Industry Usage Keywords: Dramedy

The term Dramedy is used for film spots that depict a mixture of both comedy and drama. Music used for Dramedy can be described as animated, sometimes energetic, light and usually bright and bouncy in texture.

Genres Associated with Dramedy:

• Jazz (Dixieland, Swing, Latin Jazz, Lounge, Exotica)
• Latin (Bossa Nova)
• Orchestral (Pizzicato strings)
• Country (Bluegrass)

Instrumentation:

Instrumentation can vary based on the genre. Generally speaking, predominant instruments are:

• Light percussion (i.e. shakers, bongos, triangle)
• Strings (usually pizzicato-light and sparse)
• Woodwinds (clarinet, flute)
• Upright Bass (rhythmic emphasis on beats 1 and 3, polka or bluegrass feel)

Descriptors:

Bouncy, Bright, Pingy, Light, Energetic, Happy, Sparse, Sneaky, Humorous, Comical, Whimsical, Dramatic, Cheerful, Determined, Quirky, Cartoon, Animated, Children

Here are some examples of Dramedy:

1950’s/1960’s Coffee Commercials:

Ren and Stimpy: