination of so many different works of art forming a masterpiece. I truly appreciate the videos you make because they help me appreciate a medium I’ve loved my whole life on a deeper level. I learn something new with each one and I am truly inspired!

[@LuderSatan1]

When I watch these vidoes I just get this feeling that I dont know anything about anything.

[@FilmmakerIQ]

That's how I feel when I start researching them :P

[@KnutNukem]

Never stop making videos

[@ReetPandher]

Filmmaker IQ welcome back dude... been a while

[@hardhitter0421]

Soren Sorensen : Your actually "listening" better then your aware of....just an observation from your comment.

[@Nukle0n]

If you already knew everything there'd be no point in watching these videos. As long as you can keep on learning, you keep on living.

[@HeavenestStCyr]

I've been searching for this video for the past years but could never remember the name. I'm super happy to have refound it. The music in the last example was heavenly

[@VacationChris]

As a content creator and a music producer... I say this is one of THE BEST beginner explanations of music types of beats!!!! This is EXCELLENT!!! Anyone can learn from this from music producers to tv and film creators!!!

[@HitechProductions]

Just saw this, and WOW! I haven't quite finished yet, but what a great breakdown of music theory, and in just a few minutes. This is going to be something that I watch over and over. The best explanation of music in films I've seen yet. Outstanding.

[@saltalgilmour9745]

its a good refreshing isnt it?

[@danielcarlheister680]

John, great job on this program. I have been a fan of your channel for a while. I am a composer and write for media of all types. This program is one the best structured in teaching basics of music in media/ film I have seen. I will use this to help guide some of my clients to understand the role of music in there works. Thanks again.

[@MushisCow]

I am amazed that I found this channel. Hess, you're doing one hell of a fantastic job explaining and broadening my vision in the film making world. What I like the most about all of this is how you explain history/theory/practise - Guide us through examples and really teaches the viewer (At least for me) How to use the knowledge beyond what you're telling us. It's like you're teaching me how to learn. I absolutely love it.

[@FilmmakerIQ]

Thank you - we really try to strive to provide the tools to learn - knowing that we can't give you everything you need in a 20 minute video, but that we can give you context for terms and ideas so that you have a better sense when exploring other resources. :)

[@MushisCow]

Filmmaker IQ Exactly! Very well put! The history lesson also satisfies me as I can actually defend the arguments as to how things have come about as they have, rather than relying on answering something like;"It is the way it is... Because it is."

[@NatesFilmTutorials]

One of the best educational channels out there!

[@rationalraven8956]

Every time I watch your videos I gain more appreciation for the art of filmmaking. Now when I go to the cinema I sit there thinking about how many people over the last century or so have dedicated their careers to perfecting the technologies bringing those images and sounds to my senses, it enhances the experience a thousand fold.

[@dralbertpakin8895]

I teach middle school music and we are talking about music in film. This is great! I love your series. I'm going to keep using them! Thanks.

[@Mecal00]

The example of adding music to Trip to the Moon was fantastic! I love the layers and how they change the feel.

[@minuscolochao1557]

state of art channel ! can't stop watching all your vids

[@keithdennis5085]

Friend, You have taught me so much! Thanks!

[@charlottehill1087]

Thank you so much for this! Cannot wait to quote some of your arguments in my dissertation! SO HELPFUL THANK YOU!

[@juffan]

I was like, oh another video by Filmmaker IQ, I'll check it out. Not something I'm really interested in, but let's see what he says. Twenty five minutes of utter captivation later....

[@FuriousFry]

Finally! When I started watching your incredibly insightful videos a while ago I was hoping that one day you're gonna release one about music. Turned out fantastic!

[@ihabhassan2476]

John, thanks a lot for these lectures, I really admire you and your job!

[@appelelle]

I used to be interested in films. Now, I'm interested in film making. Thank you, John.

[@thebeltwaybandit9406]

This is a superb presentation to those of us musical illiterates.

[@sparkybluefox]

Mr Hess, Another over the top AWESOME video presentation! I was amazed how you condensed the subject of film music down to something less than 1/2 an hour! These Filmmaker IQ video's ARE video's to be studied on how to short videos! BRAVO ! sbf

[@mjaada]

Maybe video on history of animation?

[@JoeBetro]

I love you man. Your videos are so well done and put together with so much love and care. Thank you!

[@vincentknight27]

This channel is just the best.

[@clydecessna737]

This was a sumptuous episode; thank you.

[@danielschwarzlose9403]

Sooooooo good to see you back with great videos. I enjoy it totally. Thumbs up.

[@kaleohao2426]

Glad you're making videos again!!

[@dennisp3314]

Very nice. As a long-time musician, reminded me of a few principles.

[@lunacarmin]

The opening is getting more epic every time!! Love this content so much!! 🎬🥁 wow your grandfather sounds really cool!!

[@ems7623]

The Metropoils score has always impressed me. Came here as someone who teaches film history (and someone with a undergrad degree in musicology) wondering how you might teach the entry-level film student about film music.

[@braydenduff9033]

The quality of these videos is absolutely top class. The fact that these are free is amazing. Extremely informative and well thought out. Thank you!

[@sterstam9185]

Finally! Thank you for your high quality content!

[@ClashBerry]

Yeeees, finally! You're back :D

[@deltalima5806]

What an incredible video. Thank you for making this and taking of your time to teach this. This was VERY insightful.

[@somethingaboutthemovies5116]

Clear overview. Thanks for the work.. Loved the 'expression' part.

[@alejoparedes2388]

And Kubrick showed up three times in this video. Goes to show what a genius he was when it came to scoring film with already existing music.

[@HipHopMovieNews]

Great lesson. Sometimes I question myself about which one could I not live without; music or film? Then I tell myself, which part of my body could I not live without, my brain or my heart? Well that's how I feel about film and music.

[@FilmmakerIQ]

I can't imagine film without music... however you can have music without film. I see film as the all encompassing artform.

[@Begeaux]

Glad to see you back in action! You really deserve more views.

[@websitesthatneedanem]

Great stuff John! Good you see you back. - Please could you do a tutorial on the relationship between Writer, Producer, Director, & Editor ( even big names actors! ) and how it all works, ie. power, money, cinemas, studios, cinemas, publicity, 'star's power'!

[@FilmmakerIQ]

Every relationship is different - you could never make a general statement about it.

[@TripRadar]

Extremely valuable videos at your channel, good combination of theory and practical examples. Thanks!

[@rycbar30]

Great as always! Thank you!

[@XprPrentice]

I seem to be rewatching all your vids I saw a year ago. Yay for me! I'm happy to recognize this time that your description of 50 BPM was accompanied by an old Canadian Brass clip. (Chuck on the tuba!) [I'm a band kid myself, French horn, which is a wonderful instrument in film scores - my band director (who happened to be my mother) used to say that the horn was used for the hero - that's how she convinced me to play it rather than the flashier trumpet.]

[@WrenchinUpwithJimBates]

Great video! By the way, my Grandfather played the piano at the "silent movie" theater too!

[@PresidentBelichick]

Great video! Love this channel

[@aaronjboysreleasing2001]

Filmmakers IQ, I found a incidental music for the movie "Alien", composing Howard Hanson's called "Symphony No. 2 (The Romantic)" which is played over during the closing credits.

[@oobrocks]

No need to try other channels for "how films are made;" this channel is expertly constructed

[@JosH-oo2en]

happy new year excellent video

[@iggydjayh]

He's back!

[@xandercesari9773]

I'm 9 minutes in and I think this video will make me go watch the first scene of Touch of Evil again...

[@johnbell5151]

Really good overview of film music.

[@luislodosm]

A master class. Thanks.

[@HoangMyVu]

Thank you very much for very detail information, feeling like I'm back to film school 😝

[@dievdefrik4457]

Very Harmonic. Lovely !

[@BennettIsAmazing]

YAAAAAASSS New Filmmaker IQ video! YAAAASss... oh it's about music.. Oh who cares it's still superb YAAAASSSS!!

[@sclogse1]

A fun example is the end of Maltese Falcon, as Marie Windsor is taken down in the elevator. The music does this ponderous decent down the scale. Listen to the score to The Misfits sometime. Or the incredible score in The Best Years Of Our Lives.

[@gtagisthebestdonttellmeno]

I love this video it is so interesting and so cool

[@MichaelTurner856]

This is a really good video!

[@SantiagoM95]

that intro was pretty funny, by the way great content

[@IFHPodcastNetwork]

Great video guys.

[@chakravarthye]

Wonderful video. keep going. I'm glad I saw this vid.

[@The07059]

Love the music of the end

[@User-sm8xg]

okay, now this is epic

[@Ruby_V_]

this is so coherent. super wow.

[@playandteach]

Hi, I think it would be great to do a follow up looking at some common film music devices, such as texture changes, reorchestration, changes in tessitura, especially how they're handled at the ends of cues. And the use of music to set time and place. Could be a great mini-series.

[@ditarf85]

Thanks again, John!

[@dbcouto]

They,re back!!!!!! Tks god!

[@PogieJoe]

Great stuff!

[@XprPrentice]

This really seems a good lecture on music theory for the first 20 minutes. The last 5 show how different music works in film (and it's very instructive). Now that we've got a foundation in music theory, I hope we'll get commentary using actual examples - though, I suppose, rights might be a problem. We all want to know why Kubrick highjacked music, or how John Williams's scores have made many films better ("Jaws" is a great entry point).

[@mdturnerinoz]

Cool stuff, John; and we learnt something about you: trumpet player? Awesome!

[@danielmads9160]

This is bullseye for me, I want to become a film music composer, that is like my goal in life!

[@IgnacioAOlivar]

Music in a movie can be, and sometimes should be, the key identity of genre, plot, the whole idea behind the film. Even more, music could play a main character in movies. Think about "Singing in the rain" in the famous scene of "Clokwrok Orange": The music just express the action of characters or dictate what it's necessary to do? It's depends on the general view of the director. Music could be a simple "effect" or tel us the story on its own.The famous scene of "The Exorcist", without the master piece of "tubular bells" it's fair creepy but non less, but music give us and anticipation of all the suspense and horror.

[@ElDeonisio]

Please, tell me how to find this Yangtze melody from 22:54?

[@FilmmakerIQ]

+Denis Gulyar it's from the Filmstro library look interesting vid description for a free month offer

[@Dreamconfedi]

I swear I remember seeing you touch the topic of mockbusters. I wanted to come back to see it in full, but it was gone.

[@FilmmakerIQ]

Having issues with some squatters claiming the rights to Turkish Star Wars. You can watch it on Vimeo: vimeo.com/200728015

[@TripleTSingt]

Pachelbel Canon has been know to bore Cellists to death… obv joking, but most players are really bummed out when they hear they have to play pachelbels bass voice, while everyone else is super existed about those higher voices, which are really fun to play

[@brunobilandzija1823]

awesome content! =) thank you!

[@whitepoststudio3947]

John Hess is very knowledgeable and intelligent but most of all he is a great teacher.

[@tonywords6713]

damn dude. you deserve way more likes and subs, thank you.

[@boombaby1769]

What is the final track that we hear in the Méliès example? Where can I get it? It's lovely!

[@FilmmakerIQ]

+boom baby Yangzte, look in the description for a link to the site to get the track

[@crystaldominguez8620]

Thank you so much!

[@Bobjua]

what is that Yangtze song? it sounds so nice.

