What Is Temp Music In Film?

Cover What Is Tempo in Music and the Words That Set Tempo? (4114x2628)

Table of Contents

• What is Temp Music?
• Why is Temp Music Used in Film?
• Who Chooses Temp Music?
• How is Temp Music Selected?
• What Are the Downsides of Temp Music?

What is Temp Music?

Temp music is a temporary music track used in the editing process of a film or television show. It is added to a scene to give the editor and director an idea of how the scene will feel with music. Temp music is usually chosen for its similarity to the desired score or the emotions it evokes.

Temp music is used as a placeholder until the final score is composed, recorded and added to the final cut. It’s important to note that temp music is not meant to be a final product, but rather a tool for the creative team to use during the editing process.

Why is Temp Music Used in Film?

Temp music is used in film and television shows for a variety of reasons. Firstly, it can help the director and editor visualize the scene with music, allowing them to make changes and adjustments to the scene to make it more impactful. Temp music can also help in the pacing of a scene, as it can give the editor an idea of how long a scene should be.

Temp music is also useful in communicating the director’s vision to the composer. By using temp music, the director can give the composer a better understanding of the emotions and tone they want in the final score. Additionally, temp music can be used to create a temporary soundtrack for the film’s marketing material, such as trailers and teasers.

Who Chooses Temp Music?

The editor and/or director of a film or television show usually chooses the temp music. They will work together to decide on the right track that fits the mood and tone of the scene. The director may have a specific vision in mind, or they may rely on the editor’s expertise to choose the right track.

In some cases, a music editor may be hired to choose the temp music. The music editor will work with the director and editor to choose the right tracks and ensure they are properly licensed for use in the film.

How is Temp Music Selected?

Temp music is selected based on a variety of factors, including the scene’s mood, tone, and pacing. The director and editor may have a specific track in mind or they may rely on the music editor to choose the right track.

The chosen track should be similar to the desired score for the scene, but not an exact copy. Using a track that is too similar to the final score may limit the composer’s creativity and result in a score that is too similar to the temp track.

It’s important to note that the use of temp music should be done legally and ethically. Proper licensing should be obtained for any temp tracks used in the editing process. It’s also important to ensure that the temp tracks are not being used as a replacement for the final score, as this can lead to legal issues and poor quality music.

What Are the Downsides of Temp Music?

While temp music can be a useful tool in the editing process, there are also downsides to its use. One of the biggest downsides is that it can limit the composer’s creativity. If the temp track is too similar to the final score, the composer may feel limited in their options and unable to create something new and original.

Another downside is that temp music can be emotionally attached to the scene, making it difficult to replace with a new track. This can lead to directors and editors becoming too attached to the temp track and unwilling to make changes, even if a better track is available.

Finally, the use of temp music can be expensive if proper licensing is not obtained. Improper use of temp tracks can result in legal issues and costly fines.

Conclusion

Temp music is a useful tool in the film and television industry. It allows the director and editor to visualize the scene with music and communicate their vision to the composer. However, it’s important to use temp music ethically and legally, and to not become too attached to the temp track. The use of temp music should enhance the creative process, not limit it.