Film.Music.Media

Composer Interview: John Ottman (March 1, 2013)

John Ottman talks Jack And The Giant Slayer in an interview that is extremely informative and an absolute blast! We chat about the nightmarish logistics behind being the composer, editor and associate producer on a project. In a completely fun fashion he discusses the dread he feels when Bryan Singer calls him up for a film since he knows lots of hard work is to follow, but it always pays off. John shares his approach to editing, why he edits first and scores last, how he's thinking creatively during his first read of the script, and so much more. This interview is extremely informative and extremely fun. John also spills a little bit about X-Men: Days Of Future Past and shares his frustration about the lack of musical continuity in most comic book film franchises. One of the most entertaining and engaging interviews on F.M.M and a real honor. Enjoy!
Interview Conducted By:Kaya Savas
Special Thanks:John OttmanRay CostaAlex MayCosta Communications

Composer Interview: Carlos José Alvarez (March 1, 2013)

Composer Carlos José Alvarez takes some time to discuss his wonderful score for Cubamerican. Alvarez has composed great work for films like Deadline starring Brittany Murphy and Discover The Gift directed by Demian Lichtenstein. He also collaborated with Deborah Lurie on her scores for 9 and One For The Money. Cubamerican is a documentary about the millions of Cubans forced into exile from communist Cuba, and how they started their new lives in the United States. Carlos not only shares his approach to his scoring, but the personal journey he took while working on the film. This interview is very special because we really discuss how filmmaking and scoring go hand in hand with the human journey. Carlos really became connected with his Cuban heritage and learned a lot about what his parents went through. He shares how it was his uncle who actually led him to get the job as composer on this film, and how he recommended his brother to be the editor. His filmmaking journey became a family affair and his music became a reflection of himself and the responsibility he felt for the film. A truly wonderful interview with a great composer.
Interview Conducted By:Kaya Savas
Special Thanks:Carlos José AlvarezRay CostaAlex MayCosta Communications

Composer Interview: Jeff Rona (February 27, 2013)

The super talented Jeff Rona takes some time to talk about his recent score for Phantom. Jeff talks in detail about his approach to scoring as he reflects on some of his past scores. Jeff discusses his approach to Phantom and what his goals for the music were. He shares how he recorded sounds while on the submarine set of the film and incorporated them into the soundscape of the score. We also touch on the use of world instrumentation and sounds in film scores and what his views on that are. One of the most interesting and enlighthening interviews on F.M.M and a true pleasure. Enjoy!
Interview Conducted By:Kaya Savas
Special Thanks:Jeff RonaStefan KarrerMilan Records

Composer Interview: Susan Deyhim (February 27, 2013)

Composer and renowned vocalist Sussan Deyhim speaks about her work on Alexandre Desplat's score to Oscar Best Picture winner Argo. We discuss the use of vocals in scores today and her experience working with different composers. She shares her experience on Argo and how she worked with Desplat to create the vocal textures in the score as well as add a personal human element. This is a fantastic chat with a composer who truly connects with her music on a personal level, and is able to add a deep human touch to other composers' works with her voice. Enjoy!
Interview Conducted By:Kaya Savas
Special Thanks:Sussan DeyhimRay CostaAlex MayCosta Communications
Photo Credit:Tino Rodriguez & Virgo Paraiso

Composer Interview: Rob Simonsen (February 19, 2013)

Rob Simonsen is a wonderfully talented composer who takes some time to chat about two films he scored that recently played at Sundance, The Way, Way Back and The Spectacular Now. Simonsen shares how he met Mychael Danna and ended up becoming his protege, including what he learned most from him. Simonsen worked on many of Mychael Danna's scores and quickly branched off on his own. Simonsen co-scored the acclaimed Seeking A Friend For The End Of The World as well. We chat about his approach to his two recent Sundance darlings, working on back-to-back projects, his sources for inspiration and much more. A great interview with a talented and fresh voice in the industry.
Interview Conducted By:Kaya Savas
Special Thanks:Rob SimonsenChandler PolingThomas MikuszWhite Bear PR

Composer Interview: Nan Schwartz (February 17, 2013)

Composer and prolific orchestrator Nan Schwartz takes some time to talk about her work on Alexandre Desplat's Argo as well as Mychael Danna's Life Of Pi. She shares how she became interested in film composing and her family's rich musical history. We talk in depth about the role of the orchestrator and her working relationship with Desplat, whom she has collaborated with many times. She also shares her experience working with Danna on Life Of Pi. We talk about her own work as a composer as well and how she approaches music when she is writing it. An amazing and enlightening interview with a wonderful talent.
Interview Conducted By:Kaya Savas
Special Thanks:Nan SchwartzRay CostaAlex MayCosta Communications

Composer Interview: Kevin Riepl (February 15, 2013)

Composer Kevin Riepl takes some time to talk about his score to the highly anticipated, Aliens: Colonial Marines. Kevin is no stranger to the video game world as he composed the score to the best-seller Gears Of War. In this interview he shares a little about his background and his scoring process. We go into great detail about how games are scored almost in layers, and the challenges he faced to build suspense and tension when it's the player that dictates pacing. He also shares how he wanted to reference Jerry Goldsmith's and James Horner's scores to their respective films, but also make it a new entry in the Alien universe. Kevin also reveals that he's going to score Cabin Fever: Patient Zero this year. A great chat with a very talented composer.
Interview Conducted By:Kaya Savas
Special Thanks:Kevin RieplGreg O'Connor-ReadTop Dollar PR

Composer Interview: Atli Örvarsson (January 17, 2013)

The incredibly talented Atli Örvarsson talks about his recent score to Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters. This high energy and incredibly fun score combines classic fairytale elements with a modern twist. Atli shares how he approached the film and his writing process behind it. We also discuss his working relationship with director Tommy Wirkola. Apart from the film we we discuss some technical aspects of scoring including how surround sound comes into play with his composing process, and much more! Enjoy this terrific chat!
Interview Conducted By:Kaya Savas
Special Thanks:Atli ÖrvarssonRay CostaAlex MayCosta Communications

Composer Interview: FM Le Sieur (January 17, 2013)

The always energetic FM Le Sieur talks about his score to the hit SyFy Channel show, Being Human. We delve into how he decided to approach the show and find the perfect sound for the music. We also talk about approaching the seasons as 1 big arc versus taking it on 1 episode at a time. He shares how he must try and shield himself from the UK version of the show that airs on BBC but enjoys it after he's finished with his work. We also touch upon what he thinks is the hardest emotion to score as well where he finds inspiration for his music. One of the more enjoyable interviews I've had with a composer. Enjoy!
Check Out The Being Human Soundtrack, Available Now!https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/being-human/id587946606
Interview Conducted By:Kaya Savas
Special Thanks:FM Le SieurEmilie ErskineCW3 Public Relations

Composer Interview: Joe Kraemer (December 23, 2012)

Composer Joe Kraemer talks about his fantastic score to Jack Reacher. We chat about his friendship and collaboration with writer/director Christopher McQuarrie, his approach and what 70's scores influenced him, as well as his journey to getting the job. Joe also talks about how unique it is score a film with no temp score, which was the case with Jack Reacher. He shares details about balancing score with sound effects and how he decided to record a 90-piece orchestra all at once instead of one section at a time. A fascinating and detailed look at scoring from a strong voice in the industry. It was a real pleasure to chat with Joe, please enjoy!
Interview Conducted By:Kaya Savas
Special Thanks:Joe KraemerRay CostaAlex MayCosta Communications