A temp track is an existing piece of music or audio which is used during the editing phase of television and film production, serving as a guideline for the tempo, mood or atmosphere the director is looking for in a scene.[1][2] It is also referred to as scratch music,[3] temp score[4] or temp music.[5]

The track is usually replaced before release by an original soundtrack composed specifically for the film. While some feel that having to follow a temp track can be limiting for a composer, it can be a useful tool in finding the right style of music for a particular scene and can be a time-saver for both the composer and director.[2][6]

References

  1. ^ Sadoff, Ronald H. (9 May 2006). "CJO - Abstract - The role of the music editor and the 'temp track' as blueprint for the score, source music, and scource music of films". Popular Music. 25 (2). Journals.cambridge.org. doi:10.1017/S0261143006000845. S2CID 162272822.
  2. ^ a b Bond, Jeff (2 June 1998). "X-Files: Fight the Temp-Track". Film Score Monthly. Retrieved 17 August 2020.
  3. ^ "What is scratch music/temp track? - filmmaking.net". filmmaking.net. Retrieved 25 January 2019.
  4. ^ "Glossary: Temp Score | Sweetwater.com". sweetwater.com. Archived from the original on 2008-02-20. Retrieved 25 January 2019.
  5. ^ "Temp Music - Glossary of Music Production Terms". Media Music Now. Retrieved 25 January 2019.
  6. ^ "The Relevance of Temp Tracks". Epic Sound. Retrieved 17 August 2020.
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