Sound Module Final Project: Graphic Novel

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Final assignment: Composition for a Graphic Novel
Short composition with original sounds
Accompaniment to a teaser or trailer to a film or game
Use previous visual work from narrative/visual modules, or video sequences, or sequences of static images relating a story
Recommended using results from previous assignments: recordings, sounds, melodies…
Download all the specifications at: https://www.dropbox.com/s/711npo88hngob5g/SoundModule-FinalAssignmentWeek5.pdf?dl=0

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Discussion 131
  • The Force
    Dan Cheng
    Dan Cheng Posted on 2014-12-09 15:27:12 -0500.

    The sound makes the video so comical. It is really hilarious. I like it a lot! It is amazing that it is so different from the original one, which is full of tension. Your creative soundtrack brings us good mood. Your soundtrack has the power to change a 3D movie into an 2D animation. All the sounds of the machines are also well-made.

  • Stickman Animation
    Dan Cheng
    Dan Cheng Posted on 2014-12-09 15:19:58 -0500.

    Both the video and music are very interesting. They fit each other perfectly. Your music is very dynamic and the listener can clearly feel the progression that match with the movement of the stickman.

  • He's Really Feeling It
    Dan Cheng
    Dan Cheng Posted on 2014-12-09 15:16:35 -0500.

    This is really good, I like how you add the human voice into the video to make the listener feel more engaging. The movment sound of the dinosaur at the beginning is also very dynamic. One suggestion I have is that maybe you can use more intense music for the fighting scene.

  • Human Transmutation
    Francisco Rojo
    Francisco Rojo Posted on 2014-12-08 23:53:38 -0500.

    I think the orchestration that you did to the video really worked, and mostly hit the goals that you set out. I think the omission of the dialogue (except for where it was pretty necessary to include it) actually added to the overall tune of the piece. One thing that I think would be more effective is in doing a more noticeable change sonically at the moment in the video when the circle changes from blue to purple. I think that is a subtle turning point that could be accentuated with a change in the tone of the accompanying music.

  • Eomer vs Squirrel
    Talia Lesjack-Randall
    Talia Lesjack-Randall Posted on 2014-12-08 21:22:47 -0500.

    I think that the sum of a lot of these comments is the idea that maybe the combination of video and sound didn't exactly convey a clear and cohesive narrative. I think that there are a lot of different ways to do that, and a bunch of examples are listed above, but first the story should be clearly set.

  • The Force
    Talia Lesjack-Randall
    Talia Lesjack-Randall Posted on 2014-12-08 21:14:45 -0500.

    I thought I had commented on this earlier, but I don't see it. Hopefully I'm misremembering and it didn't just get lost, though I wouldn't put it past Gallery! I really like what you did with this in the end, it was very endearing. The one moment that I felt didn't fully line up with the rest was the dark music over the storm troopers. It felt just a bit too dark, and stood out instead of standing in direct contrast to the lighter portions. Over all it was very well done, and I like the effect it had on the visual piece!

  • Oblivion Trailer
    Judy H
    Judy H Posted on 2014-12-08 17:14:19 -0500.

    Wow, I think that this was very well done! Just a few comments to make. In the beginning, it seems like the tones were made to drop as each scene shifted but they drop every so slightly after a new scene of the destruction is shown. (This might just be an issue with the video processing though) I really liked how you handled the high-energy scenes where Tom Cruise is shown in dangerous situation with just the cymbals, it was very effective in terms of building up the suspense. I thought the part where he falls into the hole was a bit awkward just because it was the same sound as in the beginning but it only lasted a brief moment whereas I as almost anticipated something else to linger afterwards. Lastly, I wish that the ending when "OBLIVION" text is displayed you would have let the note ring out a little longer before fading it out - it was a bit abrupt.

  • Human Transmutation
    Eunice  Oh
    Eunice Oh Posted on 2014-12-08 17:10:26 -0500.

    The final piece turned out very well! You were able to produce the foreboding and ominous atmosphere with the continuous eerie noises from the beginning. The addition of the crow sounds and the electricity noises made the overall piece feel more authentic. I felt as though I was actually watching a professionally made piece! The silence at the end is also very ominous on its own and leaves the listener at a "cliffhanger" with no idea how the scene will proceed from there. Good job!

  • Stickman Animation
    Judy H
    Judy H Posted on 2014-12-08 17:08:05 -0500.

    I really like the way that this project turned out! I know you initially said you wanted to use elevator music in the beginning but going with that more retro/innocent game music gave a better feel to it. It was playful rather than casual like elevator music might have made it. I do wish that it was a bit faster though so it's a bit more dance-like. The effects from the Jaws theme were well timed as well. The epic music that is introduced is very fitting. I was very much looking forward to you slowing down the music in the slowed-down defying gravity matrix-like scene but other than that, I thought this project was well executed

  • He's Really Feeling It
    Brian Li
    Brian Li Posted on 2014-12-08 17:06:26 -0500.

    I think that the piece is well composed, but some of the sound levels might be a bit unbalanced. I wish the background music could've been a bit louder, because as of now, the dialogue kind of outshines the rest of the audio. I think this is especially apparent in the vision scene and resulting fight. The rest of the music is muted, so I feel like the voices should be muted too, or at least distorted in some way. I thought the buildup at the end was a nice touch and was very fitting.

  • This is Eloise
    Eunice  Oh
    Eunice Oh Posted on 2014-12-08 17:03:08 -0500.

    This is very well done! The music matches up very well with the pictures that show on the screen. It was especially interesting to see how, although using only a few instruments, you were able to change the mood depending on the tempo. The playful parts of the video were played very lightly and almost childlike. When the chaotic image was displayed, the rapid playing of the keys keeps the audience on edge and also incites a sense of urgency and chaos. The changes in mood throughout the video is very well represented and with just a few technical fixes on certain parts, the overall video should be great! Good work!

  • Jake Weiss
    Kim Lister
    Kim Lister Posted on 2014-12-08 16:47:24 -0500.

    I'm glad you went with a combination of a few fairly simple, yet quite varied elements. What stands out most about the trailer is that it's a collection of striking visual elements but with nothing particularly deep about the way they're arranged (at least, not that we'd have time to appreciate), so that suits it well.

    The thrumming sound at the start is uneasy, like someone nervously awaiting an event, and the rising tones just after reinforce that sense by giving the sense of a revelation. The constant, steady beat clearly matches the blinking images, so that we're anticipating each one as we nod along to the rhythm. The only part I might change is the sound effect with the words at the end--it's jarring, which is appropriate, but I think it could sound "heavier" to go with the bold capitals of the text.

    Overall it's a really effective piece, nice job!

  • Destruction of Dalaran
    Brian Lai
    Brian Lai Posted on 2014-12-08 16:46:57 -0500.

    I think the vocals made a huge difference to the beginning of the piece. I think for me the beginning instrumental seems a bit too upbeat though - it was somewhat dissonant for me to hear such a deep voice and then such fast paced, higher pitched sounds.
    The paired chimes worked really well for me, and the I feel like I wouldn't have connected to the collapse of the tower as well if it wasn't there.
    I think the buildup to the destruction of the first tower is good, but it seems a tiny bit out of place to have the same music after he destroys the tower and then goes for the rest of the city. I think I would have liked to hear something even lower and more gloomy in that part.

    Overall, I definitely feel that this was a successful piece!

  • Alien
    Brian Li
    Brian Li Posted on 2014-12-08 16:46:25 -0500.

    Wow! I thought this sounded amazing and very professional. In my opinion, your trailer music actually fits the video much better than the original. I could feel the suspense and uneasiness that you wanted to express with the wind loop and the scream. Although I am not familiar with many sound editing techniques, the music feels very well put together, and flows well from beginning to end. I thought the repeated notes at the end was a nice finishing touch, but I wish that the video actually continued for a couple of more seconds, because it seems like it ended a bit too abruptly.

  • Oblivion Trailer
    Amber Jones
    Amber Jones Posted on 2014-12-08 16:44:16 -0500.

    I really like the turnout with this piece. I agree with you on the aerial crash scenes, the sound could be changed so it is more cohesive with the rest of the trailer. I also think that to make the transitions between your music and the voiceover from the movies a little less choppy, you should fade the voice over more, and possibly even add more background grit/noise to your music.

  • Game of Thrones Trailer
    Brian Lai
    Brian Lai Posted on 2014-12-08 16:41:06 -0500.

    I think that the opening is incredibly well done! The soft minor key definitely helps build up a sense of darkness and impending misfortune. I was just wondering, did you do anything to change the way the dialogue sounded on purpose? At least to me, it sounds like in your piece Varys sounds like he is much closer to the mic, creating a sense that he was almost whispering into my ear, and I really enjoyed that part even if it wasn't intentional. I like how you synced up the bass beats to the events, like the ripping of Sansa's dress.
    It was a good choice to slow things back down again near the end as more and more people were being killed - it reflected not so much the rage and energy of battle and conflict but rather the sadness and suffering that it brings to the people in the series.

    I feel that you could have done slightly more during the section when the words appeared - although it is already quite strong, it sounds a bit empty with just the string instruments and the bass.

    Overall, great work! You incorporated the dialogue wonderfully.

  • Agent Peggy Carter
    Teddy Lee
    Teddy Lee Posted on 2014-12-08 15:53:53 -0500.

    I like the final result, although, I'm not sure, but the sound effects were very natural and easy to forget that they weren't there in the first place. The use of the note when crossing out in the sheet of paper was appreciated. I think that your use of percussion in this was extremely good. The sounds were just right for the scene although a little more melody and maybe a better conclusion would not be amiss. The base in the beginning threw me off a bit when it transitioned to the action with the drums and the base didn't return. I think there was the potential for a really good bassline in this. Also, the video seems to cut off in the middle of a sound, was this intentional?

  • Beyond Good and Evil 2
    Jacob Slone
    Jacob Slone Posted on 2014-12-08 15:31:50 -0500.

    I really like how this turned out! I agree with your critique, more instruments might have helped as the environment is very layered in the video. I wasn't a big fan of the instrument (xylophone?) from 0:09 to 0:15. It didn't really feel like it fit with the rest of the piece, but other than that I really like this one.

  • The Breach
    Dan Cheng
    Dan Cheng Posted on 2014-12-08 15:23:43 -0500.

    Exllenct piece! I can really feel the different tensions in different settings. The music is very engaging and dramatic! All the background music fits the story in the video perfectly! All the transitions are well done too, I really like how use make the transition in 35s, although two background musics are so different, but it is not abrupt at all. One thing is that I think it would be good if you add more movement sounds in the video, like the sound of smashing the ice.

  • Oblivion Trailer
    Jacob Slone
    Jacob Slone Posted on 2014-12-08 15:15:26 -0500.

    Nice, I like what you have here. I agree with your critique about the ariel crash sound effects; it doesn't quite fit with the rest of the piece. I'm also not particularly fond of the percussion sound you used in between frames. I think something that faded out instead of cutting off would have been less jarring. Not that jarring is bad, but I think that would be best used in an action sequence or only right before the falling scene. Since the trailer has so many short scenes, the percussive sound makes it a little difficult to keep up. Overall, though, I like how this turned out.

  • Eomer vs Squirrel
    Eric  Wang
    Eric Wang Posted on 2014-12-08 14:50:32 -0500.