[@bluenetmarketing]

So you have a sad songbird story to tell as well. Yes, I have one too. I bet the librettos are similar.

[@robbyboyo]

Wonderful.

[@TheMagusNikola]

As a bumbling musician I am very enamored with this episode, although I must admit, I disagree with one statement. Overall I really love the wonderful musical overview and summary regarding how these elements are used in film. On the other hand, I do not feel the music chosen for the fight scene in A Clockwork Orange was chosen entirely as a contrast or juxtaposition. That piece, in its day, was a lively and engaging dance number. In the cultural context of the milk club gangs violence was almost a form of dance. Whether the director intended or not, this musical selection was very appropriate for the scene, consciously or unconsciously.

[@كاظمظافر-ش2س]

What is the program that worked with this explanation Please

[@boombaby1769]

I wanna know as well!

[@ethanwinstead6280]

Hey, why'd you guys take down the Mockbuster video?

[@DaBlackX]

Do you have a download link for that Yangtze song? The one you put it over the Georges Méliès clip. Or at least the composer's name.

[@FilmmakerIQ]

It's in the description from Filmstro music library.

[@DaBlackX]

Thank you good sir/madam! Not to make it sound like that was the only takeaway from your video or anything, as it was incredibly informative, that song was just one major thing that stood out with me.

[@bluenetmarketing]

I have a question. Do you know of any software that can take band music and transcribe it into sheet music? This would help us a lot.

[@FilmmakerIQ]

I wish I did - that would be extremely useful but I don't think anything exists. Finale used to have one that might have worked on a solo voice, but it was never very good.

[@tobiascornille]

Here's a fun link for non-musicians: touchpianist.com/ You decide the rhythm, but the melody is fixed. It's surprisingly fun!

[@bredmond812]

I've been waiting for a new video for a long time, and this is the subject I have been waiting for. I appreciate it very much. There is so much information in here. Can I ask a question? When it comes to music in a movie, what do the words "themes" and "cues" mean?

[@FilmmakerIQ]

A cue is any point where music comes in - in your list of deliverables for a film you will have to generate a "cue sheet" which lists all the songs you used in your film along with their composers. I'm not entirely sure on if royalty free music needs to be listed... A "Theme" is basically a melody that you would associate with a character and that's played when the character is on screen - like "Leia's Theme" from Star Wars or the Imperial March.

[@bredmond812]

Thanks for your quick reply. It is greatly appreciated. How is a "theme" different from a "leitmotif"?

[@FilmmakerIQ]

They're pretty much the same thing but you could say a Leitmotif and motifs in general are shorter where as themes are more fully fleshed out musical passages.

[@bredmond812]

thanks again.

[@Megabean]

I love you guys, for such a educated channel in film, production and video I'm surprised you don't use a full colourspace video recording to clean up your greenscreen. Otherwise fantastic

[@FilmmakerIQ]

You need to weigh the practicalities of doing 25+ minute videos entirely on green screen with what you consider full color space video. We aren't making Pewdiepie money here..

[@Megabean]

Filmmaker IQ I get it, just binged a few of your videos and goodness I wish I knew this channel when I was in film school. Great work

[@willthedirector]

What is the name of the track over the 'Trip to the moon' ending clip?

[@FilmmakerIQ]

22:25 "Yangste" from FilmStro

[@willthedirector]

Thank you! It's beautiful.

[@diegom-a7970]

i love your channel ! Can you do a video about blocking?

[@FilmmakerIQ]

We touch on it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3eln4ajl8aZeZo We have some other blocking concepts we may explore in the future.

[@diegom-a7970]

Thank you !

[@OgatRamastef]

is the last video unavailable? why?

[@FilmmakerIQ]

Having issues with some squatters claiming the rights to Turkish Star Wars. You can watch it on Vimeo: vimeo.com/200728015

[@RaymondHng]

The theme from _Mission: Impossible_ , the original television series, has a 5/4 time signature.