Theme Tunes

Theme Tunes

In title sequences, theme tunes are so important. Not just in title sequences, but theme tunes in general, if that's for a commercial on TV or even character themes within a program. From a music point of view the theme tune is really important as it tells a story. To hit and accomplish the right emotion to create the correct feeling to the viewer. This depends on the program itself. For example, Teen Wolf has a very modernised urgency feeling, due to it being all about teenager life in a school. Also the use of instruments tells the story which includes a drum kit, electric guitar, strings etc. The pacing and the length of the music is very important as well, because you don't what it to be too short or too long. Personally I think a theme tune for a title sequence should be roughly 30-40 seconds long. That's enough time to introduce the characters/actors and get the viewer interested and get sucked in.

A theme tune has to be memorable. This is very important as you want the viewer to go away and hum along to it, also to get stuck in there head all day. If this happens the theme tune has done its job. A good example of this is the Doctor Who theme, very catchy and memorable. Also as that piece of music has been around since 1963. Its the consent galloping rhythm that's continues through out the entire track, that's what makes the theme stay interesting. It sounds very Sci-Fi and suits the music very well. Another example is the EastEnders theme, everyone knows it. The unique "thud, thud, thud" at the start of the track. I don't watch the show but still know exactly where the music comes from. I think the show Death In Paradise has a very catchy theme tune. Its a detective drama show on a Caribbean island. The use of different percussion and trumpets complements each other in harmony and makes it sound really bouncy. Makes you want to dance to it and move you body. The music sounds really warm and happy, this is great as the show is set in a hot climate. Personally every time I hear that theme tune it gets stuck in my head for hours. 

Now there's programs out there that don't have an opening titles sequence. The Sit-Com show Outnumbered doesn't have one. It doesn't have a opening theme tune, but has a closing theme tune. I still don't know why they didn't include one, as I would be very interested. There's very short title sequences out there. For example the comedy show Miranda has a 12 seconds opening. I think its very effective. Its got a simple drum beat and an electric guitar. The music is very happy and it defiantly gets you into the right mood of comedy.  

Researching top 10 theme tunes, the one that always comes up somewhere in the list or even first in the list is the Simpsons theme. This is a very nostalgic theme as I used to watch the Simpsons as a child. The music is composed by Danny Elfman and has a version done by Hans Zimmer. The music is known all over the world and has a very unique melody, Its very extremely catchy and certainly has been stuck in my head for years.