Temporary music borrowed from existing films, cut into a rough edit as a rhythmic and tonal reference for the composer.
Technical Details
Temp tracks are created by default in 48 kHz/24-bit format synchronized to the frame rate (23.98 fps or 25 fps). The music pieces are cut frame-accurately and seamlessly connected using crossfades of 0.5 to 2 seconds. In Avid Media Composer, editing is done on separate audio tracks (A7-A10), while Pro Tools manages dedicated temp sessions with up to 128 tracks. Modern workflows utilize spotting software such as StreamS or Cue, which set automatic sync points with 0.1-second accuracy.
History & Development
Director William Wyler first established the systematic use of temp tracks for test screenings in 1962 with "The Collector." George Lucas revolutionized the process in 1977 with "Star Wars" by exclusively using classical music (Holst, Wagner, Korngold) as temporary accompaniment. John Williams was so heavily influenced by the temp track that parallels to Gustav Holst's "The Planets" remained undeniable. Since the 1990s, 95% of all Hollywood productions have used temp tracks, amplified by digital editing systems that enable seamless integration.
Practical Application in Film
Christopher Nolan exclusively uses music from previous projects for his temp tracks – "Dunkirk" contained elements from "Interstellar" and "The Dark Knight Rises." Denis Villeneuve created a 40-hour temp track for "Blade Runner 2049" with Vangelis' original music plus electronic ambient pieces. Typical spotting sessions last 8-12 hours, with music editors like Joe E. Rand testing up to 200 different music pieces. "Temp Love" becomes problematic – the emotional attachment of directors to temporary music, forcing composers to create imitative works.
Comparison & Alternatives
In contrast to a Demo Score (a rough version created by the composer) or Music Mock-ups (digital orchestral previews), the temp track uses external material. Scratch Tracks additionally contain temporary sound effects and dialogue. Modern alternatives include AI-generated temporary compositions (AIVA, Amper Music) or component-based adaptive music tools like Wwise. For low-budget productions, stock music replaces the traditional temp track, with platforms like AudioJungle offering direct licensing.