    Although I thought the composition as a whole was pretty cute, I really had trouble understanding the story. Even though I saw the squirrel in the video, I didn't realize it was Eomer's destiny to chase it out until I read your description and the music didn't suggests it too much yet. Like the previous comments, maybe make the music in that sequence more intense?

  • Assassin's Creed Unity
    Anna Tan
    Anna Tan Posted on 2014-12-08 14:11:17 -0500.

    I found this composition to be very interesting! I really like how you build up the energy every time there's a conflict in the video. When the soldier swings the sword at the assassin, the strong bass line that appears made my heart pumping. As the clip goes on to show the assassins jumping around, the energy in the music feels very powerful. I like how you repeated a motif over and over again, building up as the video goes; it gives me something to expect and ties the whole music together.

    I do also feel that the crescendo at the beginning with the woman getting hit is a little distracting. I feel the scene is rather sombre and is very contrasting with the rest of the video. I think it would be better if the mood at that point is sadness and despair, and then changes to the energetic feeling of revolution later. I also think you can do something with the music when the soldier shoots into the crowd. The music kind of just continues on like before at that point, but I feel like that is one of the biggest climaxes in the video. I also suggest looking into the ending of the music. The fading feels a little obvious to me.

    I think there are a lot of very good elements in your composition, and I really enjoy the music as a whole. The motif works really well at getting stuck in my head!

  • Game of Thrones Trailer
    Raisa Chowdhury
    Raisa Chowdhury Posted on 2014-12-08 13:57:05 -0500.

    I really like the way that you composed this clip and how the music flows. The deep, slow notes definitely give it a more somber and medieval feel. I also really love how you allow the music to pick up for a bit, around 0:41, but then slow it back down and make it more somber. I think that choice is really reflective of what Game of Thrones is like in reality and it definitely creates a more dramatic mood.

    One thing that I would like to comment is that at the beginning, when Stannis, Melisandre, and Tywin are introduced and you have those long, drawn-out percussion notes, it seems as though you switch from one note to the other too fast. There's not enough time for one to fade out before it switches, and so it leaves an incomplete feeling. I think that if you picked more staccato notes, the overall effect might feel more smooth.

    I think you did a really great job on this and I think it reflects the subject matter of the video really well!

  • The Breach
    Ariel Tian
    Ariel Tian Posted on 2014-12-08 13:52:34 -0500.

    I was blown away, you did an awesome job, Ivan! I loved the voices in the beginning, and my favorite part was the cymbal at the very end. The only thing I would've liked to hear is more of a beat (ex. a steady drum in the background), especially during the intense parts. I think that would have made this scene even more intense. But overall, this was amazing and you should be proud of what you have done!

  • The Amazing Spiderman 2
    Ariel Tian
    Ariel Tian Posted on 2014-12-08 13:47:38 -0500.

    Wow Kristen, this was great! The trombones really did the trick, and I loved the brief silence while Spiderman is falling. I think you built up a lot of suspense, which is awesome, but I don't think it really hit a climax anywhere. Adding higher pitches somewhere during the intense sections might have helped with that.

  • Cards
    Amanda Marano
    Amanda Marano Posted on 2014-12-08 13:19:11 -0500.

    I think your ideas and goals shined through well in your final piece, the bells definitely added the touch of magic you were looking for. However, I think the synchronization could have been a little bit tighter, especially at the beginning. It was a little bit distracting when the words appearing and the action didn't seem to match what the music was doing. Although I liked each individual section of music, overall the piece didn't really seem to be cohesive. I think you could have integrated pieces of earlier melodies into later ones, to give the piece and overall cohesion instead of breaking it up into individual sections that are discrete. I did think your ideas for starting and ending the piece were strong, though. Your beginning started out slow and created intrigue. I liked that you included those same sounds at the end to provide closure, and your ending using the false cadence was interesting. Great work!

  • Human Transmutation
    Anna Tan
    Anna Tan Posted on 2014-12-08 13:19:09 -0500.

    Your final outcome fits the new video you chose well. I really like how the music is very unsettling from the beginning. The disharmonious feeling foreshadows what is going to happen later in the video. The sound effects are very well executed and don't sound out of place with the video. I found your music to be original and interesting. One suggestion I have is that the change in music from the beginning scene and the scene where the circle lights up is a little abrupt; it felt like two different pieces of music put together.

  • Cards
    Christina Reimond
    Christina Reimond Posted on 2014-12-08 13:17:44 -0500.

    Very cool outcome! I like the soft bell sounds at the beginning which give a mysterious feeling and the guitar and other sounds that add excitement which you used to emphasize more climactic parts of the video. You definitely captured the ebb and flow that you were aiming to-- the visually exciting parts of the video sound exciting and the visually calmer parts of the video sound calmer. Also, the beats seem to be timed very well with actions taking place. Great job!

  • Cards
    Teddy Lee
    Teddy Lee Posted on 2014-12-08 13:04:54 -0500.

    I fixed the Youtube upload, I had to re-export it, I just thought that processing was taking a while, Sorry!

  • Assassin's Creed Unity
    Raisa Chowdhury
    Raisa Chowdhury Posted on 2014-12-08 13:03:45 -0500.

    I think this project turned out really cool! I like the buildup you created at the beginning of the piece and how it slowly grew faster and more intense as the action sequences continued to pick up. I also really loved how it grew fast right at 0:22, right when all the assassins jumped on those soldiers in a line. The energetic atmosphere that you created works perfectly in showcasing the action-y nature of your original source of inspiration. Furthermore, I really like how you made the notes sound almost clipped and jagged; it makes the music feel more exciting and action-packed.

    One thing that I might want to add is that at the beginning, when the mother is pushed down and then you see the child crying, the music gets faster and more high-pitched. And while I do think that making the music faster is a great way to show the emotional aspect of the scene, I'm wondering if the high pitch almost makes it seem less serious or sad. Maybe if you went with fast, low notes it would make the whole situation appear more saddening.

    I also really like that at the end, when we see the soldiers in a line again, the music changes back to what it was near the beginning of the piece. I think that was a really great way of having the piece come full circle. It also worked really well in signaling to the audience that the piece was coming to a close. Overall, I think you did a great job!

  • The Amazing Spiderman 2
    Kristen  Smith
    Kristen Smith Posted on 2014-12-08 12:45:34 -0500.

    Thanks for both of your suggestions. I only had time to fix the one about the black video at the end, though, but I agree that adding higher pitches would've been nice so long as they weren't overpowering.

  • Agent Peggy Carter
    Christina Reimond
    Christina Reimond Posted on 2014-12-08 10:48:13 -0500.

    I really like how your final piece turned out! The phone ringing at the beginning is perfect to draw in a listener, then the sounds after that create mystery and tension; I also like how they sync well with her crossing something off on a piece of paper. The following sounds when she is approaching the men in the building definitely make it feel as though something interesting is about to happen (the climax). The added sounds when she fights the men adds to the affect of the climax. Your idea for decreasing the volume when it switches to the man yawning is a great way to approach that part of the video; this emphasizes how oblivious he is. Finally, I like how you ended with the sound of glass breaking, which provides a sense of wondering what happens next. Great job!

  • The Amazing Spiderman 2
    Amanda Marano
    Amanda Marano Posted on 2014-12-08 09:27:22 -0500.

    I really liked that you structured your piece such that the beginning low sounds are mimicked at the end to give a sense of closure, it really help stabilize the whole piece. I also liked the electronic aspect that you added as you moved forward in the piece, it helps set an eerie mood. I agree with Ariel that a higher pitched sound might have been good to break up a very low-note heavy melody, but you captured the mood you set out to achieve nicely. Great Job! Also, why is there so much black video at the end? My first suggestion for further editing would be to cut that out.

  • Jake Weiss
    Abhishek Tayal
    Abhishek Tayal Posted on 2014-12-08 02:13:48 -0500.

    All right that was really cool. Its so different from the original and yet seems to work pretty well. I like that you've gone for a much simpler sound than Nine Inch Nail's cover of Immigrant Song, and thats a smart move! Honestly, I might even say that your music suits the mood of the movie more than the original.

    I liked how your work seems to blend an earthy, classical sound with an electronic sound. You seem to be able to make it work. I was also very impressed by what you did when text came up on the screen towards the end - that was very cool.

    A couple of suggestions: Right now, your piece tends to sag around the middle. Due to being as long as it is, you might want to consider adding some more variety more regularly. Maybe try halving the BPM at some opportune moment? Also, while the way you handle text on the screen is impressive, it does seem kind of jarring since the music till that point was rather melodic. If you're going for that kind of surprise, its perfect. If not, consider maybe building up by making your general sound more and more jarring as time progresses?

  • Alien
    Mauricio Cano
    Mauricio Cano Posted on 2014-12-08 00:26:14 -0500.

    Alright, this is awesome. I think adding the chimes at the beginning was a nice touch. Also, repeating those last notes that played when the "E" came on was the perfect way to build suspense and expectation for the egg cracking. If I would change anything, it'd be the fact that there's a sound effect for every peace of ALIEN that appears. I don't personally think it's a bad touch but it seems that this might have a "undesired comical effect."

  • He's Really Feeling It
    Mauricio Cano
    Mauricio Cano Posted on 2014-12-08 00:22:30 -0500.

    Wow! Adding the voice really enhanced the quality of the trailer--for a second I thought that was actually from the original video and you had chosen to keep it in the final product! I like that it adds a kind of comical aspect to the trailer-- "A VISION!" was my favorite.

  • The Amazing Spiderman 2
    Ivan Wang
    Ivan Wang Posted on 2014-12-07 23:41:39 -0500.

    I really liked the introduction-- the low pulsing sound worked just like you said, and the build-up was nicely executed. The gong sound was a little unexpected, but I think it worked! I thought the timbre of the main melody was really interesting and gave the trailer a very techy feel, which certainly matches all the electricity in the video. It was also pretty cool to hear it mixed with trombones, which have a more traditional feel. Overall, I think you managed to capture the tone of the trailer quite well. Good job!

  • Eomer vs Squirrel
    Kristen  Smith
    Kristen Smith Posted on 2014-12-07 22:47:51 -0500.

    I agree with Judy and Ariel. While the beginning seemed well-linked to the action, you are creating a bit of dissonance in the rest of the piece. I feel like the end chord should not have been major, because it seemed like Eomer was trying to get the squirrel and seemed happy that he did not succeed. I suppose this is based on perception, though. If Eomer was intending to scare the squirrel away, then I suppose he was victorious at the end of the movie. The middle chunk of the piece seemed pretty sad, when it should have possibly conveyed a sense of adventure? If that was the intent, you could have definitely left it in a minor key, but possibly adding a pulsing bass drum or a quick snare drum would have added to the sense of urgency.

  • Destruction of Dalaran
    Eric Terui
    Eric Terui Posted on 2014-12-07 22:45:18 -0500.

    I agree that opening and closing with the wind sound definitely added to the experience! At times, it did feel like the transitions were a little jarring. I think the voice actually did accompany the piece quite well. I'm not sure if this is possible, but I think it would add a lot to your piece if you could find a longer and louder crumbling sound for when the tower collapses. I really enjoy your two main melodies!

  • The Breach
    Kristen  Smith
    Kristen Smith Posted on 2014-12-07 22:43:16 -0500.

