What does it mean to create music for a science fiction film, show or video game? Upon initial thought on this question, it may not sound as though there is much room to work with. You may think of the music from Star Wars which is sort of a standard setup for big, blockbuster releases. A full orchestra, a few bombastic pieces for all-out battles as well as softer and lighter themes for the good guys and dark and ominous themes for the bad guys. Shows may have a more fast-paced and modern sound. It is more likely that a television show has an electric guitar and just a general more electric sound, since this requires less money for create than hiring a full orchestra. A video game often will have a more digital sound for sci-fi games, especially those developed by companies with a lower budget. It is considerably cheaper to pay one person creating music on a computer than even a small group that requires studio space to record.
Even though these are all valid points, there is more to consider when thinking about what a science fiction soundtrack should sound like. Give a thought to the following:
What era is the story set in?
Not all science fiction is set in the future (in case you didn’t know). Science fiction just has to include a fictional use of science. Naturally, this encompasses all of time and space as well as alternate realities. (Though I suppose that’s really what fiction means, huh?) Different sci-fi settings are likely to draw from some real era in human history. This means that the music should fit the ambiance to match what the consumer expects from the setting. Think the cantina scene from Star Wars, they play jazz-like music because the setting is similar to Casablanca, which notably featured jazz music. Albeit, with very different crowds.
What is the point of the story?
Fantastic space opera? Post-apocalyptic wasteland? Secret, underground laboratory with clones or cyborgs? All of these sound different. There are all kinds of stories to tell in science fiction. Some are told to frighten and surprise, some are told to warn of the dangers of their ways. Others are told just to tell a fun and exciting tale of heroism and adventure! The purpose of a story helps inform what music should accompany it. Horror films often use soft and disarming music to bring the viewer into a relaxed state before attacking them with a big bolt of noise to accompany an on-screen scare! A post-apocalyptic setting may keep a score of more hopeless and thought-provoking music. Perhaps a lot of open space to bring the viewer to a moment of reflection upon what mankind could have done to bring such a grim future or what we can do to prevent such a future.
Who are the characters?
Characters often are what differentiate one story from another with the same points. Motives, morals, and personality are all key factors that dictate who a character is. They also determine interactions between characters and of course, what their theme sounds like. A nasty and despicable character might have a heavy emphasis on brass instruments, played in a low and rumbly tone because it provides a sense of unwanted weight that people just don’t want to carry with them. A soft and delicate character might have a theme with mostly string or woodwind instruments to give a lighter and more fragile identity to that character. Think of the imposing and powerful theme of the Imperial March that accompanies Darth Vader and how it implies the authority that he carries wherever he goes.
What is the medium in which the story is being told?
As touched on at the beginning, the medium being used is a very important factor in what kind of music is used. Not only are there general budget limitations to each medium, but every medium has its own purpose. Video games aim to bring the player into the world and be an active participant in the events that unfold. To help accomplish this, the music needs to feel natural and match exactly what is happening to you, the player character. Movies often strive to create a sense of scope. A lot of the time this means a large scope that aims to make the world in the movie feel huge and living. It expands the scope of the film by implying there is a lot more space than what you are actually seeing on the screen. Though you may also get a film that wants you to understand that the world of the character(s) is small and closed off. In these cases, there is likely to be less reverb in the music and provide a stronger punch with each note, or series of notes. There are also different audiences being targeted with different mediums, and it is important for those involved in the creation process to understand their audience and what they aim to achieve with their stories.
Written by Hunter Raffety
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