Theme tune related enquiry

I was wondering if any of you ever included the theme tune you'd like in your sitcom script.

I know you that it is pretty silly to think about such things when really I should be concentrating on the writing, however, I have found myself obsessed with a couple of songs being used as theme music for things I have written. One of the songs would be totally reinterepreted if it was used a theme tune for my sitcom and would work brilliantly, so would I look like a total moron if I were to mention it in the script, I think I probably will include it anyway, but I am curious as to what you think.

My first inclination is to say no. Simply because, like a lot of things in scripts/outlines, it's something that "nails your colours to the mast" and might make it look as though your ideas are too fixed, in the mind of your reader.

However, in my last script, I did directly reference a particular pop song being played at a certain point in the script. In the accompanying notes I also suggested, as an aside, that the chorus would be good end credits music. I even gave a tinyurl link to the song on YouTube. I can't say I felt entirely comfortable about doing this, but certainly my agent didn't comment on it when we discussed the script in depth. I've never put music directions in a script before, but in this case it felt integral to the scene (and indeed the theme of the show).

I suppose, as with everything, if you really think it adds something positive to your reader "seeing" the show, then by all means put it in. If it is something that you don't think will help to sell the script/show, then keep the idea to yourself for a later discussion.

Quote: Ronnie Anderson @ November 9 2009, 1:24 AM GMT

I was wondering if any of you ever included the theme tune you'd like in your sitcom script.

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Personally, no. It smacks of amateur hour. As a first time writer, any idea(s) you may have for theme music, will almost certainly fall on, ahem, deaf ears. Keep things simple: concentrate purely on the script. If there is any interest shown in your material - aside from the wastepaper basket - you'll have plenty of opportunity to mention theme music at a later date.

Quote: don rushmore @ November 9 2009, 2:21 AM GMT

It smacks of amateur hour.

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Or amateur half hour, in the case of sitcoms...

Me and David Bussell wrote a paranormal-themed sketch show for Hat Trick last year (that sadly was turned down by the C4 commissioners - ah well.) Anyway I had a crack at writing the theme tune. It's here if you anyone fancies a listen: http://www.macjams.com/song/46430

Quote: Lee Henman @ November 9 2009, 2:47 AM GMT

Me and David Bussell wrote a paranormal-themed sketch show for Hat Trick last year (that sadly was turned down by the C4 commissioners - ah well.) Anyway I had a crack at writing the theme tune. It's here if you anyone fancies a listen: http://www.macjams.com/song/46430

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Very good, Lee, like it. Vaguely reminds me of the theme from The League Of Gentlemen though, similar leif-motif or something in there...?

As a sometime singer-songwriter over the years, one of my recent pilot scripts does feature the lyrics for a short song to which I've written the tune already. A fun, studio sitcom pilot, part of the premise is that the lead female character sings one of her little bedroom-composed songs every episode. (But not in Phoebe in Friends type of way, let's make that quite clear right now...)

I loved Jeremy's 'This is Outrageous' tune on the DVD Extras for season one (IIRC) of Peep Show. Like Tim said, quite reminiscent of LOG.

Quote: Tim Walker @ November 9 2009, 2:55 AM GMT

Very good, Lee, like it. Vaguely reminds me of the theme from The League Of Gentlemen though, similar leif-motif or something in there...?

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I'm a big fan of Joby Talbot's so yes, there are definitely influences there. Surprisingly the basic chord structure matches The Simpsons theme tune too.

God, I was just listening to my other old stuff on that website. Sweet memories of actually owning a keyboard that worked properly and being able to get my ideas recorded. Still, I'm buying a new one this Christmas. F**k the turkey.

Quote: Lee Henman @ November 9 2009, 3:22 AM GMT

F**k the turkey.

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Aye, aye cap'n. Oh, sorry. *Does trousers back up again*.

Put the theme music in if it is organically relevant. Or has something to do with the title. We can only imagine what music Bob Larbey had in mind for As Time Goes By - for example - I guess the director just took a chance with what they went with and it worked out well. I'm always puting music in throughout scripts. Sometimes you don't have to be specific. You could just say jaunty jazz clarinet for example, rather than Bix Beiderbecke. You are the original artist in the piece and if music is an intergral part of it then you should include it.

Thanks everyone for your responses. I'll probably include it at the end in one of the copies I sent off but I'll play it safe with the rest.

If you're sending it to someone who already knows and enjoys your work, you have a little bit of leeway to break the "rules", of course. But always bear in mind that the script may be passed onto someone else who might take a more conservative approach to what they expect to see in a script.

What is the song Ronnie? I wouldn't put it in the back if it is supposed to set the tone then it should go in the begining if you are to include it. And you could always put cover version of... , as costs are a factor, especially if it is American.

Cost factors especially become a problem on transfer to sale DVDs, I believe?

There was a couple of songs I want to use for sitcom but the one I feel so strongly about is 'Lady's Bridge' by Richard Hawley which I want to use at the end of a play I am writing.