“When I write music for a film…I’m part of a team of artists. So I think like a filmmaker more than a composer.”
– Jóhann Jóhannsson
COMPOSING FOR FILM & TV.
RED STATE
In episode 178 of Edith Bowman’s Soundtracking podcast, Director Kevin Smith (who displays an impressive knowledge of film music) discussed why he did not score Red State, and said he’d be open to composers scoring it as a demo.
Here’s mine:
Thank you to VFX artist Tom Cowles for collaborating on the opening titles sequence.
TOM and GRANT
20 min. Dark comedy.
Leo-nominated for Best Score in a Short Drama.
Multiple festival screenings.
Directed by Tom Cavanagh (IMDb).
DEMO: Deadly Class
Ken Burns’ed Vol. 1 of this graphic novel series to demo some original music, music editing, sound design, and mixing work.
Very grateful for the excellent voicework by:
Ellie Harvie, Paul McGillion, Everick Golding, and Bob Bavnani as Master Lin.
Some favourite 80s music needle drops:
Echo and the Bunnymen // The Killing Moon
Depeche Mode // Personal Jesus
Siouxsie and the Banshees // Cities in Dust
Love & Rockets // So Alive
BRIDGERTON / SPITFIRE AUDIO Scoring Competition 2022
HBO WESTWORLD / SPITFIRE AUDIO Scoring Competition 2020
APPROACH TO THE SCORE:
BAND AID COMMERCIAL
20 sec. Spec. – Music & all sound design.
Directed by Wayne Hoecherl (IMDb).
THE MAN AND THE DOG
9 min. short film. Original score. Directed by Wayne Hoecherl. Recipient of a Telus STORYHIVE Grant.
SPITFIRE AUDIO SCORING COMPETITION 2019
Spitfire Audio and Eric Whitacre put together a challenge to score some NASA Space Telescope videos using the free version of their very cool choir instrument.
Was a great reminder of the value of having a designated palette for a project. Inspires creativity. Having too many choices can sometimes slow you down.
BEFORE THE DAY
Short Film, Drama. IMDb
Directed by Paul McGillion (IMDb).
“Andy’s unique musical sensibility and refreshing approach to collaboration make every single minute in the studio an absolute pleasure.”
– Actor/Director Paul McGillion.
Video Essay: Sonic World-Building – Part 1
Cut together some thoughts on the beginnings of scoring projects: developing unique, tailored palettes, being bold.
With clips from some composers and directors I like.