    This was awesome! Your piece matched really well with the action in the plot. When the camera enters into the green mist, the sound undoubtedly reflected that. When one of the soldiers decided to dramatically swing an ax at somebody, the low notes of the piece reflected that. The outcome seems to be that the viewer feels more immersed in the trailer because the sounds are so well-placed. You have certainly achieved your goal and this piece was a pleasure to listen to.

  • Game of Thrones Trailer
    Amal Sahay
    Amal Sahay Posted on 2014-12-07 21:39:26 -0500.

    I like the way this trailer developed. The dialogue here is crucial, and while you are right that it can sound kind of strange as they come from different sources, I do appreciate finding versions of each that are relatively clear. I also like the way the music has a very background-y feel, letting the visuals and dialogue do a lot of the work. The linking of percussive sounds with the words are good as well. The fire sounds at the end are a little out of place, I think, but that might just be an issue of taste. Another thing (which I know would be almost impossible to integrate in this short a timeframe) would be to consider making the music a touch more "epic" during some of the later scenes, when the dialogue isn't as instrumental - though you did mention the difficulty in the writeup, so I think you realize that too.
    Overall though, I like the way this feels! It's definitely all things I could imagine in an actual trailer, and I would just look to add some extra stuff on the top with extra time, if possible!

  • Alien
    asdfadfa
    asdfadfa Posted on 2014-12-07 21:34:49 -0500.

    Okay this was pulled off very well. You definitely captured the mood of the trailer and even though I'm not sure what the original audio was (I didn't listen to it) this is very fitting. The wind effects, the piano notes and that cracking all played well together to make a very creepy effect. Good stuff.

  • Alien
    Ivan Wang
    Ivan Wang Posted on 2014-12-07 20:26:13 -0500.

    This was fantastic! I loved the synchronization of the motifs with the appearance of the letters. The wind chimes and wind loop, in addition to the melody, created a hauntingly eerie atmosphere, and I was in suspense the entire time. The hawk scream was also a nice touch-- the processing definitely made it seem alien, and I couldn't even tell it was a bird until I read the rest of your post.

  • The Breach
    Ariel Tian
    Ariel Tian Posted on 2014-12-07 19:32:16 -0500.

    Ivan, this sounds like a very well thought-out idea, and I can't wait to hear it! I think you introduce a lot of different elements, and so I have one suggestion for you: if you have time, you could try having a loud, steady drum in the background that accelerates with the piece until the climax. I think that would tie together all those elements nicely.

  • The Amazing Spiderman 2
    Ariel Tian
    Ariel Tian Posted on 2014-12-07 19:23:38 -0500.

    I think you have a lot of great ideas. I particularly like the moment of abrupt silence when Spiderman is falling in slow motion, that is going to sound very intense! I do have one suggestion for you, although I'm not sure if you have the time to do it. I noticed a couple quick scenes in the trailer with glass shattering. For those, you could use a high pitched instrument (like a violin) to make a slightly discordant and jarring sound. That would help create the effect of glass shattering loudly.

  • Human Transmutation
    Eunice  Oh
    Eunice Oh Posted on 2014-12-07 18:11:53 -0500.

    Very nice choice of video! It does create a sense of mystery and gives the viewer a sense of an epic mission that they can embark on once the film starts. The beginning starts out with a quiet feeling while he is underwater. Adding in noises like the water rippling and waves will make the piece more interesting. Once the video starts moving away from this "peaceful" scene, a crescendo will definitely be interesting to include here as a transition. Switching the tempo of the music during different scenes can also help in portraying what you want the audience to feel when listening to your music. I'm a little hesitant on adding in the techno music as it could distract from the point of the story. But if you can somehow incorporate it in an interesting way, I will definitely be looking forward to hearing it!

  • This is Eloise
    Almeda Beynon
    Almeda Beynon Posted on 2014-12-07 15:16:07 -0500.

    This is a great start! I love the Eloise motif, and how you bring it in throughout the piece. Look back through your Logic session and quantize (if you like the sound of it) to correct a few timing things, and the hard sound piano during the "most chaotic" picture could probably last until the end of the picture, layering in the piece that comes after it to make it sound more chaotic. That way the contrast between the chaotic picture and the sleeping picture will be stronger, and yield a better result.

    All in all, this is coming together really nicely. Just put a little polish on it, and you will have a great piece!

  • Assassin's Creed Unity
    Francisco Rojo
    Francisco Rojo Posted on 2014-12-07 14:30:41 -0500.

    The imagery of the video imply a lot of sound (there are crowds of people that all seem to be shouting, and things are breaking etc.). I would say to be careful to make sure to not make the cinematic seem "empty" by not providing a ton of sound (or if you do make it feel empty, that you're doing that on purpose).

  • Alien
    asdfadfa
    asdfadfa Posted on 2014-12-07 14:19:39 -0500.

    This seems pretty ambitious you've definitely got some good ideas going on here. One thing I would suggest is that you should maybe add some "traditional" music so the trailer isn't all sound effects and piano notes, but I think it would be pretty interesting if you could pull it off with those sound effects and discordant piano.

  • Eomer vs Squirrel
    Ariel Tian
    Ariel Tian Posted on 2014-12-07 13:57:27 -0500.

    I loved the beginning, right up until he sees the squirrel. The music was mysterious and kept me on my toes. However, right when he sees the squirrel and starts his pursuit, I thought the music could have been more intense. You could introduce a couple more instruments (nothing super complicated) to do the trick. At the very end, though, I felt a little conflicted. The music was definitely telling me that it was a victory, but Eomer seemed to have lost the squirrel who had scurried up the tree, and Eomer seemed a little upset about it.

  • Human Transmutation
    Dan Cheng
    Dan Cheng Posted on 2014-12-07 12:42:09 -0500.

    Really nice video! I can clearly feel three part of the video, the start and end is peaceful and the middle is adventrous. You need three different type of background music for these three parts. Quiet the water sound is a good start of the background music of the video, since it can serve as a crescendo to introduce the listener to the more dynamic music later. I think if you use sounds you created is better than a background music song in this original video, since the singer in the background music make the movement in the video less interesting and monotonous. Adding water, running sound will make this video more pursuasive and intriguing.

  • Eomer vs Squirrel
    Judy H
    Judy H Posted on 2014-12-07 12:41:41 -0500.

    The initial portion of the video where Eomer is sniffing around seemed pretty on point. However, I only felt this way after I watched it the first time because I didn't know that he was supposed to be sniffing around for a squirrel. It just looked to me like the was walking around. At the next point, with the minor tones after the 'enemy' is introduced, I felt that the transition was a bit abrupt and that having those initial minor tones were enough to introduce the squirrel rather than continuing along that theme when Eomer notices the squirrel and begins chasing it - I feel like from the point where he began chasing the squirrel, the soundtrack could have picked up inidicating a high energy spirited chase. The end is on point and I definitely sense that you were trying to convey 'victory'

  • How to Train Your Dragon 2 Flight Scene
    Dan Cheng
    Dan Cheng Posted on 2014-12-07 12:32:05 -0500.

    Besides all the instruments you want to add in the background music, maybe consider some natural sounds that fit the motion. Like the wind sound from the the flying dragon, and the sound of the sea, I think these sounds are very important since it will make the video more pursuasive. There are definitely a lot of dynamic moment going on in this video, I think using drum sounds is a really good approach. Also , it would be really fun if you can change the voice of dragon to a more interesting one.

  • Stickman Animation
    Tonya Sedgwick
    Tonya Sedgwick Posted on 2014-12-07 12:11:17 -0500.

    I think that your chosen sounds will work well for this composition, except for the elevator music. Looking at the other sounds you've chosen, I think you will want something more similar to the later stuff, kind of like how in Lord of the Rings, the 'hobbit' theme in the first film is very light, and then in the last film, it's reused underneath all the Mordor sounds when Sam and Frodo are traveling through Mordor.

  • Beyond Good and Evil 2
    Brian Walsh
    Brian Walsh Posted on 2014-12-07 09:31:38 -0500.

    Using music inspired from Japan is a great idea. I enjoy your current approach. The song you are planning to emulate in the background would benefit the trailer greatly if more intense instruments were used (unfortunately I can't feel the intensity with the current draft of the music you have), as the trailer is action packed until our hero flies away on the helicopter. Very good choice and good luck on your project.

  • Alien
    Brian Walsh
    Brian Walsh Posted on 2014-12-07 09:05:42 -0500.

    I think this is a very smart choice. There is many routes you can take for the sounds, as orchestral and electronic music are both appropriate here. Your second idea to be discordant is very smart for the shots in the trailer that involve people scrounging the alien ship, as it would lead to a very good feeling of suspense. Your sampling and warping of the sound of a scream (perhaps Sigourney Weaver's) would be very fitting for parts of the trailer that pop you into action, such has her running through the hallways of the ship, and could be used as a crescendo at the beginning with the long shots. Very good choice, and good luck.

  • The Breach
    Brian Walsh
    Brian Walsh Posted on 2014-12-07 09:00:41 -0500.

    The moments where you wish to make a crescendo are very appropriate in my opinion. My question is how do you plan to go from the pace of the upbeat fighting scenes suddenly to the buildup for the ogre and the dragon. It seems that the transitions to these parts will be pretty difficult, because the pace in this trailer goes all over the place.

  • Jake Weiss
    Brian Walsh
    Brian Walsh Posted on 2014-12-07 08:56:45 -0500.

    I did think that the original sound in this trailer was a little strange for the intrigue of the film. Your ideas fit very well with the overall feeling of the film and the perhaps something special for the title could be a pause just before, and then a slowed down, more mysterious version of the music used earlier. This trailer was a very good choice, and I think that there is a lot of good stuff to build on.

  • Assassin's Creed Unity
    Naomi Sternstein
    Naomi Sternstein Posted on 2014-12-07 00:26:48 -0500.

    I don't really know that much about this game, but just from watching the video I can tell that there is a lot of potential for action in this piece. The beginning seems to start in slow motion with very focused zooms- it seems like you were thinking about incorporating some sound effects into your piece from what you have in the description.
    You might want to think more about making a continuous melody and building up the action through the actual melody/tools instead of just adding sound effects, but that being said it could be cool to turn some of those sound effects into the instrument. (For example, how we turned sounds into instruments). Good luck!

  • How to Train Your Dragon 2 Flight Scene
    Abhishek Tayal
    Abhishek Tayal Posted on 2014-12-06 23:16:27 -0500.

    First of all, I'd like to say, excellent choice of trailer! I feel like a trailer like this would be very amenable to a lot of different scores. You could make something truly unique here. I agree that you seem to have thought this through extremely well, and thats awesome! A suggestion though: you might want to go for a sound that is less bombastic than what is in the actual trailer. That would be a nice way to add variety.

    There are a lot of really dramatic moments that you can capitalise on. I believe the success of your idea will very strongly correlate to how well you use those moments.

  • Game of Thrones Trailer
    Abhishek Tayal
    Abhishek Tayal Posted on 2014-12-06 22:41:17 -0500.

    I think the idea of having a slow build up crescendo as the focus of your piece is brilliant. It suits the nature of the trailer very well. That said, I have two concerns/questions with what you plan to do:

    1) The trailer is pretty dialogue heavy. If you plain to retain the dialogues, how do you plan to get clean audio of said dialogues to put with your own music? I think losing the dialogues might not work too well, since then a lot of the characters with moving lips but no sound in the video would seem rather jarring.

