OST stands for Original Soundtrack. When watching a movie, TV show, or playing a video game, have you ever wondered about the music or songs that accompany the visuals? This is where OST comes in. OST stands for Original Soundtrack, which refers to the music or songs that are composed or licensed for use in a particular media production. In this article, we will delve deeper into the meaning of OST, its role in media productions, and its evolution over time.
What is an Original Soundtrack (OST)?
An Original Soundtrack, also known as a film score, is the background music composed specifically for a movie or TV show. It sets the mood and tone for the visual elements, enhances the emotional impact of the scenes, and guides the viewer’s emotions. The music in an OST can range from orchestral compositions to popular songs, depending on the genre and tone of the production.
The use of music in film and TV has been around since the early days of cinema. However, it wasn’t until the 1930s and 1940s that the concept of an Original Soundtrack emerged as a distinct art form. This was the era of classic Hollywood musicals, where songs and music were an integral part of storytelling. Composers such as Max Steiner, Bernard Herrmann, and Ennio Morricone became famous for their iconic film scores that helped define the genres they worked in.
How is an Original Soundtrack Produced?
The process of producing an OST is a collaborative effort between the composer, the director, and the music supervisor. The composer is responsible for creating the music, while the director and music supervisor work together to determine which pieces of music fit best with the visuals and the overall tone of the production.
The composer typically begins by watching rough cuts of the movie or TV show and discussing the director’s vision for the music. They may then start working on thematic motifs or ideas that will be woven throughout the score. The music supervisor is responsible for selecting existing songs to include in the production, as well as managing the licensing process.
Once the music is composed or licensed, it is recorded and mixed into the final soundtrack. This process can involve a large orchestra or a small ensemble, depending on the style of the music and the budget of the production.
The Importance of an Original Soundtrack in Media Productions
An Original Soundtrack is an essential component of any media production, as it enhances the emotional impact of the visuals and guides the viewer’s emotions. It can make a good movie or TV show great, and a great one unforgettable. The music can also help define the genre and tone of the production, providing context and setting the mood.
For example, in a horror movie, the music can create tension and suspense, while in a romantic comedy, it can help convey the characters’ emotions and add to the overall charm of the production. In a period drama, the music can transport the viewer to a different time and place, while in an action movie, it can enhance the excitement and adrenaline rush of the scenes.
The Evolution of Original Soundtracks
The evolution of Original Soundtracks has closely mirrored the changes in the movie and TV industries. In the early days of cinema, film scores were often performed live in the theater by a small orchestra or a pianist. As technology advanced, sound recordings became more common, and the size of the orchestra grew.
The 1960s and 1970s saw a shift towards popular music being used in movies, rather than just orchestral scores. This was exemplified by the use of songs by The Beatles in the movie “A Hard Day’s Night” and Simon and Garfunkel in the movie “The Graduate.” This trend continued in the 1980s and 1990s, with soundtracks for movies like “Top Gun,” “Dirty Dancing,” and “Titanic” becoming as popular as the movies themselves.
The rise of independent cinema in the 2000s brought with it a renewed interest in orchestral scores, as filmmakers sought to differentiate their movies from the mainstream. Composers like Hans Zimmer, Howard Shore, and Alexandre Desplat became synonymous with high-quality, memorable scores that added a new dimension to the movies they were associated with.
The popularity of video games in recent years has also led to a surge in the use of Original Soundtracks in gaming. Video game music has evolved from simple beeps and bloops to complex compositions that rival those found in movies and TV shows. Many video games now have their own Original Soundtrack, with composers and performers receiving the same recognition as those in the film and TV industries.
Conclusion
In conclusion, an Original Soundtrack, or OST, refers to the music or songs that are composed or licensed for use in a movie, TV show, or video game. The OST is an essential component of any media production, enhancing the emotional impact of the visuals and guiding the viewer’s emotions. The evolution of Original Soundtracks has closely mirrored the changes in the movie and TV industries, with orchestral scores, popular songs, and video game music all playing a significant role in shaping the soundtracks of today.
Whether it’s the iconic score of “Star Wars,” the memorable songs of “The Lion King,” or the haunting music of “The Dark Knight,” an Original Soundtrack can help make a good production great and a great one unforgettable. As long as there are movies, TV shows, and video games, there will always be a need for Original Soundtracks to complement and enhance the visual elements.
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