Temp Score / Temp Track (Lingo)
Definition
A Temp Score (or "Temp Track") is a temporary piece of music placed into the edit by the Picture Editor or Assistant Editor before the original score is composed. Temp music helps establish the desired pacing, mood, and emotional tone of a scene, serving as a guide for the editor and a reference for the director and composer. However, editors must be careful not to fall victim to "temp love" — becoming so attached to the temporary music that the original score feels wrong by comparison.
Contextual Usage
The director discusses the edit with the Picture Editor: "The temp score you used for the chase sequence works really well — it has the exact driving rhythm and tension I'm looking for. I'll send this sequence to the composer so they understand the vibe we want, but let's make sure they know we want something original, not just a copy of the temp track."
About this section
The editorial department is where the raw footage is transformed into a finished story. The editor is often described as the "invisible storyteller" — their work, when done well, is completely transpa...
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