    2) Your plans with a leitmotif. GOT has some pretty established leitmotifs through the show. Do you plan to reproduce those using MIDI/something else in Logic? Making your own leitmotif could be risky, simply because of the associations that Got inspires in all of us. Also, coming up with a compelling original leitmotif will be hard!

  • Jake Weiss
    Kim Lister
    Kim Lister Posted on 2014-12-06 22:05:08 -0500.

    Something that stood out to me visually about the trailer was that a lot of it was very stark and monochromatic. I feel similarly to Laura that the sound of a piano doesn't match what I feel from the trailer (although its color scheme would). I wouldn't say "gritty," but it's certainly intense and sudden, whereas even quick strikes of piano keys create a somewhat lingering note. Something electronic does seem like it would match up better, though, so maybe transforming the sound with a synthesizer will give you the right effect. Definitely try to bring that "switching" effect through; each phrase of music should be relatively simple rather than layered, since each scene is only flashed briefly so we don't get a deep understanding of it, and the emphasis should be on the jarring change from one to the next.

  • Destruction of Dalaran
    Brian Lai
    Brian Lai Posted on 2014-12-06 20:14:52 -0500.

    I feel like you have a very strong backbone design for your composition, though I would have liked to have a bit more of an idea of what you were planning to do instrumentally in the beginning before you develop the music, because that is quite a long period of time.
    I really like the idea of the chime placement. the brief moment of silence really helps to raise the suspense to its maximum potential.
    Can't wait to hear the composition!

  • Game of Thrones Trailer
    Ivan Wang
    Ivan Wang Posted on 2014-12-06 20:05:29 -0500.

    Nice ideas! The use of crescendo and building up to the scenes from :35 will probably work out well. I also like having percussion hits when the words flash (just watching them silently, I can almost hear the effects). I agree with Amal about the choice of leitmotif, however. Do you mean an existing leitmotif from the show, or a new theme for this trailer? There are a lot of characters but one for Varys may work, since the narration is in his voice. The latter will probably work better, though, especially since the later action scenes aren't super correlated to the beginning.

  • Game of Thrones Trailer
    Brian Lai
    Brian Lai Posted on 2014-12-06 20:02:36 -0500.

    I like the idea of composing the piece in a minor key, and it will definitely speak to the unrest that exists throughout the Game of Thrones series. Your placement of a change in tempo also seems very reasonable.
    Unfortunately I am unfamiliar with the concept of leitmotif and how it applies to sound compositions, but I feel that your peers can give feedback on that.
    Overall, I think this is definitely a good start, and I can't wait to hear the actual composition!

  • He's Really Feeling It
    Abhishek Tayal
    Abhishek Tayal Posted on 2014-12-06 19:59:39 -0500.

    I think that if you can make this work, it will be very impressive. But like everyone else has remarked, I believe one of the main hurdles you fill face stems from how would find the sound clips, whether the dialogues that you are looking for, or more general sounds for the video since what you are describing does seem rather specific. My only real criticism at this point would be this - it seems like you're restricting yourself by sticking so closely to the existing soundtrack on the trailer. Try maybe moving away from that a little? It would be incredibly cool if you could come up with something completely different from what is currently there, but that still works.

  • The Amazing Spiderman 2
    Ivan Wang
    Ivan Wang Posted on 2014-12-06 19:45:48 -0500.

    You have a lot of good ideas and much of it planned out. A couple suggestions that might be interesting, if you have time: 1) maybe a low thrum to echo the footsteps of the mecha, and 2) slow down the tempo during the slow-motion action scenes? Other than that, I like your instrumental and volume choices. Can't wait to hear it!

  • Agent Peggy Carter
    Amal Sahay
    Amal Sahay Posted on 2014-12-06 19:20:08 -0500.

    Make sure that you bring in the voices if you're going to sync things to them. It might look odd if mouths move with no sounds. I don't necessarily agree that using a stop in music to signify the slash and jump to the next scene, but then, as the project develops, it might make more sense - perhaps I'm just not imagining it well enough, but that seems an odd discontinuity (remember the warning that syncing too many things may sound comical).
    I like the idea of using period pieces for the middle section. That scene lends itself to that very well. A little more detail on what you see from the climax would be nice, but I agree that the undertones should begin when they approach and begin to talk. You should also be careful about how you end the piece - there isn't quite a resolution, as you say, so the music should signify that there is more to come in order to accomplish the goal of enticing viewers to watch the full version.

  • Game of Thrones Trailer
    Amal Sahay
    Amal Sahay Posted on 2014-12-06 19:06:53 -0500.

    Be careful with your use of leitmotif - that is usually associated with a specific person or object rather than an intense scene. On the other hand, having a main theme used that is introduced earlier makes sense given the structure of the trailer. I like the idea of using hits as the words appear (though I think you mistimed the first one?), and that should definitely stay. I could see the use of a minor key, and I like your justification for it. I like the idea of increasing the intensity to :35, but make sure that it avoids jumps!

    I look forward to the development of this project!

  • Game of Thrones Trailer
    Teddy Lee
    Teddy Lee Posted on 2014-12-06 19:04:55 -0500.

    I like the choice of material, and from what I've heard, GoT does have many memorable characters, but I am slightly concerned about the idea of using the leitmotif as the main part of your theme. If there was a particular leitmotif for a character in the show that you should use, I would say it would probably be the guys in the end and have it fade out to end the video. The idea of synchronizing the percussion hits is good, but maybe you could use different instruments to portray different sorts of action? Or you could just have it be one grand, epic, theme, your choice.

  • Agent Peggy Carter
    Teddy Lee
    Teddy Lee Posted on 2014-12-06 18:55:08 -0500.

    I like the ideas behind this, and I think that there is massive potential in this project for different expressions you can use in your music. As tho the specific ideas, I think that the phone ringing could possibly be interesting if it wasn't done with something found online, but possibly something done to lead into the music. I don't think you need to synchronize every major action as that may seem a little unnatural. One scene I would consider taking a look at for consideration is the scene in the avengers in germany where they completely dub over most sounds with an existing symphony music as well as only having actual sound effects for major noises. Except with the background being similar to music from the time period in which this is set, notably the era of early sound in movies and possibly even somethings that hearkens back to black and white movies without sound that had live background piano players with a few live practical sound effects.

  • The Amazing Spiderman 2
    asdfadfa
    asdfadfa Posted on 2014-12-06 18:39:46 -0500.

    This seems like its going to be really cool and really high action the entire time, and you seem to have plenty of ideas on how to capture that. I really like that you're trying to go for a full circle ending, that'll be really cool if it works.

  • How to Train Your Dragon 2 Flight Scene
    asdfadfa
    asdfadfa Posted on 2014-12-06 18:36:49 -0500.

    There's definitely a good plan here, as others have mentioned there are some really dramatic moments in this scene like when the Dragon starts dropping out of the sky so I would make sure to capture those big moments well.

  • Jake Weiss
    asdfadfa
    asdfadfa Posted on 2014-12-06 18:34:40 -0500.

    There are some good ideas here, I would just make sure that if you do anything for the names as they pop up that they don't get too crazy and in your face because I think they're more of an effect than the rest of the trailer where we actually see clips from the movie.

  • He's Really Feeling It
    Eric  Wang
    Eric Wang Posted on 2014-12-06 18:20:53 -0500.

    I can imagine in my head how this clip will sound like based on your analysis, though a lot of the tunes might be somewhat hard to make. I also suggest maybe you keep in some of the sound effects like (backSLASH) and just credit them if you don't really want to record it yourself.

  • The Breach
    Eric Terui
    Eric Terui Posted on 2014-12-06 17:56:42 -0500.

    I also love hearing epic music accompanying fantasy/action videogame trailers. I agree with Kristen that it may be a little difficult to actually find choral sounds to accompany your music, but if you are able to, I think they would fit perfectly. I agree on your two timestamps for climaxes, but I wonder if you will be able to have enough time to fall after the first climax and then build up to the second climax since they are relatively close together. Great work!

  • Oblivion Trailer
    Mauricio Cano
    Mauricio Cano Posted on 2014-12-06 17:51:26 -0500.

    I wrote this on Eunice's and it's because Daragh stressed it when he was helping me come up with ideas. I think a cool way to make sure that feelings of the scene get communicated by the music is to make sure that you identify the changes in the mood and feeling throughout (as subtle as they might be) and to make it so the music matches these changes. If there's a change from anxiety/anticipation to release, you could have music that gets faster and louder then reaching silence and then a softer, slower tune.
    If there's multiple camera changes in sequence, have sounds that identify these changes.

  • Destruction of Dalaran
    Eric Terui
    Eric Terui Posted on 2014-12-06 17:45:22 -0500.

    I agree that starting to develop music around 0:28 is a good idea. As the visuals become more engaging, the music does as well. I think you have some great concrete ideas for music to match your video clip. Are you looking to use full orchestral sounds, and if so does that mean you will scoring each of the individual parts? Since this seems like a somewhat dark clip, will it be in a minor key? I look forward to seeing your progress!

  • Human Transmutation
    Francisco Rojo
    Francisco Rojo Posted on 2014-12-06 17:45:18 -0500.

    This video is pretty trippy, and watching it without sound, I had no idea what was going on. I think that gives you a nice amount of freedom to use audio to create something original. Looking forward to seeing it!

  • Assassin's Creed Unity
    Raisa Chowdhury
    Raisa Chowdhury Posted on 2014-12-06 17:40:19 -0500.

    Hi Dan! I think the video you chose to score is really interesting and there's some super cool action sequences going on that would make for some pretty cool scores. But overall, I can't really tell what you're going for, since you didn't write much about your plans. You mentioned some noises that appear in the beginning of the video, but I'm not sure what they're supposed to mean. It would be great if you could clarify that. But I'm excited to see how your project turns out!

  • Destruction of Dalaran
    Amber Jones
    Amber Jones Posted on 2014-12-06 17:39:36 -0500.

    The description of the structure of your composition was very clear, but I'm not sure if the climax of the clip itself is where Archimonde has his hand around the tower. When watching the video, the most surprising part to me was when the real tower actually fell. Until the actual tower started breaking, I didn't have a connection as to why him destroying the sand replica was so crucial. Possibly to connect these you might want to have a pause in between the two scenes, and have similar instrumentation, possibly a similar note/chord playing to represent and connect both actions.

  • How to Train Your Dragon 2 Flight Scene
    Mauricio Cano
    Mauricio Cano Posted on 2014-12-06 17:28:38 -0500.

    Good starting outline. Though it seems you've already thought about this, I stress that it might be beneficial to play on the changes in mood throughout the scene. The feeling around the first part of the scene when they're just flying around is very different from the two times hiccup drops. And even within that subset, the two drops are very different in the feeling the communicate (the first one is playful and exciting, the second one is a little bit scary, as if we ought to hold our breaths and hope it goes well)
    Also, it seems to me these two could be seen as independent climaxes in the scene, so having silence at the beginning of the drops sounds like a great idea!

  • He's Really Feeling It
    Jacob Weiss
    Jacob Weiss Posted on 2014-12-06 17:24:04 -0500.

    I can't wait to see the final product! I hope you find audio clips for the lines - I think that will really make it feel like your original song was meant for the trailer. If you need any help finding sound effects let me know! I have a ton. Also, stop thinking about your music in terms of the music that's already in the trailer!! It'll hinder your own creativity!

  • The Amazing Spiderman 2
    Amanda Marano
    Amanda Marano Posted on 2014-12-06 17:23:53 -0500.

    You thought out your sounds very thoroughly, and I think you have a great direction going with this piece. You understand the flow of action and suspense well, and I think you're doing a good job of planning for it. I can't wait to hear the final piece!

  • He's Really Feeling It
    Amber Jones
    Amber Jones Posted on 2014-12-06 17:23:42 -0500.

    Your descriptions of how you're going to format the music are very good, I can get a sense of how the music's progression will feel. However, what will the instruments be like? Are you going to incorporate any theme music from the original game? Will you try to mimmic the instruments that you'd hear in Xenoblade or SSB? Or create ones entirely unique to what you'd hear in game?

  • Cards
    Amanda Marano
    Amanda Marano Posted on 2014-12-06 17:15:17 -0500.

    I agree with Almeda and Christina, I think its a good idea to have multiple climaxes, and your initial thoughts have good direction. What kind of music were you thinking of using, in terms of theme/setting/time period? Were you thinking about more hip-hop/techno or more traditional? What kinds of instruments do you think fit the mood the best? Were you thinking about adding/subtracting instruments to ebb and flow into climaxes, or were you thinking of lowering/heightening the pitch or volume? I can't wait to hear your final designs!

  • Stickman Animation
    Judy H
    Judy H Posted on 2014-12-06 17:14:42 -0500.

    I think the way you divided the video into different sequences fits very well! I especially think that the sequences with the epic chorus and then the slowed down versions of the chorus will be very effective. I was just curious though as to whether you'd be overlaying the original sound effects in the video over your composition since there is no background music in this video. Or would the sound effects in the video take away from the composition if you were to combine them together?

  • Jake Weiss
    Laura Lodewyk
    Laura Lodewyk Posted on 2014-12-06 16:46:32 -0500.

    The trailer looks really awesome, and I think it will be very interesting to come up with music for it. I think it is interesting you chose piano as your main melody, as watching the trailer I felt that it was very gritty and dirty, and perhaps the piano (which I think of as a very clean sound) will highlight that darkness. In terms of synthesizers, how are you planning on using that to create a connection with the movie and the audience? You project sounds really neat though!

  • Jake Weiss
    Jacob Weiss
    Jacob Weiss Posted on 2014-12-06 16:33:45 -0500.

    Sorry about that, I posted some ideas! I've also been talking to a lot of friends to get feedback.

  • This is Eloise
    Jorge Sastre
    Jorge Sastre Posted on 2014-12-06 00:42:40 -0500.

    Good start for your own graphic novel. It will make you more free to create your own style of music.
    Here the synchronization is different from motion videos. You can remark the change of the static image some time but I recommend that you do not do that for all the changes, or that you make the changes gradually, since if you remark all the changes in a strong way the video will not flow and will seem as 6 different pieces. Anyway you should mark each of the parts in Logic as it is explained here below.
    For giving the crazy and playful character you can use some short dissonant note that changes fast to the consonant note: example in C mayor you can use E flat (with an accent, higher velocity) and change to E natural (without accent, less velocity), and/or F sharp and go to G, D flat to go to D natural, etc. You can create a short melody with this kind of playful dissonant notes and present it at the beginning without the dissonant notes and when you want to remark the crazy mood use the complete motif with the dissonant notes (transformation of the leitmotif to express a new dramatic effect or condition, studied in class). In the second section you can present the adult with a motif in a lower instrument, think with one would you expect that represented the adult in a cartoon like this.

    I consider the proposal for the different sections good, but only pay attention not to create a set of 6 short different pieces, (unless that is exactly what you want), instead of that you can try to make the music flow transforming the elements from one section to the other, it will give more fluidity to the video. Think what you prefer and go for it!

    As a general thought I recommend to compose something simple at the beginning (just the main instrument melody, the leitmotifs, and drums and so on), and then think what you would expect to listen apart from that, as background: a bass line? Some string chords? Other melody (countermelody) to accompany nicely the main one in a different instrument? You decide. If you would like to get ideas listen to music similar to the style you want to use and listen to its instrumentation and rest of characteristics to create your own piece with your own decisions, with your own taste (not a copy!).

    Here some general ideas to help you build the music: Think of the functions of the music for audiovisuals that we studied at class and also the composition concepts. Start with analyzing the video precisely and setting its parts and the mood and characteristics of the music for each part. Plan your instruments. Remember that to make a crescendo you can add instruments apart to make them play louder and vice-versa with decrescendo. Select a good tempo that goes well with the images (beat per minute), though you might change it in some section if you think it is going to fit better. To open the video in Logic: File-Movie-Open Movie. Then mark the sections of it in the next way: Logic Pro-Preferences-Advanced Tools and activate all except for Control Surfaces and Surround (and score if you are not going to use it). Then Track-Show Global Tracks and in the Arrangement Track you can establish the sections, for example:
    - Introduction: objectives (mood to set, things to remark with music...), Function/s of the music in this section (set the mood, present the main character (you can create a leitmotif for it), place the viewer in the physical place where the action is (country, region, etc.), underline the time the action takes place...), Composition concepts to get the objectives and music functions: crescendo to begin, tempo that fits, kind of music to set the mood, instrumentation that fits with the place and time,...
    - And something similar to the other sections: note that the mood might be the same for all the video or that some functions can be in several or all the sections

    Also in the markers track you can put markers to synchronize important moments in the scene to synchronize with the music, example: adult appears suddenly (remark with a motif for instance)

    The process should be that: set the objectives, set the music function/s, set the composition concepts to get them, compose the music starting from something simple, just the melodies, leitmotifs, etc. and then "decorate" it with the rest of elements and instrumentation you think that fits (it might be string chords, bass line, light drums in your case, other melodies with other instruments...)

  • The Breach
    Jorge Sastre
    Jorge Sastre Posted on 2014-12-06 00:12:05 -0500.

    I like your idea of using epic music with chorus, so that you create your own music so different from the original. Remember from the examples analyzed in class that brass can fit well for battles, and for the epic sense in other moments you could create a melody in a minor key with full strings. For danger or evil sense you can try low dissonant tones with double bass, cellos and/or tuba for example.

    Now you will have to do the analysis of the video with the exact timings. You should mark all them, the parts, things to synchronize with music (there is a lot going on in the video, you can select just synchronizing few things as you remarked in your explanation), in Logic as it is explained here below.

    As a general thought I recommend to compose something simple at the beginning (just the main instrument melody, the leitmotifs, and drums and so on), and then think what you would expect to listen apart from that, as background: a bass line? Some string chords? Other melody (countermelody) to accompany nicely the main one in a different instrument? You decide. If you would like to get ideas listen to music similar to the style you want to use and listen to its instrumentation and rest of characteristics to create your own piece with your own decisions, with your own taste (not a copy!).

    Here some general ideas to help you build the music: Think of the functions of the music for audiovisuals that we studied at class and also the composition concepts. Start with analyzing the video precisely and setting its parts and the mood and characteristics of the music for each part. Plan your instruments. Remember that to make a crescendo you can add instruments apart to make them play louder and vice-versa with decrescendo. Select a good tempo that goes well with the images (beat per minute), though you might change it in some section if you think it is going to fit better. To open the video in Logic: File-Movie-Open Movie. Then mark the sections of it in the next way: Logic Pro-Preferences-Advanced Tools and activate all except for Control Surfaces and Surround (and score if you are not going to use it). Then Track-Show Global Tracks and in the Arrangement Track you can establish the sections, for example:
    - Introduction: objectives (mood to set, things to remark with music...), Function/s of the music in this section (set the mood, present the main character (you can create a leitmotif for it), place the viewer in the physical place where the action is (country, region, etc.), underline the time the action takes place...), Composition concepts to get the objectives and music functions: crescendo to begin, tempo that fits, kind of music to set the mood, instrumentation that fits with the place and time,...
    - And something similar to the other sections: note that the mood might be the same for all the video or that some functions can be in several or all the sections

    Also in the markers track you can put markers to synchronize important moments in the scene to synchronize with the music, example: evil monster appears suddenly (remark with its leitmotif or with some low tones, or drums, etc)
    The process should be that: set the objectives, set the music function/s, set the composition concepts to get them, compose the music starting from something simple, just the melodies, leitmotifs, etc. and then "decorate" it with the rest of elements and instrumentation you think that fits (it might be string/brass chords, bass line, drums, other melodies with other instruments...)

  • He's Really Feeling It
    Jorge Sastre
    Jorge Sastre Posted on 2014-12-05 23:59:47 -0500.

    Now you will have to do the analysis of the video with the exact timings. You should mark all them, the parts, things to synchronize with music (there is a lot going on in the video, you can select just synchronizing few things as you remarked in your explanation), in Logic as it is explained here below.

    As a general thought I recommend to compose something simple at the beginning (just the main instrument melody, the leitmotifs, and drums and so on), and then think what you would expect to listen apart from that, as background: a bass line? Some string chords? Other melody (countermelody) to accompany nicely the main one in a different instrument? You decide. If you would like to get ideas listen to music similar to the style you want to use and listen to its instrumentation and rest of characteristics to create your own piece with your own decisions, with your own taste (not a copy!). You might experiment changing the mood of the original video to something different or not, but try not to copy the original music and its structure.

    Here some general ideas to help you build the music: Think of the functions of the music for audiovisuals that we studied at class and also the composition concepts. Start with analyzing the video precisely and setting its parts and the mood and characteristics of the music for each part. Plan your instruments. Remember that to make a crescendo you can add instruments apart to make them play louder and vice-versa with decrescendo. Select a good tempo that goes well with the images (beat per minute), though you might change it in some section if you think it is going to fit better. To open the video in Logic: File-Movie-Open Movie. Then mark the sections of it in the next way: Logic Pro-Preferences-Advanced Tools and activate all except for Control Surfaces and Surround (and score if you are not going to use it). Then Track-Show Global Tracks and in the Arrangement Track you can establish the sections, for example:
    - Introduction: objectives (mood to set, things to remark with music...), Function/s of the music in this section (set the mood, present the main character (you can create a leitmotif for it), place the viewer in the physical place where the action is (country, region, etc.), underline the time the action takes place...), Composition concepts to get the objectives and music functions: crescendo to begin, tempo that fits, kind of music to set the mood, instrumentation that fits with the place and time,...
    - And something similar to the other sections: note that the mood might be the same for all the video or that some functions can be in several or all the sections

    Also in the markers track you can put markers to synchronize important moments in the scene to synchronize with the music, example: evil monster appears suddenly (remark with its leitmotif or with some low tones, or drums, etc)
    The process should be that: set the objectives, set the music function/s, set the composition concepts to get them, compose the music starting from something simple, just the melodies, leitmotifs, etc. and then "decorate" it with the rest of elements and instrumentation you think that fits (it might be string/brass chords, bass line, drums, other melodies with other instruments...)

  • Cards
    Jorge Sastre
    Jorge Sastre Posted on 2014-12-05 23:50:49 -0500.

    Now you will have to do the analysis of the video with the exact timings. You should mark all them, the parts, things to synchronize with music (there is a lot going on in the video, you can select just synchronizing few things), in Logic as it is explained here below.

