Composers. United Kingdom.
#FlashbackFriday #FBF Do you remember our Community Spotlight with Jode Steele and David Wainwright?
“We set up in 2005, after graduating from university and started out writing music for lots of student films/ animations. Through word-of-mouth and networking, we began to build up a client base and started to write for music libraries. In 2007, we won Channel 4’s 4Talent Award for our soundtrack work, and in 2008, scored Royal Television Society Award-nominated animation, Death by Scrabble… “
Work:
“We write, record and produce music soundtracks for film, TV, animation and multimedia. We work closely with directors and producers, and it’s our job to create original music that compliments the project.”
Biggest Challenge:
“There isn’t one project that sticks out. Every project is a different challenge, and that’s what we love about this job. Being a good media composer means being able to write competently in a wide range of musical styles. An example that comes to mind is our first feature Between the Lines. This was a dark and dramatic WWII film, and the deadline for the music just so happened to fall on the same day as another project called Ball Pond Bobby. This by comparison was a theatre production for kids, with happy and playful, plinky-plonky music. Both clients loved the scores, and luckily, we gave each the correct score!…”
Solutions:
“Simply immerse yourself in as many different styles of music as possible. Variety is the key. Watch and listen to films and TV shows, paying close attention to what the music is doing. It is also important in any project to understand exactly what the client wants. Once you’re on the same wavelength, you’re free to get creative.”
Favorite Technique:
“Working with music, it is important to reference the music on a number of different speaker systems. So what we do while we mix is listen through our fancy reference monitors, but also check the sound through our small Triple P Pyramid speakers. These are designed to sound like the speakers on an average TV. It is important to know how the music will translate to systems like these.”
Favourite Tool:
“Our music sequencing software Logic Pro 8. It’s really easy to work with and comes bundled with some great effects and instruments.”
Current Projects:
“We have just finished a short animated Christmas Special called Small Birds Singing, which you will be able to view at www.vvmusic.co.uk shortly. We are also working on pitches for some commercials and just about to start scoring an independent feature shot here in the UK…”
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