Point Blank Tutorial: How to Score a Thriller with Claude Ruelle

In this tutorial, Point Blank lecturer Claude Ruelle shows how you can score a thriller film soundtrack in Logic Pro X using some simple techniques.

A great score can make a good film a legendary production and create an unforgettable atmosphere. In fact, some films are remembered more so for their iconic scores rather than their action-packed scenes and performances. In this tutorial, as well as learning some solid techniques for scoring video, you’ll also learn a range of techniques that can be translated into producing dark, suspenseful tracks that fall into a range of genres, from trap and grime to techno and ambient.

If you’re looking to kick start your music career or supercharge your existing musical skills, you can now get 25% off when studying one of Point Blank’s Online Diplomas using the code DIP25 and 10% off any of their Los Angeles-based courses using the code LA10, saving you hundreds while providing you with the skills to kickstart your music career. Take advantage of this offer today before it ends on 31st October.

To kick off the tutorial, Claude breaks down some of the sounds he chose to use to create his thriller score, including strings, harp, percussion, synths and more, before detailing some key music theory to consider when writing suspenseful scores. He demonstrates how using Logic Pro’s Pedalboard can help create interesting textures as well as how using odd time signatures are perfect for building tension in a track – as they’re difficult for the listener to follow.

One of the plugins from this tutorial, Spitfire Labs, is completely free to use and can be stocked with a wealth of luscious free sounds. In addition, if you like what you hear from Spitfire Labs, if you’re a Point Blank student you can now save big on Spitfire’s products, using their 30% student discount.