How to Choose the Perfect Music for Your Family Films: A Peek into the Editing Process
When it comes to making family films that truly resonate, music is one of the most critical storytelling tools you have. It’s the element that can make your audience laugh, cry, and feel all the emotions you intend to convey. But here’s the tricky part: how do you choose the right music?
If you've ever struggled with this, you’re not alone. Even as an experienced filmmaker, I sometimes get halfway through editing and realize that the song I thought was perfect just doesn’t work. Let me take you behind the scenes of my editing process, and give you a few tips on how to choose music that elevates your films.
Why Music Matters in Family Films
Music does more than fill the silence in your films. It sets the tone, heightens emotions, and helps guide your viewer’s emotional journey through the story you’re telling. In family films, especially, where the moments are raw and authentic, choosing the right song can make all the difference in creating something unforgettable.
At FilmingLife® Academy, we talk a lot about the art of emotional storytelling. Whether you’re just getting started with family filmmaking or you’re looking to refine your skills, mastering how to choose the perfect music is essential.
My Process for Choosing the Right Music
Let me share a recent editing experience that I think will help you with your own filmmaking journey. I was about a minute and a half into editing a family film and had already selected a song. But as I progressed, something didn’t feel quite right. I ended up switching tracks—and here’s why:
Reflect on the Story You Want to Tell
The first step in my editing process is asking myself: what’s the emotional message of this film? Is it about sibling relationships, a parent’s bond with their kids, or a larger theme like life before a big family change? Understanding the story’s emotional core helps me choose a song that enhances the film’s message.Let the Footage Lead the Way
Before selecting a song, I always watch the footage carefully. I want the music to align with the moments captured. For this particular family film, I had a variety of footage, so it was important to find a track that fit the overall tone without overpowering the visuals.Trust Your Gut
Sometimes, you might think you’ve found the perfect song, but halfway through editing, it just doesn’t feel right. That’s okay! Your instincts are your best guide. Don’t hesitate to make changes if the music isn’t hitting the right emotional notes.Experiment and Explore
Music selection is all about trial and error. Be willing to test different tracks and see how they pair with your footage. I often try a few options, even after I’ve laid down the initial rough cut. It’s not uncommon for me to change songs halfway through because I find something that better matches the vibe I want.
How to Apply This to Your Films
Choosing the right music is about more than just finding a track that sounds good. It’s about creating an emotional connection with your viewer. Here’s what you can do to improve your music selection:
Think about the emotional tone of your film before you start editing.
Don’t rush your decision. Sometimes, it takes a few tries to get the music just right.
Trust your intuition. If a song doesn’t feel like it fits, it probably doesn’t.
At FilmingLife® Academy, we teach these essential filmmaking techniques and so much more. Whether you’re a photographer learning to create family films or a filmmaker refining your craft, our academy offers resources and support to help you grow.
My Go-To Source for Music: Musicbed 🎶
When it comes to finding the perfect music for my films, Musicbed is always my go-to. They offer an incredible selection of high-quality tracks that range from cinematic instrumentals to emotional lyrical pieces—everything you need to evoke the right feeling in your films.
One of the things I love most about Musicbed is how easy it is to search for the exact vibe I’m after. Whether I need something atmospheric for those tender family moments or an energetic track for more playful scenes, Musicbed has it all. The variety of music available makes it simple to match the mood and tone of any project I’m working on.
Plus, they’ve been such a game changer for my filmmaking process that I want to share a little gift with you! 🎁
Get a free month of Musicbed with my special link: https://fm.pxf.io/courtneyholmes and use code FILMINGLIFE when signing up. It’s the perfect way to start exploring all the amazing tracks they offer, so you can find music that speaks to the heart of your story.
Ready to Take Your Filmmaking to the Next Level?
If you’ve found this post helpful and want to dive deeper into the world of family filmmaking, you’ll love what we offer at FilmingLife® Academy. As a member, you’ll gain access to:
The largest community of family filmmakers in the world. Connect with others who are passionate about storytelling.
A library of invaluable resources. Learn everything from editing tips to business growth strategies.
Monthly film critiques. Get in-depth, constructive feedback on your work to help you improve.
Workshops and live events. Whether you want to grow your filmmaking skills or your business, we’ve got you covered.
Join the waitlist today for our next intake on November 1st, and as a bonus, you’ll get access to the live run of our ‘FilmingLife 101: Foundations of Filmmaking for Photographers’ course starting November 4th! This course will help you master the foundations of filmmaking and build your confidence in capturing family films that matter.
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Don’t miss your chance to be part of an inspiring community that will support your growth and creativity. We can’t wait to welcome you to FilmingLife® Academy!