    I recommend to compose something simple at the beginning (just the main instrument melody, the leitmotifs, and drums and so on), and then think what you would expect to listen apart from that, as background: a bass line? Some string chords? Other melody (countermelody) to accompany nicely the main one in a different instrument? You decide. If you would like to get ideas listen to music similar to the style you want to use and listen to its instrumentation and rest of characteristics to create your own piece with your own decisions, with your own taste (not a copy!).

    Here some general ideas to help you build the music: Think of the functions of the music for audiovisuals that we studied at class and also the composition concepts. Start with analyzing the video precisely and setting its parts and the mood and characteristics of the music for each part. Plan your instruments. Remember that to make a crescendo you can add instruments apart to make them play louder and vice-versa with decrescendo. Select a good tempo that goes well with the images (beat per minute), though you might change it in some section if you think it is going to fit better. To open the video in Logic: File-Movie-Open Movie. Then mark the sections of it in the next way: Logic Pro-Preferences-Advanced Tools and activate all except for Control Surfaces and Surround (and score if you are not going to use it). Then Track-Show Global Tracks and in the Arrangement Track you can establish the sections, for example:
    - Introduction: objectives (mood to set, things to remark with music...), Function/s of the music in this section (set the mood, present the main character (you can create a leitmotif for it), place the viewer in the physical place where the action is (country, region, etc.), underline the time the action takes place...), Composition concepts to get the objectives and music functions: crescendo to begin, tempo that fits, kind of music to set the mood, instrumentation that fits with the place and time,...
    - And something similar to the other sections: note that the mood might be the same for all the video or that some functions can be in several or all the sections

    Also in the markers track you can put markers to synchronize important moments in the scene to synchronize with the music, example: evil monster appears suddenly (remark with its leitmotif or with some low tones, or drums, etc)
    The process should be that: set the objectives, set the music function/s, set the composition concepts to get them, compose the music starting from something simple, just the melodies, leitmotifs, etc. and then "decorate" it with the rest of elements and instrumentation you think that fits (it might be string/brass chords, bass line, drums, other melodies with other instruments...)

  • Beyond Good and Evil 2
    Jorge Sastre
    Jorge Sastre Posted on 2014-12-05 23:43:45 -0500.

    Now you will have to do the analysis of the video with the exact timings. You should mark all them, the parts, things to synchronize with music (there is a lot going on in the video, you can select just synchronize few things), in Logic as it is explained here below. The motive you compose is a good start. But I can tell you that a more epic/battle kind of music would fit the images very well.

    As you have done (well done!), I recommend to compose something simple at the beginning (just the main instrument melody, the leitmotifs, and drums and so on), and then think what you would expect to listen apart from that, as background: a bass line? Some string chords? Other melody (countermelody) to accompany nicely the main one in a different instrument? You decide. If you would like to get ideas listen to music similar to the style you want to use and listen to its instrumentation and rest of characteristics to create your own piece with your own decisions, with your own taste (not a copy!).

    Here some general ideas to help you build the music: Think of the functions of the music for audiovisuals that we studied at class and also the composition concepts. Start with analyzing the video precisely and setting its parts and the mood and characteristics of the music for each part. Plan your instruments. Remember that to make a crescendo you can add instruments apart to make them play louder and vice-versa with decrescendo. Select a good tempo that goes well with the images (beat per minute), though you might change it in some section if you think it is going to fit better. To open the video in Logic: File-Movie-Open Movie. Then mark the sections of it in the next way: Logic Pro-Preferences-Advanced Tools and activate all except for Control Surfaces and Surround (and score if you are not going to use it). Then Track-Show Global Tracks and in the Arrangement Track you can establish the sections, for example:
    - Introduction: objectives (mood to set, things to remark with music...), Function/s of the music in this section (set the mood, present the main character (you can create a leitmotif for it), place the viewer in the physical place where the action is (country, region, etc.), underline the time the action takes place...), Composition concepts to get the objectives and music functions: crescendo to begin, tempo that fits, kind of music to set the mood, instrumentation that fits with the place and time,...
    - And something similar to the other sections: note that the mood can be the same for all the video or that some functions can be in all the sections (in your case setting the place with the eastern kind music)

    Also in the markers track you can put markers to synchronize important moments in the scene to synchronize with the music, example: evil monster appears suddenly (remark with its leitmotif or with some low tones, or drums, etc)
    The process should be that: set the objectives, set the music function/s, set the composition concepts to get them, compose the music starting from something simple, just the melodies, leitmotifs, etc. and then "decorate" it with the rest of elements and instrumentation you think that fits (it might be string/brass chords, bass line, drums, other melodies with other instruments...)

  • Stickman Animation
    Jorge Sastre
    Jorge Sastre Posted on 2014-12-05 23:33:50 -0500.

    Good analysis of the video with the exact timings, well done! As I told you at class you should mark all the exact timings, parts, things to synchronize with music, in Logic as it is explained here below. I recommend to compose something simple at the beginning (just the main instrument melody, the leitmotifs, and drums and so on), and then think what you would expect to listen apart from that, as background: a bass line? Some string chords? Other melody (countermelody) to accompany nicely the main one in a different instrument? You decide. If you would like to get ideas listen to music similar to the style you want to use and listen to its instrumentation and rest of characteristics to create your own piece with your own decisions, with your own taste (not a copy!).

    Here some general ideas to help you build the music: Think of the functions of the music for audiovisuals that we studied at class and also the composition concepts. Start with analyzing the video more precisely and setting its parts and the mood and characteristics of the music for each part. Plan your instruments. Remember that to make a crescendo you can add instruments apart to make them play louder and vice-versa with decrescendo. Select a good tempo that goes well with the images (beat per minute), though you might change it in some section if you think it is going to fit better. To open the video in Logic: File-Movie-Open Movie. Then mark the sections of it in the next way: Logic Pro-Preferences-Advanced Tools and activate all except for Control Surfaces and Surround (and score if you are not going to use it). Then Track-Show Global Tracks and in the Arrangement Track you can establish the sections, for example:
    - Introduction: objectives (mood to set, things to remark with music...), Function/s of the music in this section (set the mood, present the main character (you can create a leitmotif for it), place the viewer in the physical place where the action is (country, region, etc.), underline the time the action takes place...), Composition concepts to get the objectives and music functions: crescendo to begin, tempo that fits, kind of music to set the mood, instrumentation that fits with the place and time,...
    - And something similar to the other sections.
    Also in the markers track you can put markers to synchronize important moments in the scene to synchronize with the music, example: evil monster appears suddenly (remark with its leitmotif or with some low tones, or drums, etc)
    The process should be that: set the objectives, set the music function/s, set the composition concepts to get them, compose the music starting from something simple, just the melodies, leitmotifs, etc. and then "decorate" it with the rest of elements and instrumentation you think that fits (it might be string/brass chords, bass line, drums, other melodies with other instruments...)

  • The Amazing Spiderman 2
    Jorge Sastre
    Jorge Sastre Posted on 2014-12-05 23:29:03 -0500.

    As I told you in class, you should now mark all the exact timings, parts, things to synchronize with music, in Logic as I explained to you and as it is explained here below. As a general idea I recommend to compose something simple at the beginning (just the main instrument melody, the leitmotifs, and drums and so on), and then think what you would expect to listen apart from that, as background: a bass line? Some string chords? Other melody (countermelody) to accompany nicely the main one in a different instrument? You decide. Listen to music similar to the style you want to use (NOT THE ORIGINAL ONE!) and listen to its instrumentation and rest of characteristics to create your own piece with your own decisions, with your own taste. I your case you can double the tuba line with low strings (double basses and cellos) making the same melody with them as the tuba to give more power to that line. Remember that a nice reverb usually will be needed to give ambience, but use it with care so that it does not blur the overall sound (set the wet/dry parameter not too wet).

    Here some general ideas to help you build the music: Think of the functions of the music for audiovisuals that we studied at class and also the composition concepts. Start with analyzing the video more precisely and setting its parts and the mood and characteristics of the music for each part. Plan your instruments. Remember that to make a crescendo you can add instruments apart to make them play louder and vice-versa with decrescendo. Select a good tempo that goes well with the images (beat per minute), though you might change it in some section if you think it is going to fit better. To open the video in Logic: File-Movie-Open Movie. Then mark the sections of it in the next way: Logic Pro-Preferences-Advanced Tools and activate all except for Control Surfaces and Surround (and score if you are not going to use it). Then Track-Show Global Tracks and in the Arrangement Track you can establish the sections, for example:
    - Introduction: objectives (mood to set, things to remark with music...), Function/s of the music in this section (set the mood, present the main character (you can create a leitmotif for it), place the viewer in the physical place where the action is (country, region, etc.), underline the time the action takes place...), Composition concepts to get the objectives and music functions: crescendo to begin, tempo that fits, kind of music to set the mood, instrumentation that fits with the place and time,...
    - And something similar to the other sections.
    Also in the markers track you can put markers to synchronize important moments in the scene to synchronize with the music, example: evil monster appears suddenly (remark with its leitmotif or with some low tones, or drums, etc)
    The process should be that: set the objectives, set the music function/s, set the composition concepts to get them, compose the music starting from something simple, just the melodies, leitmotifs, etc. and then "decorate" it with the rest of elements and instrumentation you think that fits (it might be string/brass chords, bass line, drums, other melodies with other instruments...)

  • Assassin's Creed Unity
    Jorge Sastre
    Jorge Sastre Posted on 2014-12-05 23:19:38 -0500.

    You should mark all the exact timings, parts, things to synchronize with music, in Logic as I it is explained here below. I recommend to compose something simple at the beginning (just the main instrument melody, the leitmotifs, and drums and so on), and then think what you would expect to listen apart from that, as background: a bass line? Some string chords? Other melody (countermelody) to accompany nicely the main one in a different instrument? You decide. Listen to music similar to the style you want to use (NOT THE ORIGINAL ONE!) and listen to its instrumentation and rest of characteristics to create your own piece with your own decisions, with your own taste.

    Here some general ideas to help you build the music: Think of the functions of the music for audiovisuals that we studied at class and also the composition concepts. Start with analyzing the video more precisely and setting its parts and the mood and characteristics of the music for each part. Plan your instruments. Remember that to make a crescendo you can add instruments apart to make them play louder and vice-versa with decrescendo. Select a good tempo that goes well with the images (beat per minute), though you might change it in some section if you think it is going to fit better. To open the video in Logic: File-Movie-Open Movie. Then mark the sections of it in the next way: Logic Pro-Preferences-Advanced Tools and activate all except for Control Surfaces and Surround (and score if you are not going to use it). Then Track-Show Global Tracks and in the Arrangement Track you can establish the sections, for example:
    - Introduction: objectives (mood to set, things to remark with music...), Function/s of the music in this section (set the mood, present the main character (you can create a leitmotif for it), place the viewer in the physical place where the action is (country, region, etc.), underline the time the action takes place...), Composition concepts to get the objectives and music functions: crescendo to begin, tempo that fits, kind of music to set the mood, instrumentation that fits with the place and time,...
    - And something similar to the other sections.
    Also in the markers track you can put markers to synchronize important moments in the scene to synchronize with the music, example: evil monster appears suddenly (remark with its leitmotif or with some low tones, or drums, etc)
    The process should be that: set the objectives, set the music function/s, set the composition concepts to get them, compose the music starting from something simple, just the melodies, leitmotifs, etc. and then "decorate" it with the rest of elements and instrumentation you think that fits (it might be string/brass chords, bass line, drums, other melodies with other instruments...)

