SOUNDTRACK

This post shows the progress we made on finding our final soundtrack for our film opening. The process went:

• First song attempt on GarageBand
• Decision to scrap that
• Black Ops intro song
• Decision to scrap that
• Cover of Ghost Town
• Application of Ghost Town to our opening

FIRST SOUNDTRACK ATTEMPT

After a discussion about our choice of non-diegetic music for our opening with the whole group, I decided to create a short piece of music intended for the outside scene (when Tristan puts his headphones in). We wanted to make sure the music fitted our protagonist's preferred type of music, therefore slightly older rock style music. This was my attempt at using GarageBand samples to create a short section of music)

DECISION TO SCRAP THAT

After sharing this with the group, we decided we wanted something different. Instead of having non-diegetic music for that one scene, we want to have music cutting in and out throughout the opening. The attempt that I made was too plain to take place throughout the opening, therefore we wanted a full song.

SECOND ATTEMPT

James was able to compose a version of black ops 2 zombies intro alongside a few of his friends. This is another option for us, which is useful as it is related to zombies. Its also got a rock style guitar playing throughout, which gives us the opportunity to build up tension. Along with that, the young audience we are aiming for could understand the link and find the sound nostalgic. Here is their version of that intro...

DECISION TO SCRAP THAT

Although this is a very good option, we eventually decided on another option.

FINAL SOUNDTRACK

We decided to ask some friends to recreate an instrumental of 'Ghost Town' by The Specials. We chose this song because it is used in Shaun of the Dead, which is the movie we are taking key influence from. Along with that, we filmed Donnie singing that in the shower, so we can find a way of mixing the music with Donnie's singing. Here is the original Ghost Town...

Here is the version we will be using in our opening

APPLICATION TO FILM OPENING

Although I am happy with this version, we would have preferred if it was more rock-based, fitting better with the horror genre. However, the slow-paced jazz/orchestral cover works to denote Donnie's slow-witted, stoner-like nature, along with balancing the horror genre with the comedy element. 

We have acknowledged that the soundtrack is likely too slow, therefore the plan is to start the music after the living room wake up scene (as it links well with Donnie singing in the shower), and then slowly fade out when Donnie is getting dressed. We wanted to make sure the sounds in the kitchen were heard, therefore a soundtrack over the top would be distracting and take away from the fast-paced style of the scene. The music will then re-enter at the start of the outside scene, as it matches with Donnie putting headphones in. It will build up till to the crescendo, then Eddie hits the zombie with the rolling pin (then cuts out when Donnie takes out his phone, clearly turning music).

In the outside scene, Donnie is listening to Ghost Town in his headphones, however in the edit, you can also hear the music. This is called inner diegetic music, and was inspired by Baby Driver (Edgar Wright, 2017), where the protagonist often listens to music while walking.