Song structure for instrumental film / TV cues

[Casey H]

There is no exact right or wrong answer. It varies with the length of the cue, intended purpose, etc.

Assuming we're not talking about 30 or 60 second pieces, e.g. 2 minutes or more... What's most important is sectional contrast and/or build. If it's AAA or AAAA then there has to be some distinct differences for build and finish. It can be AABA or ABAB but again, don't bore them by not "going anywhere". If someone asks for a 3 minute cue, then having a "C" section might be fine.

I have read that for short cues as in advertising, repeated A sections with variations works well.

I would say if you are writing with no specific opportunity in mind, then write 2+ minutes, probably AABA with good edit points.

Just as an aside, whatever song structures were used for hit songs from past decades is irrelevant. Hit songs today rarely use formats such as AAA or AABA as they did decades ago. And we're talking film/TV instrumentals, not hit songs anyway.

Just to reiterate, there is no right or wrong answer... Depends on target.

Casey

[TheElement]

for EDM cues I see a pattern forming...Intro > Build > A section > quiet section > Build > 2 x A sections (with added layer) > Build and then sting out. usually works out to 2:00-2:30 mins

[Hookjaw Brown]

This AAAA subject is right where I am at with my composition - Swampo Jam

https://soundcloud.com/hookjawbrown/swampo-jam/s-L6tMh

I have finished the first two A A' and don't know whether to do an "a A" or a "B A".

Thoughts are always appreciated.

[Russell Landwehr]

When writing for a Flintstonian cue... try YaBBA-DaBBA-Doo
may work well for any prehistoric listing, for that matter.