MarkNelsonMovies wrote:what I'm having trouble with is the composing part.
i.e. what kinds of notes, instruments, intervals, harmonies, melodies, etc.. go where/with what types of visuals.
One of the best ways to improve on this skill is to learn by example. Watch as many movies/brickfilms that you can!
Right from the start (especially with brickfilms) you should be able to easily find examples that will inspire you (composing and editing was done similar to your own tastes) and ones that don't. (composing and editing that you personally wouldn't have chosen)
Personally, I think that when it comes to scoring a scene, it all comes down to process of elimination. Think of different ways you could approach the scene musically. Whichever ways don't work throw out. Whatever sticks - take a second look at it. Improve it if possible, and keep thinking of alternative motifs.
Composing for a narrative is just like writing a symphony - there can be many parts, simple or complex, but, what they all have in common is a recurring motif. This "motif" could be for the main character, the main conflict, a certain location... etc.
MarkNelsonMovies wrote:I can read music, and have basic theory knowledge.
This is more than I had when I first tried out scoring in 2011. However, I soon learned major and minor scales, and began to study music theory. Now, I can even read sheet music! None of these were required from the beginning, though.
If you're stuck working on a specific scene right now (or in the future) I say, watch it over and over until you have a mood or feeling. As a composer, it's your job to recreate and compliment that mood by scoring to the scene. And, "scoring to the scene" could mean anything from having a full orchestra belt out all at once, to having no music at all!
In the end, music is just another piece to the puzzle. It carries the same weight as the visuals, acting, or any other major element of a film/brickfilm. The worst thing it can do is not fit in. You have to look at a scene like a mixing bowl. Choose just the right ingredients to make the dish the best it can be.
Other than that, there's not really much else that can be said about film scoring. It's very subjective and takes some talent and experience to really bring out satisfying results.
Here's the latest brickfilm I scored, De Mortem It's rather short, and was made for the latest THAC contest. Give it a watch/listen. What do you like about the scoring? What don't you like about the scoring? ... Starting with questions like this can only help get you started, and more familiar, with expressing your thoughts and emotions through melody.
Last edited by Dyland (February 20, 2016 (07:22pm))