Film.Music.Media

Composer Interview: John Hunter (February 23, 2012)

Composer John Hunter scored the Academy Award nominated animated short, The Fantastic Flying Books Of Mr. Morris Lessmore. We chat about his approach in scoring a silent film and how the music needed to be the structure of the film. He briefly discusses the animation process of the unique story that combines almost every type of animation found in films today. The film's score is structured around the familiar tune of "Pop Goes The Weasel" so John explains how by the end of the story he didn't want it to feel like a familiar tune but the central theme of the character. The film is up for an Oscar this Sunday!

Composer Interview: Joel Douek, Freddy Sheinfeld & Elik Álvarez (February 17, 2012)

Joel Douek (The Wildest Dream, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles- TV Series), Freddy Sheinfeld (La Hora Zero, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles- TV Series) and Elik Álvarez (La Virgen Negra, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles- TV Series) all sit down for F.M.M's first roundtable discussion. The trio of composers who have worked together for many years on some of your favorite animated series team up for Kingdom Of Plants 3D. This discussion is by far the most informative and educational interview on F.M.M. Some essential information about collaboration, technique, style and approach are discussed. The guys give us a detailed and interesting look into how they tackled a documentary about plants and how saturday morning animation is the equivalent of composer boot camp. A very rewarding interview to those who listen through it. At the beginning I place some text onscreen as the 3 take their initial turns speaking so you know who is who. Enjoy!

Composer Interview: Elik Álvarez (February 17, 2012)

This interview with Elik Álvarez was done at his studio in Pasadena, CA. We talk about his start in the business and how he moved from Venezuela to California to start a family and career. Elik composed the fantastic score to La Virgen Negra and utilized Lisbeth Scott's stunning vocals in that score. He also co-composed the BBC nature documentary Kingdom Of Plants 3D. Elik also gives some tips on how to overcome the grueling task of breaking into the film industry and what to do when you ever doubt yourself. The talented composer gives one of  the most enjoyable interviews experiences on FMM. Enjoy!

Composer Interview: Michael Wandmacher (February 14, 2012)

Michael Wandmacher who has scored grindhouse B movie homages like Piranha 3D and Drive Angry brings his hard metal sound to Twisted Metal. We talk about getting his start in the business, his approach in scoring the many characters in this over the top rock score, and discuss the game's feature that allows you to play your own music instead of the in-game music. Michael's scores are extremely fun to listen to and Twisted Metal is no exception. While the tone is less "fun" and more "dark" than his previous scores it's still a hard industrial sound that separates itself from the traditional orchestral sound. This isn't your grandma's score, but Michael is definitely an awesome and fun guy to chat with. Enjoy the interview then go enjoy the game and rock on!

Composer Interview: Daniel Licht (February 14, 2012)

Daniel Licht may be known for his work on Dexter but on March 6th he will be replacing Akira Yamaoka as the sound of Silent Hill in Silent Hill: Downpour. We chat exclusively about the game and what his goals and motives were. Plus what it was like taking over for Yamaoka who has been the signature sound of the game franchise for more than a decade.

Composer Interview: Cliff Eidelman (February 12, 2012)

Composer Cliff Eidelman takes time to talk about his recent score for Big Miracle. We discuss in detail the importance of the composer/director relationship. We also focus on how to make sure the score to a family film doesn't seep into saccharine and schmaltzy territory. As you can hear from the opening intro that Big Miracle is nothing of the sort but instead is a grand sounding score with well balanced emotions. Cliff is a great guy who was part of FMM's recent composer signing. Enjoy this terrific interview!

Cougar Town: L.A. Viewing Party (Q&A/Interviews) (Audio Sourced From Video)

(Audio Sourced From Video) Here is some raw, candid footage of the Q&A that the Cougar Town gang gave at the Los Angeles viewing party. Bill Lawrence answers fan questions on the studio lot! Cougar Town is back on ABC starting February 14th, 2012!

Composer Interview: Ryan Shore (February 8, 2012)

Grammy nominated composer Ryan Shore takes some time to chat about his score for The Shrine for which he was nominated for. Ryan discusses his start in music, horror composing, composing under a budget and much more. We discuss his spoof score for Stan Helsing as well and what entails scoring not just a comedy but a spoof in the same style as Scary Movie. Ryan Shore is such a great talent who is among the best of the young generation of composers.

Composer Interview: Abel Korzeniowski (February 3, 2012)

If you haven't heard of Abel Korzeniowski I suggest you familiarize yourself with him. Abel is by far one of the richest talents in the composing scene right now. With brilliant scores like Copernicus' Star, A Single Man and now W./E. Korzeniowski (pronounced 'ah-bell korshen-yovski') not only demonstrates an impeccable ability to craft emotions but striking melodic passages as well. I feel W./E. is the best of his works so far and is a score that truly took me by surprise. We chat about his upbringing, working with Madonna as a director, his view on electronics in scores, animation scoring and much more. His unique musical voice and European sensibilities will move you. Enjoy this interview with one of my favorite composers working today.

Composer Interview: WAZ (January 31, 2012)

Let me start off my saying that I am a huge fan of Bill Lawrence. Scrubs was a huge part of my life for all 9 seasons that it aired and Bill is a huge inspiration to me as a screenwriter. So I was ecstatic when I heard Bill was doing a show with Kevin Biegel. When Cougar Town started it took a good half a dozen episodes before it found its groove and boy when it did it really became something special. Cougar Town is by far the best thing on television and everyone needs to be watching it. It's as close to real life as it can be and it's constantly full of heart and laughs with some of the best naturalistic writing on TV.