Does my video need a theme song?

First, is it worth it?

The title track, or theme, shares an important emotional relationship with the audience of a movie or short-form series. The name of a show appears as either an isolated title card or as a title sequence, where both are accompanied by music or some form of sound design. For example, Lost uses an isolated title card, while Game of Thrones uses a title sequence. Title sequences allow music to develop and create themes for a show, where as simple title cards either give a brief motive, chord, or sound design element. While branding can take place within all of these formats, the mood, setting, and narrative can be better established in a title sequence.

Theme as Branding

When you hear that iconic opening brass chord followed by a “surf” guitar theme you are instantly transported into a fantastic British spy world of James Bond, regardless of era, story, or actor. This branding sets the expectation of the audience, informing them of an entire franchise.

In the shorter-form series (television/youtube/etc.) you can be in the other room and hear beating of drums and the dee-daaaa-da-da-dee-daaaaa on the cello and strings and know your significant other is watching the next Game of Thrones episode without you. Musical branding gives the viewer immediate recognition of a show without having to see the picture. This can only be done through the proper use of the title track.

Theme as Setting

The theme presented at the opening of the show establishes a mood for an entire series. While branding is equally important, the theme taps into something deeper, that unifies us based on our context of musical sounds, instruments, harmonic and melodic developments. For example, take the use Bear McCreary’s theme in season 2 of Outlander. He masterfully takes a traditional Scottish tune he arranged in season 1 and shifts the instrumentation to bring us into a different setting. Season 1 was primarily set in 1740’s Scotland, using strings combined with traditional Scottish instruments. However, in the opening of Season 2, the show opens in 1740’s France, where McCreary uses French Baroque instrumentation coupled with the same Scottish tune. In the second half of season 2, when the characters return to Scotland, the theme returns to the Scottish instrumentation. The audience was informed of environmental changes, even for those unfamiliar with the historic period.

While this not a very subtle example, there is something powerful about the use of music that connects you to the show. The theme music creates a sense of anticipation, resets your mental and emotional state, and prepares you for the mood of the show.

Theme as Narrative

Now that a show’s music is properly branded and you have established a mood, a good composer weaves themes established in the title throughout the show. These musical themes reinforce the sonic narrative of a show, while providing a consistency in musical material for a composer to draw from.

A good example of this is the Star Trek series, specifically The Next Generation. Composers, including Dennis McCarthy and Ron Jones, take Jerry Goldsmith’s title theme and weave and manipulate Goldsmith’s 1+ minute piece of music, in addition to new material, through 7 years of the series. If every show had different themes and no consistent thread to tie each episode, let alone through each series, the sonic stability provided would have been lost. The show would not be coherent in its sonic narrative.

Isolated Title Card

An isolated title card that announces the name of the show with a solitary sound or chord, can be effective in branding. However, this does not establish some of the time needed for an audience to settle into a show, or for the show to provide material for a larger narrative. With the exception of shows like Lost, very few give us an indelible hold on the branding and mood of the show.

The shortening of an established theme for a single title card, while not always preffered, can cause you to lose the mood of a show. Imagine if Star Trek were shortened to just 5 seconds, no “Boldly go…” no, soaring brass and string lines — you would lose that sense of purpose and mystery that the show provided.

The Counter Argument

There are many reasons to only do a title card. It often squeezes more air-time or advertisements into the show. Also, producers/showrunners sometimes feel they are losing an audience when the themes play and the ability to tell a story faster. Finally, is the improper use of the theme song. The major danger of putting a disconnected piece of material (such as the latest single from my best friend’s brother’s girlfriend’s band that needs a big break) is a major detractor from a show. This comes down to understanding the place of music in relation to the show or movie.

Final Thoughts

Sticking to a title sequence, and therefore a theme, gives a show a much stronger statement. This gives the audience a chance to discover the brand, provides a theme for sonic narrative, and prepares for the show’s mood. Musical title tracks leave the audience member with a more memorable experience.

Written by: Sam Estes | Founder of Amper Music | A.I. Music Composer