Music Changes Everything

As big fans of films and everything that goes with it, we love film scores. Music isn’t just for huge blockbusters, we wanted to show the power of music and why it’s so important in marketing.

Let’s set the scene. You’re neck-deep in marketing but it’s ok, you’ve done the hard part; You’ve narrowed down your audience, finalised your messaging, planned the ultimate marketing campaign, nailed your creative concept, filmed your video, and you’re in the edit – all done, right? …Right?!

Well, not quite. Have you considered your music choice? I mean real consideration, not just the first link you opened from that long email your production company sent you.

Hmm… Here’s why music is so important.

Music can change the feel of your film completely, so choosing the right track is important. Don’t fall at the last hurdle and let all your hard work go to waste! Let’s dive deeper into just what it is that makes each scene feel so different.

Scene 1 – Aerial City Timelapse

An aerial timelapse shot of streaking car lights over a busy bridge at sunset, featuring city lights in the background.

Score 1 is a relaxing lo-fi piece comprising of laid-back beats, calm piano melodies and a touch of synth. When we combine this with the wide gentle movement of the drone and the calming timelapse during sunset, the result is reminiscent of night-time drives under city lights and watching the world go by; soothing and tranquil.

Score 2 is more upbeat, blending quick beautiful piano with strings. When combined with the wide shot and busy timelapse of the cars rushing by on the bridge below, we create a sense of wonder, impressive innovation and elegance; making strides in the industry and a leader in discovery.

Scene 2 – Mysterious Forest Gateway

A tracking shot through a dark misty forest towards a strange glowing doorway leaking bright white light into the surrounding woods.

Score 1 features a quick light piano melody and low strings slowly building together. When used in conjunction with the tracking shot out of the darkness and towards the light, it creates a sense of hope. We are inspired and moving forwards into a brighter future.

Score 2 changes the pace with long string notes and a quiet underlying melody of low rapid strings. The dark misty forest is ominous enough, but the juxtaposition of a bright white doorway in the depths of this dark wood helps to create that unnerving tension of the unknown that we have no choice but to venture towards.

Scene 3 – Masked Applause

A low-saturation slow-motion shot of a masked person leaning out of a window and clapping to the street below.

Score 1 is a beautiful and emotive unaccompanied piano piece. When used with the slow-motion applause of the masked individual it creates a sense of bittersweet nostalgia; we are reminded of a different time not so long ago when the world was in a dire situation and without hope. Looking back and knowing we are the lucky ones that made it through produces a bittersweet melancholy.

Score 2 is another beautiful piano melody, this time accompanied by uplifting strings. Coupled with the slow-motion applause the melody lifts us up to a sense of hope in a difficult situation and left feeling inspired and motivated; this is where we are, but look at the progress we are making. The future is limitless.

So, as you see, even the smallest differences in your music choice can have a big difference on the overall tone of your film. Think about the messaging; how do you want your audience to feel after watching your video? Maybe you want to impress your stakeholders with the ground-breaking strides you’ve been making? Maybe you want to reassure customers that this upcoming change is a good thing? Or attract new recruits to your amazing company?

Whatever it is, make sure you elevate your message with the correct music choice.

Aaand because you’re a super reader who’s made it to the end, we’ve rewarded you with our favourite film scores…because, well, we think everyone should listen to them at least once!

Comptine D’un Autre Eté, L’après-Midi – Yann Tiersen

Film: Amélie (2001)

This piano piece is emotive and beautiful. It manages to be both heartbreaking and full of hope – worth listening to both in the film and as a separate piece. – Eve

You are the Pan – John Williams

Hook (1991)

It has an epic opening of choir and brass and then softens to a beautifully elegant flute piece. Really emotive and conveys the intense revelation of the scene brilliantly. – Emilie

Convergence – Jonny Greenwood

There Will Be Blood (2007)

It’s all building layers of percussion, and they’re all very slightly out of sync with each other, so after a while, it becomes pretty anxiety-inducing – especially within the context of the scene it’s used in. – Tom

Under The Skin Soundtrack – Mica Levi

Under The Skin (2013)

Mica Levi’s entire score for ‘Under the Skin’. It’s beautiful, haunting, hypnotic and completely unforgettable. It pulses from life-affirming and beautiful to intensely terrifying in a heartbeat and is the perfect accompaniment to a film concerned with what it means to be human. Viva la Levi. – Jack

Interstellar Soundtrack – Hans Zimmer

Interstellar (2014)

I struggled to choose just one piece from this film, so I picked the whole soundtrack. The entire score is a beautiful journey, repetitively using the instantly recognisable melody throughout, whether slow and emotive or urgent and tense, reflecting the character’s emotions and immersing us into the film completely. – Amy

So, now for the obligatory sales-y bit! Woop-Woop!

At Gnu we offer music licensing for every film, and take the hard part out of music selection – we will help you select the perfect track for your video by doing all the leg work and presenting you with a selection of tracks we believe you’ll love (and if you don’t, we’ll find you some more!).

Additionally, if you like the video above and want one of your own, we have many different templates to choose from in our Animated Slideshow service, all of which can be customised with your branding and logo. Head over to our contact page to find out more, send us an email to production@gnufilms.co.uk or give us a ring on 01604 422911