The art of music supervision

Sound & Vision: The Art of Music Supervision 

 

The main objective for a music supervisor is to enable the creative vision of the client, and essentially help them to evoke an emotion in their audience.  The perfect soundscape, track or song, and often the spaces left between, can be essential to a great piece of storytelling.  So, whether you are working on a 30 second advert, podcast series, documentary or feature film, music can play a critical role in helping tell that story. Therefore, having someone on hand to craft, advise and concentrate on all things music can prove invaluable. 

Imagine some of the greatest moments in film and TV, or even a show from your childhood. A lot of them will come with a great score or piece of music. Or how often is a theme tune referenced when talking about a show; think of Desert Islands Discs, Curb Your Enthusiasm or Star Wars without their iconic soundtrack. Music plays such a huge part in our enjoyment of a show, it helps us pin memories to different moments in time and even a snippet of the music is likely to evoke a deep emotional response. Whether it’s obvious or not, music is often what can elevate something we enjoy from good to great. 

Music can easily change the feel of an edit and even turn a good project into an unforgettable one.  Here is a very quick example of the difference music can make to an edit: 

What does a music supervisor actually do?  Well, it all depends on the time and budget available, and at which stage they are brought into the production, but some of the tasks can include:

• Provide knowledge and expertise across various genres/styles to help create a soundscape or sonic identity for the project.
• Advise and allocate budget depending on project needs.  Provide suitable options depending on finances.
• Sourcing music and creating playlists for specific characters, scenes, moments.
• Help identify and secure suitable composers for bespoke work.
• Booking recording sessions and musicians for recordings.
• Being the liaison between the director and/or production company and musicians/editors or any other creative.
• Finding and clearing commercial music options.

Although the role of music supervisor is one small part in the overall creative process, it can have a profound impact:

"Music and cinema fit together naturally. Because there's a kind of intrinsic musicality to the way moving images work when they're put together. It's been said that cinema and music are very close as art forms, and I think that's true.” - Martin Scorsese (Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, Gangs of New York)

“The score is a major element. It's equal to the script or the cast, easily." - George Lucas (Star Wars, Indiana Jones)

Where possible try and give plenty of time to the ideas and sourcing of music, as it can really play such a vital role on your project. The Universal Production Music supervision team will always be there to help. Before getting in touch, it is great to think about exactly what you are after. Check out a few things that make ‘The Perfect Brief’ for quick tips when asking for help.

So, the next time you find yourself captivated by a scene, trailer or almost any form of media; take a moment to notice the choice of music, that is the art of music supervision in action.

Get in touch with our Music Supervision team for assistance with music searches, licensing, information on broadcaster blankets and more.