Photoplay music

Early films (c. 1890–1910) merely relied on classical and popular repertory, mixed usually with improvisation by whatever accompanist was playing (usually a pianist).

[4] Composers noted for their photoplay music include John Stepan Zamecnik and Gaston Borch.

The studio would hire a company to produce a cue sheet; generally three to four pages of listings of photoplay music, classical or popular standards from their library.

In 1923, the Cameo Thematic Music Co. was established by M.J. Mintz, and by the end of the decade, was responsible for about 90% of cue sheets.

With the little time available between the completion of the picture and when it was to be released, all-original scores were uneconomical and had themes that were generally written in advance.

Silent films already made were generally released with orchestral soundtracks compiled of photoplay music and sound effects.

In recent years, photoplay music has been revitalized through home videos and live performances of silent films.