Details

Autor(en) / Beteiligte

• Hexel, Vasco

Titel

Use or Adaptation of a Pre-Existing Popular Song (Non-Diegetic)

Ist Teil von

• 50 Movie Music Moments, 2023, p.164-195

Auflage

1

Ort / Verlag

Routledge

Erscheinungsjahr

2023

Link zum Volltext

Quelle

Alma/SFX Local Collection

Beschreibungen/Notizen

• These six selections take a closer look at some non-diegetic song placements. Most Hollywood films feature some form of non-diegetic music. By definition, it is music that does not have its source inside the mise-en-scene and that, by narrative logic, characters in the diegesis cannot hear. Although non-diegetic music, therefore, resides outside of the story, it is nevertheless an integral part of engaging storytelling: It is perceived by the audience as part of the viewing and listening experience. This is most clearly the case with a specially composed underscore, where a composer helps tell the story by tailoring their music to the specific needs of the film, as per instructions from the director. Existing pop songs are another common form of non-diegetic music. One could argue that for the popular medium of Hollywood film, which aims to appeal to the widest possible audience, pop songs as non-diegetic music are a more natural fit than composed instrumental music (which has traditionally tended to be orchestral). Contrary to source music, which is embedded in the diegetic soundscape, non-diegetic pop songs tend to be prominently placed and relatively loud as compared to dialogue and sound effects. Song choices are carefully considered, sometimes as early as the script stage and by directors who have a vision for the role and functions, a song should serve. Music supervisors must gauge the feasibility of a sync in terms of requisite permissions and licensing costs. They will also suggest alternative solutions if a preferred choice turns out to be unavailable.