Video Soundtracks

Skilled in the production of incidental music, soundtrack, film score and advertising music, Jane and Philip Lane at the Beehouse have completed a number of commercial music writing projects which have been edited to video, the most notable of these being a series of 17 bilingually produced documentaries for the Powys Regeneration Project. These soundtracks vary in approach from neo-classical styles and folk-based themes in the style of Vaughan Williams to pop and rock-based accompaniments. Score and soundtrack creation are usually carried out for an agreed fee and under contract.

Acutely aware that, within the film industry, and in the final film or video version, music is often almost solely responsible for the intensifying of atmosphere, whether it be horror and accompanying fear, comedy and quirkiness, elation as a climax is approached or any other manner of emotion. Quite simply, films are frequently 50% sound, maybe more if the spoken narrative is included in the "sound". Even where sound is minimal, it is the minimal nature of it which makes an effective contribution to the video soundtrack and the video itself.

A film score (also sometimes called a soundtrack, film music, background music, or incidental music) is original music created and shaped around the flow of the visual film. The score is the musical part of the soundtrack, the other parts being dialogue and special effects.

Lane and Lane (the composing duo at the Beehouse) are rapid in building the basic themes and tunes, the melodies of the film or video, whatever the length, and skilled at matching up variations on the theme with different events during a film, adding pauses, changes in tempo and dynamics for effect. This can either be a neo-classical style or an adapted pop, rock or other contemporary style or genre.

Lane and Lane are also able to produce a song as the main theme for a film or video soundtrack, or specifically for use in a clip, working alongside the video creators to achieve a meaningful contribution to the overall effect of the film.

We are happy working from a prepared video in the traditional "spotting" style, and also welcome the notion of working the other way around, and developing a soundtrack prior to the addition of the visuals. We are also happy to prepare impressionistic music based only loosely on an idea or other suggested pieces and tracks.

Syncing

At the Beehouse we are well set up technically and experientially to cater for a variety of demands related to soundtrack development. We can cut and edit existing music and we can also write to a click-track and build a click -track with the production team to best instrument a piece of video or film.

Writing

In order to write, we tend to use Cubase and the orchestral suite to both build and idea and refine it with varying instrumentation. We can also work in different ways where required. We are happy to work alongside video producers and directors to obtain something suitable in theme terms although there is usually a point at which we also require to work independently. This is subject to negotiation in any given contract. With many contracts, we ask the customer to supply or identify music similar in style to the required score or soundtrack. Orchestration is therefore carried out in house also, where required. Soundtrack Recording and Editing can also be carried out by the Beehouse.

For a quote, or to start the evaluation process, please contact us with a broad description of your film, video, commercial or other project.