Hey Stage 32 People!
What are your thoughts on song choices referenced in your scripts/screenplays? All of my scripts so far reference a few songs either playing in the background of a scene or as a suggestion for part of the score, I use them to convey A) The mood and B) A kickass tune.
I am not hell bent on them being used if the material was ever produced, more so to hopefully illicit a connection to the material.
An example is from my script The Capawock Shark, the protagonist and his wife at the end declaring their love for each other......Ramble on by Led Zeppelin plays as a montage of black and white stills are projected.....The End.
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Hey, Aidan Robinson. I just write something like "Heavy metal rock blasts from stereos as Kelly tears up the place." I've heard of writers doing this: "A rock song plays. Something like Ramble on by Led Zeppelin."
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Maurice Vaughan song choice really can fuel the message!
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You're right, Aidan Robinson. That's why I like the "A rock song plays. Something like Ramble on by Led Zeppelin" idea and plan on using it.
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Use whatever song you want in your script. Once it's ready to go into production, the music dept and clearance coordinators will change as needed for creative and legal reasons.
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Lindbergh E Hollingsworth
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I do the same thing Aidan Robinson always list song I like and are popular.
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Thanks Mark Deuce, the script I’m due to start next has a very specific song choice for the 3rd act that I feel is crucial, to the point where the timing of the action coincides with the kick in of the final chorus.
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Agreed just write the song or "Song cue sounds like Zeppelin" and when your screen play is bought the licensing of your suggested music will be secured or something else similar and maybe cheaper than Led Zeppelin.
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I agree with Pat and Maurice. Some bands are difficult and/or expensive to get their music licensed and you can't use it without licensing it.
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I add a short list of "mood" songs in my pitch deck for reference (usually 2-4) just to convey the "vibe" I'm going for. I did add a specific song in my latest script during the "all is lost/picking up the pieces" montage just because it's the exact song I was listening to as I wrote and it fits so perfectly. Ultimately, though, I know it's not up to me and that licensing music can eat away at a budget. I like Maurice's suggestion for the wording.
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Thank you Pat Savage Brian Smith Erin Leigh. If only it was free! Maybe I right the lead for Robert Plant!
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I hope you know that copyrights for songs can give producers problems. So I don't mention song titles when I write. Instead I leave it for the director to choose.
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You can write such and such a song by such and such artist, OR SIMILAR SOUNDS.