Temp track
Encyclopedia
A temp track is an existing piece of music
or audio
which is used in film production during the editing
phase. It serves as a guideline for the mood or atmosphere the director
is looking for in a scene.
The track is usually replaced before release by an original soundtrack
composed specifically for the film (the inclusion of "All Star"
in Shrek
being a notable exception). While some feel that having to follow a temp track
can be limiting for a composer, it can be useful tool in finding the right style of music for a particular scene and can be a time-saver for both the composer
and director.
The temp track is sometimes also referred to as scratch music, temp score or temp music.
Music
Music is an art form whose medium is sound and silence. Its common elements are pitch , rhythm , dynamics, and the sonic qualities of timbre and texture...
or audio
Sound
Sound is a mechanical wave that is an oscillation of pressure transmitted through a solid, liquid, or gas, composed of frequencies within the range of hearing and of a level sufficiently strong to be heard, or the sensation stimulated in organs of hearing by such vibrations.-Propagation of...
which is used in film production during the editing
Editing
Editing is the process of selecting and preparing written, visual, audible, and film media used to convey information through the processes of correction, condensation, organization, and other modifications performed with an intention of producing a correct, consistent, accurate, and complete...
phase. It serves as a guideline for the mood or atmosphere the director
Film director
A film director is a person who directs the actors and film crew in filmmaking. They control a film's artistic and dramatic nathan roach, while guiding the technical crew and actors.-Responsibilities:...
is looking for in a scene.
The track is usually replaced before release by an original soundtrack
Soundtrack
A soundtrack can be recorded music accompanying and synchronized to the images of a motion picture, book, television program or video game; a commercially released soundtrack album of music as featured in the soundtrack of a film or TV show; or the physical area of a film that contains the...
composed specifically for the film (the inclusion of "All Star"
All Star (song)
"All Star" is a single by Smash Mouth, released in 1999.It was featured on their album Astro Lounge and is one of the group's most successful songs. The music video featured cameos of William H...
in Shrek
Shrek
Shrek is a 2001 American computer-animated fantasy comedy film directed by Andrew Adamson and Vicky Jenson, featuring the voices of Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, and John Lithgow. Loosely based on William Steig's 1990 fairy tale picture book Shrek!...
being a notable exception). While some feel that having to follow a temp track
can be limiting for a composer, it can be useful tool in finding the right style of music for a particular scene and can be a time-saver for both the composer
Composer
A composer is a person who creates music, either by musical notation or oral tradition, for interpretation and performance, or through direct manipulation of sonic material through electronic media...
and director.
The temp track is sometimes also referred to as scratch music, temp score or temp music.
External links
- The Relevance of Temp Tracks - a guide on how temp tracks can be a useful tool for finding the right music for a production