In today's post I want to discuss a topic that I don't hear a lot of people discussing in the context of sync licensing, and that's something known as "sync points".
Sync points are those magical moments where the music aligns perfectly with specific actions or events in a scene, creating a powerful impact that enhances the viewer’s experience. Whether it’s a dramatic pause, a
sudden action, or an emotional dialogue, sync points are essential for making your music resonate with the visual narrative.
Let’s dive deeper into sync points, explore more examples, and discuss how to incorporate this technique into your music, even when you don’t know exactly where your music will be used.
Understanding Sync Points
Sync points are the moments where music and visual elements
converge seamlessly. These points are crucial because they enhance the emotional and dramatic impact of a scene. Think about the dramatic pause in a conversation, the burst of music accompanying a sudden movement, or the subtle cues underscoring significant emotional exchanges.
Scene transitions also benefit from sync points, providing continuity and setting the tone for the next segment. Specific visual elements, like a character’s gaze or an object’s movement, can be matched with
musical accents to create a compelling experience.
Examples of Effective Sync Points
Let’s look at some examples to understand this better. In the TV series “Breaking Bad,” there’s a scene where Walter White confronts his wife, Skyler. As Walter delivers a chilling line, the music builds and then abruptly stops as he finishes speaking. This dramatic pause in the music heightens the tension and underscores the gravity of the
moment.
Watching scenes like this helps you understand how music can enhance dramatic pauses. Practice creating music that can build and then drop off at a precise moment to create a similar effect.
In the movie “Inception,” there’s a scene where the van falls off the bridge in slow motion, accompanied by a powerful orchestral hit. The music aligns perfectly with the visual, making the action more impactful and memorable. Observing how sudden actions
are accentuated by strong musical elements can be eye opening. Try experimenting with orchestral hits, crescendos, or percussive elements to match sudden actions in your compositions.
Another great example is from “The Notebook.” During the emotional climax when the main characters declare their love, the music swells gently, complementing the heartfelt dialogue. The music doesn’t overpower the scene but enhances the emotional weight. Notice how subtlety is
key in emotional dialogues. Create music that can swell or fade gently to support, rather than overshadow, the dialogue. This is a concept that music supervisor, Susan Jacobs, alluded to in our recent podcast. Although she didn't use the term sync point, she emphasized the importance of the music you write for films, not overshadowing the dialog. Check out our podcast here, if you haven't already:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/0BZb4FyZeISu6eB6nccGfq?si=9765205c0fad4b7c
How to Incorporate Sync Points in Your Music
To master sync points, start by studying the pacing of various scenes. Watch different movies and TV shows, paying close attention to how the pacing of the action aligns with the music. Note where the music
starts, stops, and changes.
Since you may not always know where your music will be used, create versatile pieces with potential sync points. Think about different scenarios where your music could fit. If possible, collaborate with indie filmmakers to understand their vision. This collaboration can provide insights into how they plan to use music and where they envision potential sync points.
Listening to tracks that
have already been synced to different scenes can also be incredibly helpful. Analyze why certain sync points work and how they contribute to the overall impact of the scene.
Practical Exercises
Try taking a scene from a movie or TV show, mute the original music, and create your own score. Pay attention to potential sync points and align your music accordingly.
Write a piece of music with the
intention of having multiple sync points. Imagine various scenarios where your music might be used and create moments that could align with different types of actions or dialogues. Create a storyboard for a hypothetical scene and compose music that follows the narrative, identifying key moments where the music should change or emphasize an action.
Conclusion
Mastering sync points is an important and often overlooked skill for any musician
looking to break into the world of music licensing. By studying successful examples, practicing your timing, and creating flexible compositions, you can make your music stand out to music supervisors.
Remember, in the context of sync licensing, the goal is to enhance the visual narrative and create a more immersive experience for the audience. With precision and creativity, your music can become an integral part of any scene, leaving a lasting impression.
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Warm Regards,
Aaron Davison
HTLYM Premium