  • Destruction of Dalaran
    Jorge Sastre
    Jorge Sastre Posted on 2014-12-05 23:16:00 -0500.

    Good start for the analysis. You can cut the video if it is too long in an adequate moment. Decide which video you want to use finally. Now you should mark all the exact timings in Logic as I it is explained here below. I recommend to compose something simple at the beginning (just the main instrument melody, the leitmotif, and drums and so on), and then think what you would expect to listen apart from that, as background: a bass line? Some string chords? Other melody (countermelody) to accompany nicely the main one in a different instrument? You decide. Listen to music similar to the style you want to use (NOT THE ORIGINAL ONE!) and listen to its instrumentation and rest of characteristics to create your own piece with your own decisions, with your own taste.

    Here some general ideas to help you build the music: Think of the functions of the music for audiovisuals that we studied at class and also the composition concepts. Start with analyzing the video more precisely and setting its parts and the mood and characteristics of the music for each part. Plan your instruments. Remember that to make a crescendo you can add instruments apart to make them play louder and vice-versa with decrescendo. Select a good tempo that goes well with the images (beat per minute), though you might change it in some section if you think it is going to fit better. To open the video in Logic: File-Movie-Open Movie. Then mark the sections of it in the next way: Logic Pro-Preferences-Advanced Tools and activate all except for Control Surfaces and Surround (and score if you are not going to use it). Then Track-Show Global Tracks and in the Arrangement Track you can establish the sections, for example:
    - Introduction: objectives (mood to set, things to remark with music...), Function/s of the music in this section (set the mood, present the main character (you can create a leitmotif for it), place the viewer in the physical place where the action is (country, region, etc.), underline the time the action takes place...), Composition concepts to get the objectives and music functions: crescendo to begin, tempo that fits, kind of music to set the mood, instrumentation that fits with the place and time,...
    - And something similar to the other sections.
    Also in the markers track you can put markers to synchronize important moments in the scene to synchronize with the music, example: evil monster appears suddenly (remark with its leitmotif or with some low tones, or drums, etc)
    The process should be that: set the objectives, set the music function/s, set the composition concepts to get them, compose the music starting from something simple, just the melodies, leitmotifs, etc. and then "decorate" it with the rest of elements and instrumentation you think that fits (it might be string/brass chords, bass line, drums, other melodies with other instruments...)

  • Agent Peggy Carter
    Jorge Sastre
    Jorge Sastre Posted on 2014-12-05 23:02:53 -0500.

    I completely agree with Almeda, good analysis and ideas for the sections and music. Now you should mark all the exact timing as I explained to you in the lab and is explained here below as a reminder. I recommend as Almeda to compose something simple at the beginning (just the main instrument melody, the leitmotif, and drums and so on), and then think what you would expect to listen apart from that, as background: a bass line? Some string chords? Other melody (countermelody) to accompany nicely the main one in a different instrument? You decide. Listen to music from the 40's, 50's that you had in mind to imitate it. It might be some jazzy music with trumpet (maybe muted in some moment?) with accompaniment of piano and light drums (light kick, snare and cymbals, and not very fast). But you decide what you were thinking of.

    Here some general ideas to help you build the music: Think of the functions of the music for audiovisuals that we studied at class and also the composition concepts. Start with analyzing the video more precisely and setting its parts and the mood and characteristics of the music for each part. Plan your instruments. Remember that to make a crescendo you can add instruments apart to make them play louder and vice-versa with decrescendo. Select a good tempo that goes well with the images (beat per minute), though you might change it in some section if you think it is going to fit better. To open the video in Logic: File-Movie-Open Movie. Then mark the sections of it in the next way: Logic Pro-Preferences-Advanced Tools and activate all except for Control Surfaces and Surround (and score if you are not going to use it). Then Track-Show Global Tracks and in the Arrangement Track you can establish the sections, for example:

    - Introduction: objectives (mood to set, things to remark with music...), Function/s of the music in this section (set the mood, present the main character (you can create a leitmotif for it), place the viewer in the physical place where the action is (country, region, etc.), underline the time the action takes place...), Composition concepts to get the objectives and music functions: crescendo to begin, tempo that fits, kind of music to set the mood, instrumentation that fits with the place and time,...
    - And something similar to the other sections.

    Also in the markers track you can put markers to synchronize important moments in the scene to synchronize with the music, example: evil monster appears suddenly (remark with its leitmotif or with some low tones, or drums, etc)

    The process should be that: set the objectives, set the music function/s, set the composition concepts to get them, compose the music.

  • How to Train Your Dragon 2 Flight Scene
    Jorge Sastre
    Jorge Sastre Posted on 2014-12-05 22:55:16 -0500.

    I completely agree with Almeda, good analysis and ideas for the sections and music. Now you should mark all the exact timing as it is explained here below. Apart from the initial instrumentation you propose for each part, I also recommend to compose something simple at the beginning (just the main instrument melody, the leitmotif, and drums and so on), and then think what you would expect to listen apart from that, as background: a bass line? Some string chords? Other melody (countermelody) to accompany nicely the main one in a different instrument? You decide.

    Here some general ideas to help you build the music: Think of the functions of the music for audiovisuals that we studied at class and also the composition concepts. Start with analyzing the video more precisely and setting its parts and the mood and characteristics of the music for each part. Plan your instruments. Remember that to make a crescendo you can add instruments apart to make them play louder and vice-versa with decrescendo. Select a good tempo that goes well with the images (beat per minute), though you might change it in some section if you think it is going to fit better. To open the video in Logic: File-Movie-Open Movie. Then mark the sections of it in the next way: Logic Pro-Preferences-Advanced Tools and activate all except for Control Surfaces and Surround (and score if you are not going to use it). Then Track-Show Global Tracks and in the Arrangement Track you can establish the sections, for example:

    - Introduction: objectives (mood to set, things to remark with music...), Function/s of the music in this section (set the mood, present the main character (you can create a leitmotif for it), place the viewer in the physical place where the action is (country, region, etc.), underline the time the action takes place...), Composition concepts to get the objectives and music functions: crescendo to begin, tempo that fits, kind of music to set the mood, instrumentation that fits with the place and time,...
    - And something similar to the other sections.

    Also in the markers track you can put markers to synchronize important moments in the scene to synchronize with the music, example: evil monster appears suddenly (remark with its leitmotif or with some low tones, or drums, etc)

    The process should be that: set the objectives, set the music function/s, set the composition concepts to get them, compose the music.

  • Oblivion Trailer
    Jorge Sastre
    Jorge Sastre Posted on 2014-12-05 22:46:23 -0500.

    I completely agree with Almeda. Here some general ideas: Think of the functions of the music for audiovisuals that we studied at class and also the composition concepts. Start with analyzing the video more precisely and setting its parts and the mood and characteristics of the music for each part. Plan your instruments. Remember that to make a crescendo you can add instruments apart to make them play louder and vice-versa with decrescendo. Select a good tempo that goes well with the images (beat per minute), though you might change it in some section if you think it is going to fit better. To open the video in Logic: File-Movie-Open Movie. Then mark the sections of it in the next way: Logic Pro-Preferences-Advanced Tools and activate all except for Control Surfaces and Surround (and score if you are not going to use it). Then Track-Show Global Tracks and in the Arrangement Track you can establish the sections, for example:

    - Introduction: objectives (mood to set, things to remark with music...), Function/s of the music in this section (set the mood, present the main character (you can create a leitmotif for it), place the viewer in the physical place where the action is (country, region, etc.), underline the time the action takes place...), Composition concepts to get the objectives and music functions: crescendo to begin, tempo that fits, kind of music to set the mood, instrumentation that fits with the place and time,...
    - And something similar to the other sections.

    Also in the markers track you can put markers to synchronize important moments in the scene to synchronize with the music, example: evil monster appears suddenly (remark with its leitmotif or with some low tones, or drums, etc)

    The process should be that: set the objectives, set the music function/s, set the composition concepts to get them, compose the music.

  • Human Transmutation
    Jorge Sastre
    Jorge Sastre Posted on 2014-12-05 22:41:45 -0500.

    You can see videos from similar video games to get ideas, but try not to imitate the original music. Think of the functions of the music for audiovisuals that we studied at class and also the composition concepts. Start with analyzing the video and setting its parts and the mood and characteristics of the music for each part. Plan your instruments. Remember that to make a crescendo you can add instruments apart to make them play louder and vice-versa with decrescendo. Select a good tempo that goes well with the images (beat per minute), though you might change it in some section if you think it is going to fit better. To open the video in Logic: File-Movie-Open Movie. Then mark the sections of it in the next way: Logic Pro-Preferences-Advanced Tools and activate all except for Control Surfaces and Surround (and score if you are not going to use it). Then Track-Show Global Tracks and in the Arrangement Track you can establish the sections, for example:

    - Introduction: objectives (mood to set, things to remark with music...), Function/s of the music in this section (set the mood, present the main character (you can create a leitmotif for it), place the viewer in the physical place where the action is (country, region, etc.), underline the time the action takes place...), Composition concepts to get the objectives and music functions: crescendo to begin, tempo that fits, kind of music to set the mood, instrumentation that fits with the place and time,...
    - And something similar to the other sections.

    Also in the markers track you can put markers to synchronize important moments in the scene to synchronize with the music, example: evil monster appears suddenly (remark with its leitmotif or with some low tones, or drums, etc)

    The process should be that: set the objectives, set the music function/s, set the composition concepts to get them, compose the music.

  • Jake Weiss
    Jorge Sastre
    Jorge Sastre Posted on 2014-12-05 22:11:53 -0500.

    I agree with Almeda, you are losing the best opportunity to have feedback to do a great job.

  • Human Transmutation
    Almeda Beynon
    Almeda Beynon Posted on 2014-12-05 21:30:42 -0500.

    Great start! Be careful of "imitating" ideas from the original score. I would suggest watching the video on mute from now on, so that your ideas aren't taking a back seat to the original composer's score. Next step would be to get some sounds made that could be your sonic backbone for the piece. Please continue posting process updates.

  • Oblivion Trailer
    Almeda Beynon
    Almeda Beynon Posted on 2014-12-05 21:28:20 -0500.

    Great start, Brian. I would suggest analyzing the piece a bit more as far as rising action, climax, etc are concerned so you can begin to develop a strong sonic backbone. Please continue to post process updates, and I can't wait to hear the final project!

  • How to Train Your Dragon 2 Flight Scene
    Almeda Beynon
    Almeda Beynon Posted on 2014-12-05 21:25:46 -0500.

    Great job, Eunice! Your outline is well thought out, and the work that you did in class was a great start. I would suggest coming up with a motif for the main character, so you have a unifying sound. Please continue posting process updates.

  • Agent Peggy Carter
    Almeda Beynon
    Almeda Beynon Posted on 2014-12-05 21:23:51 -0500.

    This is a great start, Amanda! The analysis will prove helpful as your are developing and executing your sonic ideas. I would suggest creating some initial sound ideas to start moving the project towards completion. Please continue to post process updates.

  • Destruction of Dalaran
    Almeda Beynon
    Almeda Beynon Posted on 2014-12-05 21:21:13 -0500.

