Services available at Elation Studios
Elation Studios offers a range of specialized services in addition to a diversity of composition and post production packages tailored to the digital media industry. We are renowned for our flexibility, innovation and ability to customize to meet specific needs and budgets. We can do everything from a music clip for your website, to a soundscape for an underwater theme park.
Selected Services
Music Composition (any genre)
Sound Design
Arranging
Project Management
Concept Development
Music Supervision
Studio Recording
Location Audio (Extensive equipment for outdoor and underwater audio recording)
Sound Editing and Mixing
With today’s advancements of digital technology you can produce a professional score without a Hollywood budget and engage a smaller team of multi-skilled professionals. At Elation we develop a team specific to your project and can source any additional resources you may require.
If this industry is new to you please see below for an introductory overview into some of the requirements and traditional roles associated with producing a music score and sound design for film, television and digital media.
Music Director
The music director manages the entire music production schedule and acts as the point of communication for the producer and the music and sound departments.
Film Composer
A film composer scores music to accompany a motion picture. The traditional role of a film composer is to provide the orchestral dramatic underscore, more recently technology has allowed electronic scores to thrive.
Sound Engineer and Music Producer
The sound engineer is responsible for recording the score in the studio and works in collaboration with the music producer to bring the score to life. While the engineer focuses on the technical aspects of the production the producer is responsible for coaching and guiding the musicians and supervising the recording, mixing and mastering process. The music producer could, in some cases, be compared to the film director in that the producer's job is to create, shape and mold a piece of music in accordance with their vision for the music score.
Music Editor
A music editor is responsible for mixing and synchronizing the music, and mixing the music with the soundtrack (dialogue etc). The music editor must be versatile, and possess a great musical sensitivity, a keen ear for balance, and awareness of how music can make or break a dramatic scene; all combined with knowledge of the special technology used in synchronizing music tracks to various modes of delivery.
Mastering Engineer
Mastering is the final process of the sound production where the final mix is delivered in your productions required sound mix. The mastering process includes assembly and editing of final mixes as well as equalization and dynamics processing to enhance the audio. Good mastering will help your project reach its full creative & sonic potential.
Programmer
The Programmer utilizes music sequencing software and sometimes notation software to produce MIDI keyboard/synthesizer tracks for inclusion in the score. Other times, a programmer will sequence a piece of music or a composition by this means, which will allow the composer and music editor an opportunity to hear the composition before it reaches the scoring stage.
Orchestrator
The film music orchestrator is responsible for writing scores for an orchestra, band, choral group, individual instrumentalist(s), or vocalist(s). Also, an orchestrator transposes music from one instrument or voice to another in order to accommodate a particular music instrument, musician or group. Often times, the orchestrator will also be the conductor during the scoring sessions.
Music Supervisor
The producer hires the music supervisor. He/she may act as an A&R scout to find and license popular songs for inclusion as theme or background music within the project (called source music) and/or selecting songs for the soundtrack. Sometimes the music supervisor may be in charge of only the songs for the soundtrack, and other times he/she may be in charge of all the music involved with a film, including hiring and supervising the composer.
Contractor
A film/TV music contractor is responsible for hiring the musicians and tending to all the necessary contract obligations through APRA (Australasian Performing Rights Association) and AMCOS (The Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society), or the performing rights associations of your country. It is in the contractor's best interest to procure the best talent possible while working within his/her budget guidelines.
Arranger
The arranger provides musical arrangements of a musical composition or song for the project. The arranger determines the voice, instrument, harmonic structure, rhythm, tempo and other aspects of a song or composition, based on the conductor or, film producer's specifications. An arranger should have experience as a copyist, writing music and playing one or more instruments.
Conductor
A conductor's main duty is preparing an orchestra or ensemble for the finest performance possible in a scoring session. This includes preparing the musicians for the sessions via rehearsals, and all other business affairs related to leading an orchestra. A conductor should have a strong ability on an instrument, in-depth musical knowledge, be able to sight read, and have great interpersonal and leadership skills to interact with composers, studio orchestra players, music editors, orchestrators and copyists. During a scoring session the conductor is able to hear the comments of the producer in the studio control room and direct the musicians/orchestra accordingly.
Copyist (Music Preparation)
In the music industry a copyist's job is also called music preparation. The copyist transfers musical parts from a score onto individual parts. This person must have strong notation and transposition skills, training in music theory, attention to detail, as well as neat and accurate copy work.
Assistant to the Composer
An assistant to the composer acts as a liaison between the composer and various other entities in the film, television and digital media industry. The main responsibility for the Assistant to the Composer is to allow the composer time to do what he/she does best, which is composing. This is usually an entry-level position and provides a unique perspective on the film making process.
Sound Designer (Synthesis Specialist)
Designing synthesized music and sound effects to compliment and aid the music score.
Sound Designer (environmental specialist)
A sound designer using environmental materials records sounds on location and uses them to enhance the music and sound beds.
It’s vital you engage industry professionals as music and sound is fundamental to the success of your project. At Elation Studios we take the stress and pressure away from you and design a music production team to suit the needs of your project. In today’s industry this could be as few as two people to create a professional and affordable score.
We provide consulting during the early stages of pre-production to assist you in developing the best framework for your production. We have a number of standard package deals and also options to engage specific positions such as a music supervisor or composer. Our approach to music production is unique in the industry and we take a personal approach with every client.