There’s something magical about making music with others—a shared language that transcends words, uniting people in a collective rhythm. This week, I had the pleasure of joining a rooftop music jam in London with composers and creatives from the film industry. Up above the city lights, we gathered with our instruments and simply played. Some brought guitars, a few drums and keyboards, I brought my fiddle and together we created a spontaneous symphony of collaboration. It was a moment of pure creativity—unstructured yet deeply connected—and it left me reflecting on why music is such a vital part of filmmaking.
The Power of Music in Storytelling
Music has the ability to tell stories in ways that visuals and dialogue alone cannot. It can evoke emotions, create atmosphere, and guide the audience’s experience in profound ways. When used effectively, a film’s score becomes another character in the narrative, shaping the tone and enhancing the storytelling.
Take a moment to think about your favourite film. Chances are, the music is an inseparable part of why it resonates with you. From the haunting strings of Psycho to the triumphant fanfare of Star Wars, music doesn’t just accompany the images—it elevates them.
As an editor, I’ve always been drawn to the intersection of music and storytelling. Editing, much like composing, is an exercise in rhythm. The timing of a cut, the pacing of a sequence, the flow from one moment to the next—it’s all about finding the right rhythm to serve the story. This is why working with composers is one of my favourite parts of the filmmaking process.
Working with Composers: A Collaborative Dance
Composers are some of the most creative and intuitive collaborators in the film industry. They bring a unique perspective, crafting scores that deepen the emotional layers of a story. But like any creative collaboration, working with composers requires communication, trust, and mutual respect.
Here are some lessons I’ve learned about working with composers:
Start Early: Bring composers into the process as early as possible. Share your vision, the themes of the story, and the emotional beats you want to hit. This early involvement helps composers understand the heart of the film and craft a score that feels integral rather than an afterthought.
Trust Their Expertise: While it’s important to communicate your vision, it’s equally important to give composers the freedom to experiment. Music often works best when it surprises you.
Think Beyond Genre: A composer’s first instinct might not align with the genre’s conventions, but those unexpected choices can lead to something truly original. Be open to unconventional ideas.
The Temp Track Debate: Temp tracks (placeholder music) can be helpful in setting the tone for a scene, but they can also be limiting. Be mindful not to fall into the trap of wanting the final score to simply mimic the temp.
Musicality in Editing
As editors, we’re constantly working with rhythm and timing, much like musicians. The pace of cuts, the build-up to a climactic moment, the use of silence—these are all elements of musicality that influence the way a story is told. A well-edited scene can feel like a symphony, with crescendos and diminuendos that guide the audience through the emotional arc.
One of the best examples of this is in montages, where music and visuals intertwine to tell a story in a condensed, emotionally impactful way. For a couple of classic examples, think of the training sequences in Rocky or the opening sequence of Up. The editing and music work together to create something greater than the sum of their parts.
The Rooftop Jam: A Reflection on Creativity
The rooftop music jam in London was more than just a fun evening; it was a celebration of collaboration and creativity. Each musician brought something unique to the table, and together we created something none of us could have achieved alone. This experience mirrors what happens in filmmaking: every contributor—from the director to the composer, the cinematographer to the editor—adds their voice to the story.
These snaps from the night remind me of why I love what I do: storytelling, whether through film or music, is always a collaborative art.
As filmmakers, we have the privilege of working with incredible tools and collaborators to create something meaningful. And for me, music will always be at the heart of that process.
