Email to Dan (Music Technician)

Tony emailed me to confirm that Dan was happy to collaborate with me to create some original music, inspired by and incorporating pieces of music from other fashion films. This is an exciting opportunity so I want to work closely with Dan to make sure we are both happy with the collaboration outcome! Even thought this was only an initial email, I wanted to make sure I was as clear as possible with what I wanted for the end result. I found this email slightly difficult to write as I have never worked with a music technician below and so wasn't sure of the correct terminology; however I hope he asked me to clarify if anything is not clear. The email I sent him is posted below:
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Hi Dan,

I understand from Tony that you're happy to help create some music pieces for my fashion film - thanks so much! I will forward your details to my course leaders at my university if you're OK with that? There is pressure within the university to use students for this type of work, but I'm sure future students will appreciate your professional help!

In terms of the pieces of music, I'm obviously concerned not to breach copyright, so I'm assuming we cannot simply reproduce the music I've sent you. With this is in mind I've included links to alternative pieces or pieces I would like blended together (shown below), to allow you to blend some original pieces. I also make comments below on the aspects of the music I would like to emphasise/ limit and how I would like different music to be incorporated. I hope this helps and isn’t too confusing!

Piece 1 - Flashback Scene

I would like a piece of music to run for the entire 01:45 and then the other music to enter in small bursts three times, to show the flashbacks, which will last for around 4 seconds or less each.

Main body of music - http://showstudio.com/project/a_beautiful_darkness/film_ruth_hogben

- (00:53 - 01:18) There is an unsettling shrieking in the music, almost like someone is screaming for help which I would like incorporated into the following music. I like that the whining noise has no rhythm for the audience to follow; this music could possibly interrupt the clicking sound at points?

 - (01:23 - 01:59) My model will be frantically scribbling down sketches of her disturbing memories so I want the music to reflect that same frantic, distressed feeling. There is lots of ticking in this section, that sometimes speeds up, sometimes randomly stops and sometimes is disturbed by shrieking or other abstract sounds. I like how it is not consistent and that the fast ticking sounds unsettling and slightly chaotic to reflect the model’s panicked emotions. 

Flashbacks - I would like this music to fade in and out at random points, for about 4 seconds or less, three times throughout the flashback scene. I would like the background music to still play so the two pieces of music are blended together to show the flashbacks clearly. I would either like this music to be haunting whispering voices or some ethereal music, depending on what works most effectively. 

I will send you the whispering track, possibly tomorrow, as I am recording it myself. I have a feeling the whispering will work the best and will be easier to blend into the main music; however the link for the ethereal music is http://showstudio.com/project/dressing_the_screen_russia/fashion_films/undefined (select VERA IGUCHI) which could be blended in to give a contrast to the otherwise strong, avant-garde music. 

Piece 2 - Powder Paint/Dance Scene 

I would like this piece of music to be 01:45. I would like it to be introduced from silence with three swooshing noises, mirroring the first slow motion throws of powder paint onto the model. Tony suggested swooshing or exhaling of breath noises, from the track below, could be extracted for this to introduce the music. Could these swooshes please be uneven and not necessarily on a specific beat to make them feel more unexpected and random. 

Main music inspiration - http://showstudio.com/project/gareth_pugh_s_s_15/megalith (00:25 - 00:55)

• I like the harsh, irregular beats as the dancer can follow these with abstract movement, creating a hectic feel. 
• I want the beats to sound strong to reflect the model’s grown confidence to fight discrimination, so if you could add some random crashing beats, or some beats where it sounds like the model is shouting ‘AHH!’ then I could incorporate that with movement to emphasise the strength. 
• I like the lighter, ethereal undertone, of what sounds like someone exhaling, as it reflects the dream-like setting; however maybe you could make it sound less contemporary and structured, with the constant background noise, as I want it to sound more avant-garde. I think some silences would be effective and break up the continued noise to make it feel more edgy.

Second piece of inspiration music http://showstudio.com/project/alchemy (02:28 - 02:50)

• Please use the first music as your main inspiration and just use this second piece as an example of how I don’t want the music to have a clear consistent rhythm.
• I like how disjointed the music sounds, with no obvious rhythm and how the dancers follow the strong beats in the music. However I think there are too many beats crammed and they sound too mechanical, making it sound slightly messy. 

I have attached a document showing the order of the pieces of music, with their duration times.

If you think a call would help to clarify any points then please feel free! The above comments are only suggestions so please feel free to suggest any aspects you think would be worth incorporating.

I'm assuming you'll produce initial 'drafts' for discussion?

I am shooting my first scene on 25th March; however it would be great to have the music before then as I need to choreograph a dance to the Powder Paint/Dance Scene. Please let me know when you think this can be done by. 

Thanks again for your willingness to help!

Becky 

07939 004693
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I am concerned with the amount of time it will take Dan to finalise the pieces of music so I hope he gets back to me quickly to discuss when his agreed deadline is. I am concerned because he needs to have completed his sections of music before Tony can combine them all together, and I want to have the music completed before my first shoot on 25th March.