Aiding Soundtrack Composer Creativity through Automated Film Script-profiled Algorithmic Composition

Abstract

The creation of soundtracks for feature length films is a major undertaking. One method involves watching the film for sections that inspire some emotional response, and then improvising live. The composing of a score is often a combination of bottom up and top down processes. For example small segments of score are composed first, while in parallel a broader structure is planned based on the narrative. We present a system that attempts to aid the composer in this creative process. The system focuses on the script rather than moving image of the film. This has two advantages: (a) a composer can begin their work earlier in the process of film production; (b) the automated analysis of text is simpler than the automated analysis of video and speech. The system performs an automated analysis that approximates the script structure. It also attempts, using word analysis, to give insight into the emotional trajectory of the story and the characters. These are then used as part of an algorithmic creativity system that suggests musical sketches to the composer for parts of the script.