A question about Cue's and Edit Points

[JohnEdwards]

Hi,
Can someone explain the basic components of a "Instrumental Cue" ?
For instance, it seems obvious to me the background music is important but how important is the melody line ? Surely a prominent melody line (even if brilliant) must not detract from the dialogue (if any) taking place over the cue during a scene.
We don't know what is happening in a scene so should we submit music without a 'prominent' melody or a full tune complete with a strong melody. Or maybe submit two versions one with a melody line and one without a melody line ?

I find listening to the 2 or 3 'linked samples' confuses me as usually they contain a very strong melody line (being complete songs). When listening to the samples should I concentrate on the backing style more than the melody. Would it not be better if an explanation of what is going on over the required cue would be more helpful ?

Regarding 'edit points'. I understand there may be a need to 'interrupt' the cue for a variety of reasons, is this best done by a regular brief silence or 'break' in the cue, or create something like a percussion fill or tempo change at regular intervals.

It could be of course that I am so new to this that I don't understand the fundamentals of what is required, or I'm thinking too deeply about it. Oh dear, so much to learn...Would someone kindly put me on the correct path so my submissions will be nearer the mark ?

Regards to all...
John Edwards

[mikehamm123]

Hi, Can someone explain the basic components of a "Instrumental Cue" ?

First off, I would watch some TV shows to see how the cues are used.

Edit points let the editor lead up to a moment (the door opens! a car crash! big revelation!).

I recommend you watch these to get it straight from the boss's mouth:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VAn72k7QeA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bardwFHQ20

[mikehamm123]

the main thing seems to be having a motif, not so much a melody, and layer it differently with each cycle

[JohnEdwards]

Thank you for the info - much appreciated.
John E

[erynmichel]

Hi John. I hear you—I’m a total newbie to cues and also in research mode right now. The resources I’m finding most helpful are Dean Krippaehne’s books (especially demystifying the cue: https://www.amazon.com/Demystifying-Cue ... G/ref=nodl_), Steve Barden’s Writing production for music and TV (https://www.amazon.com/dp/1574243543/re ... pAb3CYJPNV), TAXI TV on YouTube, and just listening to the forwards on here. Not everyone posts when they get a forward, so I also check out the forwards blog to see what makes it through. I’m hoping between those efforts + the benefit of time, that my subconscious will start to meld it all together. Trust the soup.

I wish you luck! Please share with us any resources you find particularly illuminating!

Merry everything,
Eryn