Music and Film essay question: What are the differences between an original score, an adapted score, and an arranged score? Why would a director choose one score over another for a particular film or scene? Additionally, what business issues are involved in are 3 types?

In music terminology, an original score is music that is written for a specific film. An adapted score, on the other hand, is based on music that already exists. It is used to accompany a film, but instead of being written specifically for that film, a substantial part of it is borrowed from an existing composition that was written for another purpose. The music remains recognizable, but it is adapted, or changed, to suit the context of the new film. An arranged score, or an arrangement, is the addition of instrumentation to a written composition. Like an adapted score, an arranged score is a modification of an original composition. Often, the arranger modifies the original composition to suit the instrumentation, to create certain effects, or to convey certain moods. If the instruments used to play the music are different in different arrangements, the melody might change significantly. Musical arrangements typically contain a variety of musical styles to achieve different effects.
Choosing a film score is the responsibility of the director. A director wishing to use an original score will work with a composer, describing exactly what the music should achieve in terms of effect and message. Adapting or arranging a previously composed score will require the director to obtain permission from the copyright owner, which is usually the publisher.