    Have you decided which video you are thinking about scoring? The first analysis is a great start, and I would think about firming up some sonic ideas with your objectives in mind. Great start! Please continue to post process updates.

  • Assassin's Creed Unity
    Almeda Beynon
    Almeda Beynon Posted on 2014-12-05 21:19:25 -0500.

    This video has a lot going on, and it will be fun to score. I would put a little more thought into your objectives and timeline for the piece. It will make it easier to compose a cohesive score if you have a clear backbone for your project. Please continue to post process updates.

  • Stickman Animation
    Almeda Beynon
    Almeda Beynon Posted on 2014-12-05 21:13:56 -0500.

    Great analysis, Eric. This timeline will be helpful in organizing your compositional ideas. Please continue posting process updates, especially as the music progresses.

  • Beyond Good and Evil 2
    Almeda Beynon
    Almeda Beynon Posted on 2014-12-05 21:12:13 -0500.

    The motif is a great start, Amber. I think it is evocative of ancient eastern music, with a modern flavor. Adjusting the tempo up or down can also offer some variation throughout the piece to help with the faster or slower musical moments we were discussing in lab today. Great job, and thanks for posting process updates!

  • This is Eloise
    Almeda Beynon
    Almeda Beynon Posted on 2014-12-05 21:07:13 -0500.

    Nice job analyzing the video. Your instincts will make for an interesting composition, and the conversation we had in class should help in your next steps. Keep the good work coming!

  • How to Train Your Dragon 2 Flight Scene
    Anna Tan
    Anna Tan Posted on 2014-12-05 21:05:49 -0500.

    You have a really good starting plan for your music! I can clearly tell what you want to do with your composition in relation to the video. The video is very fast paced, and I think your choice of instruments will be crucial to the tension of the music. I would suggest keeping a simple, quick motif in your composition. At the beginning, the strings can play the motif. After Hiccup falls off, use the motif again but maybe in richer tones and bigger chords with multiple instruments as supporting sounds. I also suggest thinking about the time Hiccup spends stopping in the sky in relation to the pause in your music at that point. I think keeping some sounds going on (but not necessarily music) when he is stopped in the sky would avoid the music sounding too abrupt and predictable. I really like the "cliffhanger" idea for the ending; I think it suits the video and creates suspense. The buildup of energy from the music would give the ending a lot of power. Overall, you seem to know how you want to put the visuals together with your composition. I am excited to see the final result!

  • Jake Weiss
    Almeda Beynon
    Almeda Beynon Posted on 2014-12-05 21:04:06 -0500.

    Jake, there is not much to give feedback on, as there are no objectives stated for your project. Thank you for posting the video, but please give a little insight on where you are going with it by tomorrow.

  • Human Transmutation
    Anna Tan
    Anna Tan Posted on 2014-12-05 20:49:12 -0500.

    I think you have a good start on recognizing that your music should feel suspenseful and magical. One thing I noticed when I was watching the opening scene without music is that the video does not particularly calls for techno music. The first video changes from a very blue tone to a purpleish red tone then back to a very blue tone; it is a transition from coldness to warmth to coldness. Your music can reflect that feeling by choosing different instruments with different tone colors. The ending to the video is also very powerful, so I would suggest ending on a strong note that leaves an impression for the listeners. There are a lot of places in the second video where it switches between a significant lack of movement and a dramatic amount of movement. I wonder if you can incorporate that into your music by increasing the intensity when there is more movement and slowing down when the visual is slower. I think choosing where to put faster clips and slower clips can help the listeners have room to breathe and reflect in between the suspense of your music. I am excited to see the final outcome of your project!

  • Cards
    Christina Reimond
    Christina Reimond Posted on 2014-12-05 20:42:30 -0500.

    This is a really interesting video to choose for this assignment! I agree with Almeda that it should be fun to capture it using audio. Are you planning to have multiple climaxes, or just one? How are you planning to create the feeling of intrigue as opposed to the climax?

    It would be interesting to experiment with softer, continuous sounds when there is less movement, and louder, more concise sounds when a great deal of movement with the cards is taking place. This may create a suspenseful effect in between exciting sequences of movement.

    It seems as though you have some great ideas for creating the audio, and I'm looking forward to the outcome!

  • Oblivion Trailer
    Amber Jones
    Amber Jones Posted on 2014-12-05 20:34:49 -0500.

    I like your plan, to build up the music and end on a strong note, that seems to follow the theme of an action movie very well. However I'm a bit confused on what you mean by alternating the dialogue and music to connect it. Does the dialogue have large pauses? If you want the score and music to connect, you might want to consider having constant quiet background instrument(s) so the switch between isn't too contrasting.

  • Agent Peggy Carter
    Christina Reimond
    Christina Reimond Posted on 2014-12-05 20:27:50 -0500.

    It sounds like you're off to a great start-- Your plans seems as though it will fit the trailer very well! I like the idea of starting off with the phone ringing, which automatically raises questions from the listener, increasing the suspense.

    You mention the climax, but how are you planning to make this part of the audio different from the sound before (the one reminiscent of the 40-50s)?

    As for the added sound when the man is yawning, have you thought of simply using the sound of a yawn? I think that this may help to provide a comedic effect and also link the audio to the trailer.

    Overall, great approach, and I'm looking forward to listening to the outcome!

  • Beyond Good and Evil 2
    Jacob Slone
    Jacob Slone Posted on 2014-12-05 17:55:56 -0500.

    Nice, I love the video choice! It's a little hard to critique since I don't know what you're planning to do yet, but it definitely seems like there are opportunities to do some cool stuff with the video. There is a lot going on in the video, though, so it might be easy for the video and audio to clash.

  • Oblivion Trailer
    Jacob Slone
    Jacob Slone Posted on 2014-12-05 17:43:01 -0500.

    Very cool, this definitely seems like your ideas fit well with the video. One thing I did notice is that even in the beginning the scenes are short and the transitions are abrupt, so you may not want to start too slowly or it could make the video really jarring. I do like the idea of the buildup to the motorcycle scene, though.

  • Jake Weiss
    Rikky Roy  Koganti
    Rikky Roy Koganti Posted on 2014-12-05 17:02:08 -0500.

    So I'm not really sure what form of composition you are planning for the trailer since I'm not in your class and wasn't able to listen to your plans, but I'm going to just offer up my opinions on the type of emotions I get from watching this trailer with the audio muted and maybe that can help you out.

    One thing i noticed is a shift in the tone of the visuals of the trailer around 48 seconds i think? It seemed as if it was heading into the climax, most of the scenes had much more action in them, were more fast-paced and looked really intense so maybe that shift could show up in your song. Also, towards the end, it almost seems to slow down since the camera fades out between text and images of the house and other slow images. However, the visuals might be less action based but they still give off a feeling of importance to the show. Images from pre-48 seconds seemed more like a bunch of random images, leading up to the climax, almost like a journey of sorts for the characters. The last thing is that the final image with the girl opening the door right before going to the coming soon text seems a little abrupt, maybe you can incorporate that into your song.. or not.

  • Stickman Animation
    Kristen  Smith
    Kristen Smith Posted on 2014-12-05 16:31:53 -0500.

    I love that you're using this video. I could picture the music you were describing in my head, and I was smirking to myself while watching the video-- overall, it fits really well.

    Your timing seems pretty much spot on. The exposition, climax, etc. seemed to be exactly where you said they were. I'm not entirely sure about you using elevator music for the beginning. I'm assuming you're trying to create a sense of monotony-- the calm before the storm-- but, to me, elevator music doesn't seem to be the right fit. When I hear elevator music, I think of people twiddling their thumbs, standing around without anything to do. However, if the music is executed well, I'm sure it will be fine.

    Good luck!

  • The Breach
    Kristen  Smith
    Kristen Smith Posted on 2014-12-05 16:11:06 -0500.

    I remember seeing this in class and really liking it. I especially like your idea about using choral voices-- they seem to make everything more mysterious but I wonder where you're going to get the sound for that.

    Using a few instruments seems perfectly fine for the beginning, especially since the piece is just beginning to gain momentum. However, what were you planning on doing once you've reached your peak tempo? Will you be using the same instruments (drums, brass, etc.) or will you use other instruments as well that aren't instinctive to use (electric guitar for example) to increase the layers in the piece?

    Overall, I really like your idea and think that your proposal really fits the tone of the trailer. Nice work.

  • The Amazing Spiderman 2
    Almeda Beynon
    Almeda Beynon Posted on 2014-12-04 12:37:20 -0500.

    Great ideas, Kristen! They are well thought-out, and having this backbone structure will make the composition coherent. Brings some sonic ideas to class, a concept playlist is always good, and we will begin laying it out tomorrow.

  • Stickman Animation
    Almeda Beynon
    Almeda Beynon Posted on 2014-12-04 12:27:34 -0500.

    These videos are great! I like the flip book idea because there is an inherent rhythm that gets picked up by the pages that are turning. Bring some sound ideas to class tomorrow and we can start putting together the arch of the sound story. Also, bring your previous sound creations, and we can try and fit those in as well.

    Side Note: As this is a class project, and a simulated professional gallery presentation, I would steer clear of using words such as "um." Instead, you can find a way to declare that your ideas are pending in a more coherent way.

  • Stickman Animation
    Almeda Beynon
    Almeda Beynon Posted on 2014-12-04 10:12:57 -0500.

    Is there a video attached? Or can we get a link?

  • This is Eloise
    Almeda Beynon
    Almeda Beynon Posted on 2014-12-04 10:01:34 -0500.

    Great video, Naomi! This is going to be fun because you can make the "action" of the piece through the music. Sometimes static images offer a bit more freedom for design. I would suggest bringing in an analysis of the video tomorrow (which moments will warrant what kind of sounds), and some sonic ideas. Also, bring your sounds from previous classes, and we can work with those to see if any could fit, or be manipulated to fit, into this new score.

    Great job!

  • The Breach
    Almeda Beynon
    Almeda Beynon Posted on 2014-12-04 09:58:09 -0500.

    Great ideas, and thank you so much for sharing in class! This will be a fun project, and your initial instincts are compelling and will manifest as an awesome score. I would suggest bringing some musical ideas to lab tomorrow, and we can begin to find where things fit.

    Great job!

  • He's Really Feeling It
    Almeda Beynon
    Almeda Beynon Posted on 2014-12-04 09:55:47 -0500.

    This is a great video! You should watch the trailer without sound from now on, and follow what you hear in your own mind. Try not to follow the developers score so closely, and you will end up with something much more interesting and begin to develop your own style. You can also record his "catchphrases" with your (or a friend's) voice, and try to add similar effects to create something that will match the style of your new piece.

  • Beyond Good and Evil 2
    Almeda Beynon
    Almeda Beynon Posted on 2014-12-04 09:49:58 -0500.

    Great choice! Your next step should be to develop some clear ideas about what you want to do for specific moments - sort of like a "sound story board." If you could bring some of these ideas to class tomorrow, we can begin to suss out the specifics. Also bring your past sounds from class, and we can see where some of those could potentially go.

  • Cards
    Almeda Beynon
    Almeda Beynon Posted on 2014-12-04 09:47:33 -0500.

    This is a great start! Clear ideas, and the video should be fun to put music to. The next step might be to translate some of these ideas into musical manifestations. For the checkpoint tomorrow, try to have some musical ideas for the moments in the trailer. This could be new music, or music from your past projects as a jumping off point.

    Great job!