Preparing the mix: people and process

Mixing a Film Score: Preparation and Key Insights

Introduction

Welcome to the first part of our tutorial on how to mix a film score. Let's begin with your preparation.

Understanding Your Goals

Before you even load anything into Pro Tools, it's essential to think about what you want to achieve. This largely involves:

• Meetings with the Composer or Director: Engage in discussions about:
  • The concept of the film
  • The aesthetics of the film
  • How the music will complement the visual elements

It's crucial to have a clear vision in your mind before you start mixing.

Working with the Composer

The composer is your most important collaborator. Their involvement can vary:

• They might attend the mixing sessions throughout the process.
• They may come in after you've mixed a few cues for reviews.

Your Role:

• Respect the composer's vision and expectations.
• Assist them in achieving their goals.
• Remember, you're the composer's right-hand man.

Teamwork in Film Production

Mixing a film score is a team effort involving:

• Composers
• Musicians
• Arrangers

Key Points:

• Be a team player; there's little room for ego.
• Collaboration is vital in achieving the best sound.

Cue Overview

Discussing cues with the composer or director is essential. Each piece of music is called a "cue," which can vary greatly:

• Length: Ranges from a few seconds to several minutes.

Tips:

• Create a list of how many cues there are.
• Identify key cues that feature the most important music, often played in scenes with minimal dialogue or sound effects.

Focus on these key cues first, as mastering their sound will set the tone for the rest of your mixing.

Understanding Stems

Stems are submixes of different groups of instruments. When finishing mixes, you will:

• Print the final mix in 5.1 surround or stereo.
• Print separate groups to allow for future adjustments.

Why Stems Matter:

• Stems enable music editors to make changes (e.g., removing drums) without returning to the original mix.
• A growing expectation in the industry is for you to provide stems.

Action Steps:

• Consult with the composer and possibly the director to determine the number and types of stems needed.
• Typically, you might have 5 stems, such as:
  • Strings
  • Percussion
  • Solos
  • Synthesizers or drones
  • Sound effects

Delivery Format

Finally, confirm the format for delivering the session:

• Ensure the sample rate is correct.
• Have a dialogue with the dubbing team to confirm their expectations.

Recap of Key Points

1. Talk to the Composer: Discuss the overall sound and your goals.
2. Overview of Cues: Make a cue sheet listing all cues.
3. Identify Key Cues: Focus on the order of mixing.
4. Work Out Stems: Determine how many you need and what their groups will be.
5. Delivery Specifications: Confirm how the session should be delivered to the dubbing team.

Let's get started with mixing!