ASK & DISCUSS
INDEXScript format and music
10 years, 10 months ago - Michael Brandon
Can any of you lovely Shooters lend some advice on format and music in screenplay? A central theme of my story concerns how hearing music from our past affects us in the present.
I know that cost and ‘rights’ are a minefield, so is it acceptable to suggest specific tracks (which I would like to do) or should I only specify genres? In terms of format, what would a script editor expect to see? Looking at Quadrophenia for example, I’m guessing ‘format’ is whatever is clear and makes sense to the reader?
Any advice from Shooters with experience in this field would be greatly appreciated.
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10 years, 10 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin
I think Quadrophenia is a special case, the story and music existed as completed works long before the film was made.
Side note - it's absolutely my favourite The Who album now, I just love the fact it was almost a score for a movie already, with character themes mirroring and echoing through the work. It's a remarkable achievement.
Response from 10 years, 10 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin SHOW
10 years, 10 months ago - Dan Selakovich
Michael, at this point put in the specific tracks you want because they seem necessary to story. There is a good argument to make that a studio execs or producer's head will explode when they start adding up the costs, and can't see outside of a specific song. But early on in the process it might be OK.
On one of my scripts I option years ago, it had specific jazz tracks by specific artists. I made the producer a tape of those tracks in script order. But not being pop songs, the money wasn't a worry. And she (the producer) really appreciated what they added to the script.
Response from 10 years, 10 months ago - Dan Selakovich SHOW
10 years, 10 months ago - Marlom Tander
Story drives this. Is it important that the audience recognize the track? If so, then you should specify tracks. If not, genre should work.
Just be prepared to think of alternatives. I read that for Rocky they wanted "Another One Bites The Dust" by Queen, but couldn't get the rights, so went to someone else who came up with "The Eye of the Tiger" instead.
Response from 10 years, 10 months ago - Marlom Tander SHOW
10 years, 10 months ago - Michael Brandon
Thanks all for taking time to reply.
I suppose it makes sense to ‘suggest’ tracks and not lose sleep over it. As for format, again probably shouldn’t get my knickers in a twist. If the story works…
Thanks again!
Response from 10 years, 10 months ago - Michael Brandon SHOW