1. Emotional Peak or Climax:
This is the most common interpretation of "hit point." It refers to the moment of highest emotional impact in a scene or sequence, often marked by a dramatic shift in the music. This could be a sudden crescendo, a change in tempo or key, or the introduction of a new, powerful theme.
Think of these examples:
* Action Scene: The hit point is when the hero delivers the final blow or escapes a deadly trap, often accompanied by a surge in the orchestra or a thrilling guitar riff.
* Romantic Scene: The hit point might be the moment of a heartfelt confession or a passionate kiss, marked by a swelling melody or a tender ballad.
* Scary Scene: The hit point could be the moment of a jump scare, accompanied by a jarring sound effect or a dissonant chord progression.
2. Synchronization Point:
In film music, certain sounds or musical phrases are often synchronized with specific visual elements or actions on screen. These points where music and image perfectly align are sometimes called "hit points." This can be a drum beat matching a footstep, a melody rising as a character climbs a staircase, or a chord change coinciding with a sudden change in the scene.
In essence, the "hit point" in film music is any point where the music has a significant impact on the emotional or narrative impact of the scene. It is a crucial element in film scoring, as it helps to guide the audience's experience and create a powerful emotional connection with the story.
It's important to note that "hit point" is not a term used in the official terminology of film scoring. It is more of a colloquial term used by musicians, composers, and film enthusiasts to describe these important musical moments.