Sound and Stage: How Broadway Stages Helps Shape the Emotional Core of Film and TV
/Opening Cue: Why Music Matters
At Broadway Stages, we support filmmakers in creating bold, memorable stories. The most successful productions generate a strong emotional response from the audience. Emotion is crucial — it acts as a bridge between the audience and the narrative, allowing viewers to connect with characters and storylines on a deeper level. While several elements contribute to the emotion in a film or televison show, music undeniably plays a critical role in not only creating but also influencing emotion. More than just a background element, music is a storytelling tool in its own right. It builds tension and deepens audience connection. This is where a musical score comes into play. A film score is the original music composed specifically to accompany a film, enhancing its emotional impact and narrative.
A powerful score engages audiences in seconds. Consider the triumphant “Rocky” theme, the haunting violin from “Schindler's List,” and “The Imperial March,” which powerfully signals Darth Vader's presence in the “Star Wars” franchise. A well-crafted score can redefine how a moment feels on screen.
The Anatomy of a Film Score
In the purposeful absence of dialogue, music guides character development, sets the tone, and creates anticipation. These musical tools inform the experience of cinematic storytelling —
Melody and motifs shape identity and foster instant recognition. "Gonna Fly Now" from the "Rocky" franchise embodies grit and victory, while "Jaws’" two-note motif builds dread before the shark appears. These themes anchor the audience throughout the film, and when done right, they become iconic.
Harmony and texture infuse mood and depth. Major chords feel bold or uplifting; minor ones create tension or sadness. Layered instrumentation can make a scene feel deeply personal or larger than life. For example, Hans Zimmer's work on "Inception" blends brass and electronics to convey urgency.
Rhythm and pacing sync compositions to visuals. Fast beats drive action; slow tempos highlight the sentiment. In "Mad Max: Fury Road," the music complements the chase scenes with long, dramatic notes extending across lingering shots.
Collaboration in Action
Choreomusicality refers to the convergence of music, dance, and action (think blocking — the planned movements of actors and camera within a scene) within a film or television show, to create a unified and impactful experience.
The choreomusical elements of a film score are critical: how the music mirrors or contrasts with the action and visuals, how they affect the pace and rhythm of scenes, and how they contribute to the overall emotional impact. For example, the screeching strings in the shower scene of "Psycho" demonstrate effective choreomusicality in creating terror by mirroring the scene's shock and horror.
Film directors utilize music and movement (including acting, camera movement, and pacing) to enhance storytelling. Directors and choreographers collaborate to align dance sequences with the narrative, emotion, and themes. Directors and composers walk through scenes together while previewing temporary tracks. This hands-on process helps align music with the timing and movement on the screen, speeding up creative decisions.
Editors and mixers are on call throughout filming to quickly create alternative versions, swap temp tracks, and check surround sound before daily wraps. Fast edits and high-quality audio reduce delays. The director's vision is realized through the integrated relationship between sight and sound, with music often guiding visual creativity and expression.
Synergy of Sound and Stage at Broadway Stages
The synergy between music and soundstage is essential for achieving a high-quality, immersive, and impactful audio experience in film and television production. The set created on a soundstage is the perceived spatial representation of a recording, giving the listener a sense of the width, depth, and height of the soundscape. It's like visualizing the "space" where the music (and action) is happening.
At Broadway Stages, our spacious facilities enable all the technical and choreomusical elements of a film score to come together. Tracking, mixing, and playback can take place all under one roof, helping productions save time and reduce costs. This seamless setup also boosts authenticity, as actors can perform to live cues and composers can refine the score in context. It's an ecosystem designed to give filmmakers speed, flexibility, and creative control.
Ready to compose your production’s unforgettable emotional journey? Contact Broadway Stages to book a tour of our soundstages and post-production suites where music, story, and technology align.
One of New York’s largest and most trusted full-service production studio companies, offering comprehensive services for film, television, live streaming, commercials, live performances, music videos, and more. With over 40 years of experience, we’ve become a cornerstone of New York’s thriving creative industry.
With more than 60 soundstages spanning across Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island, Broadway Stages offers over 4 million square feet of state-of-the-art production space, including soundstages, support space, distinctive filming locations, parking, and in-house services for lighting, power, and grip rentals. We provide tailored solutions for productions of all sizes, delivering the resources and expertise needed to meet your creative and technical needs.
Learn about film and TV industry jobs, training, and more in the Broadway Stages’ Industry Resource Guide. Our guide provides information and links to put you in touch with industry-focused job posting sites; general recruiting sites; education and training programs; and state, city, and borough industry information.
