Music and sound effects are essential to reinforce the story of the movie. Back in the early 20th century, films had no prepackaged studio sound. Each theater had its own music director, sound effects team, and orchestra. Everything had to be done just right. If the music were off, even by a fraction of a second, you’d hear romantic tones when the villain suddenly shows up and menacing sounds when a love scene is on the screen. Imagine an action film without rousing and suspenseful music. Imagine an exploding death star in Star Wars without the epic explosion sound effects! Of course, we all know there is no sound in the vacuum of outer space. But, the sound must still be there for our minds to get the full fantasy adventure experience!
Live-action comedies and funny cartoons are even harder to perform live. Often comedy music is required to be so perfectly synchronized that footsteps, falls, splats, or even a glance from an actor is reflected instantly in the music. This perfect timing to the action is called “mousing” – named after the Disney character, Mickey Mouse.
Meet the GFFO
The GFFO is a group of community, student, and professional artists and engineers dedicated to restoring historical, legendary movies and presenting them in the traditional lost art of live orchestra and sound effects accompaniment. Each performance is entirely unique – Every performance is a “world premiere!”