On-scene Music

[serioushat]

If the music playing in a scene is important to the mood of the scene, how do you show it?
For example, how do you write certain lyrics of a song playing on a stereo in a scene?

 

[FantasySciFi]

If the music playing in a scene is important to the mood of the scene, how do you show it? For example, how do you write certain lyrics of a song playing on a stereo in a scene?

Good question and often a challenging one because of the copyright issues. If you have a specific song in mind, then realize that in production, the company will need to license the rights, which can be expensive. If it is something where it is more a type of music, then you can just say something like:

In the background, Ted flips on the radio to a COUNTRY WESTERN song.

If you really need a lyric to highlight a point, you can just add the words that are relevant.

INT. TED'S CAR - NIGHT

Ted is driving with the top down in his sports car. He loosens his tie and turns on this radio.

He settles back as SOULFUL JAZZ plays and a wistful female voice sings.

He glances about as he switches lanes.

RADIO SINGER (V.O.) (You will also see RADIO SINGER (RADIO) nowadays)

(singing seductively)​

... And you always know how to melt my heart
with those eyes of yours ...​

He grins and shifts as he pulls onto the open road.

The production company will now need to hire a musical staff to realize the performance. This is a more direct approach if the story is about this guy's seductive style. If the words are not really critical, it is best to use another less direct approach:

INT. TED'S CAR - NIGHT

Ted is driving with the top down in his sports car. He loosens his tie and turns on this radio.

He settles back as SOULFUL JAZZ plays and a wistful female voice sings.

He glances about as he switches lanes.

The singer's soulful laments about seductive eyes of her lover draws a grin to Ted's face.

He shifts gears as he pulls onto the open road.

In this last instance, the script emphasizes the seductive eyes but allows the director/producer full freedom to realize it. This is usually the preferred method unless there is a compelling reason to either use an existing song or create a song lyric.