It's Nice When People Take the Time to Say Goodbye
Project Description
Three siblings return to their hometown for the funeral of their beloved uncle Bernard, the life and soul of the party. While paying their respects, they have one simple aim - to get through the day without any mention of their estranged mother and her betrayal of aunt Aggie and the family.
Harmonizing Emotions
Watch it on BBC iPlayer
Developing the music for this project was an enriching experience, requiring in-depth collaboration with both the Director and Music Coordinator. Our aim was to delicately enhance the characters' emotional journey, seamlessly shifting from deep sorrow to a sense of hopeful redemption. I opted for a subtle, humanized sound palette that would blend with, rather than overshadow, the film's other sound elements. This approach focused on creating an atmospheric presence rather than distinct musical rhythms. By doing so, I ensured the music intimately aligned with the film's narrative scale, offering a thoughtful and emotive auditory backdrop that complemented, rather than dominated, the story.
Bloom
Project Description
At the Bloom Festival, Dandy nervously prepares to showcase her designs when she realizes she made a mistake in modifying her dress. However, a chance encounter with a top stylist's small but meaningful gesture inspires her to find her true style and become the designer she was meant to be.
From Melancholy to Triumph
Creating the music for the Bloom Festival was a unique challenge as it needed to capture the grandiose atmosphere of the festival while also highlighting the personal journey of the protagonist, Dandy. To strike a balance, the music was arranged as an orchestral score, utilizing different instruments to convey the emotions and themes present in the story. The grand festival scenes had sweeping strings and intricate woodwind sections, showcasing the event's grandeur and refinement. For Dandy's personal moments, delicate piano and string passages were used to capture their emotions and growth. The music was carefully crafted to meet the story's requirements while still delivering a powerful and impactful musical experience.
Ring of Roses
Project Description
In the film, a matador engages in a tense and dramatic showdown with a formidable bull. The fight intensifies when the bull, initially fierce due to an aggression-inducing chip, experiences a malfunction after a critical moment in the battle. This unexpected twist leads the bull to display sudden vulnerability. Faced with this situation, the matador is compelled to make a significant decision regarding the fate of the now subdued creature, challenging his values and the traditional expectations of the spectacle.
Rumba from A Future Time
Composing the soundtrack for the student film "Ring of Roses" presented a distinct challenge, as it required merging traditional flamenco vibes with sci-fi elements to match the dynamic presence of a bull creature, all within a stringent two-week timeframe. The score needed to feel alive and pulsating, combining the earthy intensity of flamenco with the ethereal qualities of science fiction. High-tension scenes used vibrant, rhythmic patterns to heighten the urgency, reflecting the creature's powerful force in the narrative. For quieter, more introspective moments, the music shifted to softer, more mysterious tones, capturing the emotional and mystical aspects of the story. This innovative blend not only emphasized the sci-fi elements but also enhanced the overall narrative, creating a compelling and immersive auditory experience.
Short version showcased, full version coming soon.
Project by Alex Velez
NOTES
Project Description
Elementary school teacher Mrs. Helen enforces silent sustained reading time but the school children have their own plans by passing around a note of paper and jumping into the world of books to escape their teacher!
Surpassing expectations
Notes is a work-in-progress short film aiming to challenge adult expectations by transforming a seemingly innocent children's story into a profound and emotional experience. The music for this project plays a crucial role in this transformation, evolving from the typical light and playful tunes found in kids' cartoons to a more profound and thought-provoking soundtrack that resonates with mature audiences, prompting reflection on the story's moral themes.
With two awards already under the script’s belt, the future musical direction for Notes aims to align with the script's distinguished caliber. The plan involves a shift towards a serious and profound tone, showcasing a full orchestral arrangement performed and recorded by talented live musicians. This strategic shift is intended to showcase that children's shows of the upcoming era can achieve remarkable quality benchmarks, evoking the spirit of classic past productions like Winnie the Pooh and The Land Before Time, renowned for their commitment to excellence in production values.
Stay tuned for more updates on Notes.
By Alysha Nunez
Star Wars Loacher Application
Project Description
I had the opportunity to submit a demo to Loacher Films, a well-known content creator for sci-fi game franchise animations such as Star Wars and Halo. As a composer for visual media, my goal was to showcase my ability to incorporate John Williams' style into my compositions for the Star Wars universe.
Following the Steps of Giants
Using orchestral elements, I tried to create a musical score that complemented the visuals on screen and created an immersive experience for the viewer. The score gradually shifted to a more suspenseful and dramatic feel, hoping to elevate the tension and create a memorable conclusion.
Overall, my demo was an attempt to demonstrate my ability to create impactful and memorable musical experiences for visual media. I humbly hoped that through careful synchronization of the music with the visuals, I was able to showcase my skills in composing music that enhances the viewer's experience and leaves a lasting impression.