Pinky Miranda Productions

Whether you’re creating a music video or a short film, the music playing the background is more important than you think.

Quick tips:

• In the background of dialog, insert subtle music that doesn’t draw attention away from the dialog and to itself
• Sometimes blaring orchestral tunes aren’t the best choice for action sequences- subtlety is a beautiful thing. Just a simple low chorus or woodwind ensemble can highlight the action.
• Keep a theme throughout: find a mood you’re presenting and stick to that. Music that jumps all over the place tone-wise isn’t the best idea. Everything should have a relating element.

I take hours to decide on what music I want to include- sometimes I even create my own music if I still haven’t found the right piece.

**Note: Sound effects can really emphasize certain things in your movie. Keep that in mind when you’re creating your soundtrack; you don’t want your sounds to be drowned out by screaming trumpets.

More tips to come!

~Rika

When you’re a screenwriter, there are a set of rules you have to follow, yet have all the license in the world to break. Add these rules to your list to fine-tune your scripts.

1. The 15 Minute/5 Second Rule: Depending on the length of your movie, this rule states that your main character cannot perish permanently in the first or last fifteen minutes/five seconds of your movie. Read this further explained in my other post
2. The 2 of 3 Rule: In every 2 of 3 screenplays you write, your villain has to have hair. I’m tired of watching the bald baddies taking over the movie screen. Read more about my pet peeve and this Hollywood blunder in my other post.
3. The ‘Break the Rules’ rule: your movies should push the envelope and all limits of the industry- in other words, break the rules. Even these. Break them like there’s no tomorrow- and then go back and edit your screenplay. You have to know the rules to break them, though.
4. Make it Memorable: the more plot details and character attributes your audience can remember easily is a plus. This is what makes for box office hits. It doesn’t help anyone if everyone forgets the name of your movie as they walk out of the theater.
5. Know your demographic: catering to the teenage and twenty something crowd? Chances are a musical won’t go over so well. (High School Musical is a rare exception- and should not be regarded as a ‘masterpiece’ anyhow) Throw in some suspense and action, and tone it down if your demographic is younger.

These are my very own screenwriting rules. Read ‘em, learn ‘em, break ‘em, and give the credit to me.

Note: Sorry about the long absence, it’s been pretty crazy with all of my writing jobs and I’m having a hard time with regular posts. I’m taking a Media Production class, and as expected my video projects are piled to the ceiling. Enough excuses, just expect the next post to be a little late.

~Rika