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Play It Again, Sam: Music's Role

© Carol Megrail

For generations, music has served as a less-than-silent ally to the scriptwriter. Although Rick never said,"Play it again, Sam" (Ilsa did), the strains of "As Time Goes By" brilliantly set the tone for the bittersweet Casablanca. In the minds of all those who have seen the movie, the script and the song are indelibly linked.

Music has a unique way of characterizing a mood, a time or a place that reinforces our memories. It also provides polish and pacing. Whatever the medium, it's an additional tool for the scriptwriter. Skillful use requires a knowledge of resources and awareness of its role and limitations.

Knowing when music adds to your message or when it detracts is the first concern of the writer. In general, narrative that explains or relates facts can benefit from a musical background. Exceptions may occur in instances of interviews or sound bites by featured individuals. In either case, the quality of sound or emphatic nature of these statements may make music undesirable or superfluous. The goal is to emphasize or enhance. Often a pause in the soundtrack at this point is effective.

Careful attention should be paid to appropriately matching the topic or topics contained in your script. For example, narration discussing life-threatening disease would require a more sombre composition than a section in the same production announcing a major breakthrough. No music should become too lengthy or boringly prevalent. Although chiefly the job of an editor, the scriptwriter can indicate their preference as to type and location of selection, much as they indicate visuals, on the audio/narrative side of the page.

Visual interludes are often partnered with instrumental works, allowing for appropriately underlined thought. This duo also may direct new attention or save an otherwise dry presentation. In a recent multimedia outlining a company's services, interest was regenerated through the placement of lively music behind video of actual workers, preventing any yawns.

What about using a particular musical piece as a signature to your script? This is certainly an option - at the beginning and again at the end, or perhaps as a lead-in to divisions. It is even possible to commission an original work from individual composers, although this may be expensive.

You'll need to be aware of copyright issues when considering your choices. For any composition not in the public domain (usually music over 25 years old without renewal of copyright) permission for use is a must. This will take some period of time to obtain, and, in most instances, a substantial fee will be charged.

The copyright of the article Play It Again, Sam: Music's Role in Video Scripting is owned by Carol Megrail. Permission to republish Play It Again, Sam: Music's Role in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.