How long?

[datadataproductions]

Hey guys!

So I know every listing is different so I'll just tailor my question to this most recent post:

TOP TIER MUSIC SUPERVISOR needs MID-to-UPTEMPO SINGER/SONGWRITER and INDIE FOLK-ROCK SONGS and INSTRUMENTALS a la:

"Home" by Phillip Phillips http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HoRkntoHkIE

Your material must sound CURRENT, CONTEMPORARY and have an ANTHEMIC or INSPIRATIONAL vibe...

etc etc..

I'm wondering what (typically) is the preferred length of each track? At the end it says "Button endings are preferred since this will help editors cut the song to picture".

How do you know if it's a film or commercial or trailer if it's not indicated? How long are the songs that you guys submit for each (film, commercial, and trailer)? Shortest you've ever sent? Longest? Have your songs been returned because they were too short?

Thanks in advance for the help! (hope i've posted this in the right place - still new to the forum!)


-Dara

[orest]

Hi Dara!

I usually keep the cues between 2-3 minutes in length.
I work around a main theme, arrange it in different ways.
This way is good if the producers want to cut at a special part. or if I need to do edits myself for the producer.

A button ending is usually a chord that rings out naturally. A naturally fade out is the best way I can describe it.
No abrupt ending or unnatural fade out (using automation or similar to do a fade out).

[Casey H]

Usually, if not specified, 2-3.5 minutes is a good guideline. If the listing party is looking for full SONGS, they usually want pretty regular song structure such as VCVCBC which generally requires at least 2.5 minutes, more often 3-3.5...

I've found that for pure instrumentals (unless they specify full song instrumentals), 2 minutes minimum is suggested- enough to have at least a structure such as A-B-A or A-B-A-B.

All this being said, if nothing specified, and you have a great instrumental track that's 1:43 and fits the listing perfectly, I wouldn't hold back from submitting it.

HTH
Casey

[orest]

Yes, I forgot to mention that. 90% of all my cues are instrumental!
That's why I try to keep them between 2-3 minutes.
It's a little different in the structure as well. But If you are doing full songs with vocals, I agree with what Casey wrote!

[datadataproductions]

cool - thanks guys!! happy new year