Including music in script

[docohio123]

I have read that it`s a no no to suggest music of any kind for your story and that who ever reads it (if you get that lucky) will instantly spot that your new at the game.

What is the general thinking along these lines.

as always, thanks

TmL

[RKBentley]

This'll probably be moved to Screenwriting III or Basics, my own opinion is not to include music unless it's your own copywrited piece and even then I probably wouldn't use it unless the script revolves around a band or musically inclined person/s.

[cook]

If it's really crucial to a joke or a scene or whatever, I say use it. Let the studio worry about the legal stuff.

[JMather]

I was surprised recently to see lots of music in the script for Life as a House. The writer named the song, the performer, and included lyrics. It didn't work for me (in fact I found it offsetting) but then he sold it and it was produced and mine aren't yet. I don't remember if the score in the film was as he wrote it. And I don't remember the script version but scenes weren't numbered yet.

[Fortean]

If it's part of the story, why not? The main objection is that some writers include their favourite song and that they fail to note that acquiring rights to that music is vital to making the film, (and could be very expensive). I've included a song, with lyrics, specified by the author of a short story, (which is in the Public Domain but may not be known nor readily accessible to a reader). Once, I undertook the formidable task was in finding an old Manx folk-song, correcting the spellings on the printed copy, and confirming its translation; but, it fit into the story perfectly. For the "Screenplay In A Month" (http://p220.ezboard.com/bwriteascriptinonemonth), I'm including some works by Henry Clay Work, (all from before 1879, and all in the Public Domain): a girl's favourite song, a lively parlor tune by some musical brothers, a funeral hymn, and a choral piece, (which would be great for the final credits). If the song is a familiar one, you might simply indicate the name of the song, for examples, "Take Me Out to the Ball Game," or the "national anthem"; but, if the lyrics are unfamiliar, I'd suggest including them.

[docohio123]

Hi and thanks for the info.

I have a scene in my ROM COM where the name of a group, "Jethro Tull" is part of a joke.

In this scene a big city girl is riding in a truck with a country boy who is about to get into a street race.

Jerry reaches for the knob on the stereo.

JERRY WAYNE
Time for some JETHRO....

Megan cuts Jerry short.

MEGAN
Please, anything but country music.

JERRY WAYNE
TULL..........

FULL SHOT 1ST RED LIGHT -- CONTINUOUS
The song "MOTOREYES" by JETHRO TULL blares from Jerry`s truck.
The female driver puts on chrome sunglasses, the light turns green. Car and truck peel off down the highway.


I would think it impossible to set it up in this way and hear anything other than a Jethro Tull song at this point.

Thanks again

Tm

[TheKeenGuy]

My friend and frequent cowriter has said that the only time he ever specifically reference a certain song is if it's playing in the environment of the movie, but never makes any reference to what songs should play as score or whatever.

[jimb11]

I suppose that referencing Camille Saint-Saens DANCE MACABRE as blood drops off a rose in the ending shot of my thriller is a no no?

[zuzuII]

My professor said if it really fits the scene/script/story and it's the perfect song, go ahead and put it in. He said they kind of like it. He also said if there's no way they can get it, they'll get something in the ballpark. Or just turn your script into a vampire baseball movie. (No, he didn't say that. ;)

I think the big problem is if you started writing something in the 80s and wanted to show your character was cool so she's wearing day-glow t-shirts and madonna bracelets while listening to Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go and then you rewrite it a zillion times and now it's 2005 and you decide to send it out people will think you're weird/stuck in the 80s/old/etc. Never MIND the atrocious taste in music.

(I had to consult my grandmother for those historic references, btw. )

[NoTalentAssClown]

A friend of mine's first optioned script was full of soundtrack songs. If it enriches the period of the film (i.e. the 70's) and accentuates the script, I say why not?

[jimb11]

ZuZull, NoTalent:

Thanks...I'm so glad to hear that....

I wasn't trying to tell the powers that be what to do...but in telling the story...It was important to keep the goosebumps forming...even after the story is over...This classical piece totally completes the chill in my supernatural thriller.

[zuzuII]

Magnolia was written based on Aimee Mann's songs. So there's a huge example.

[Hamboogul]

If the music piece is critical, write it in. If not, don't.

I've written scripts where I've pretty much laid out an entire soundtrack. In others, I have nothing.

In the end, if the script is good, the music will enhance the storytelling. If the script is not, it won't.

[TheKeenGuy]

Magnolia was written based on Aimee Mann's songs. So there's a huge example.

One, PT Anderson was an established filmmaker by that point. And two, Anderson was good friends with Aimee Mann, so it wasn't like it was a shot in the dark.

I know a person writing a film based, in some way, on the music of Sondre Lerche. She spoke with him shortly at a show, and he was excited for her, so that would be a good sign. But who knows, if she actually got it all together, whether his label would be so giving, etc. It's a big risk.

[docohio123]

Please keep in mind we are only talking about a few songs here 4 or 5 tops and only one of which, (the song by JETHRO TULL) that I mentioned earlier would I think critical to the scene in question.

TmL

[TylerGred]

Donnie Darko had music in the script. Every song was pretty much listed in the action lines.

You can download that and get an idea of what he did.

[Buckwheat]

If you are writing a screenplay, just write the script and present it in proper format.

You are a writer, not the musical direction/composer.

Good luck!

[Jack0902]

My first optioned script, a rom/com, contained two songs. The first I put in because one of the characters mocks the song, so it obviously needed to be identified by name. The second reference was a song that the characters slow dance to. It was the song I wrote that scene too, and felt it would be perfect for that scene. It was a relatively obscure Cowboy Junkies song. I doubt 95% of the people who have read the script have even heard of the song. But not one person, my manager, agent, the producer who optioned the script, his assistant, etc. has said boo about the song being identified.

If the script is good, it won't matter.

[docohio123]

Jack,

Please tell me the name of the song is`nt, "Like we never had a broken heart" by Trish Yearwood...I have that one for my "sad song/slow dancing" scene...lol


Thanks

TmL