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Making Music for Movies with Shawn Sutta and Adam Robl

Metadata

description

I’m joined with the duo of composers as we take an inside look into what it takes to be a indie film composer. They walk me through their home studio build, gear, and journey of serendipity. Shawn Sutta is a composer whose devotion to film is fueled by his desire to bring people together - both to create a work of art and to tell stories that move people. A passionate collaborator, Shawn enjoys creating with orchestras, choirs, bands and instrumentalists while working closely with filmmaking teams to make stories that connect with audiences.

status

complete

date

2023-09-26

kind

guest

guestSlugs

adam-robl

listenUrl

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lovemusicmore/episodes/Making-Music-for-Movies-with-Shawn-Sutta-and-Adam-Robl-e29pge5

lmwUrl

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_8iijluJj4

appleUrl

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/making-music-for-movies-with-shawn-sutta-and-adam-robl/id1567355195?i=1000629195816&uo=4

spotifyUrl

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2zPoAfGnRbQe55Q8XxWng2

youtubeUrl

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wfv0i98VAxI

topicsDiscussed

Scoring for picture
Collaboration
Creativity
The home studio
Music production
The role of indie film composers
Home studio setups and gear
Using unconventional instruments
The impact of film visuals on music
The nuances of temp scoring
Creative processes in music composition
Challenges in indie film production

hostNote

**Shawn Sutta** and **Adam Robl** score indie films, hate virtual instruments, and keep it as analog as possible: which is a specific stance in a world where sample libraries cover everything. "The budgets are kind of on the lower side, and we have to make do with what we got. We absolutely hate virtual instruments." We cover the actual workflow: how a film arrives with temp scoring already in place, what temp scoring does and doesn't tell you, how they use ostinatos as a compositional anchor ("it keeps you on the road"), and when the right answer is to leave more space rather than fill it. "The score needs to be right. If the thing works really well without music, then I think leaving more space is the answer there." The AI conversation comes up too, their frame is that music should transport you somewhere you've never been, which is also a description of why the analog commitment matters.

selectedMoments

label
Discussing the challenges of indie film scoring
startSec
91
note
Shawn and Adam share their experiences regarding the constraints and creativity involved in working with limited budgets, preferring analog over digital tools to bring their unique sound to indie films.
label
Feeling the story through music
startSec
189
note
Adam expresses how scoring films allows them to connect with stories and emotions that might not be part of their own biography, highlighting the transformative power of film.
label
The process of temp scoring
startSec
266
note
The duo breaks down what temp scoring is and how it assists editors in the filmmaking process, offering insights on their typical workflow when they receive films to score.
label
The importance of music in film pacing
startSec
342
note
They discuss how music contributes to the rhythm and pace of a film, demonstrating the balance between keeping scenes interesting while maintaining the story's integrity.
label
Exploring creative tools and techniques
startSec
590
note
Shawn talks about using ostinatos and different musical devices to craft scores, giving listeners a practical understanding of composing for films.
label
The evolution of their music careers
startSec
1404
note
Both Shawn and Adam recount their unique journeys that led them to collaborate, shedding light on their shared passion for music and film.
label
Looking to the future in music and film
startSec
1846
note
They discuss aspiring projects, including building a dedicated studio, and how they plan to evolve their sound by collaborating with larger ensembles.
label
Thoughts on the impact of AI in music
startSec
2083
note
The composers share their perspectives on the current discussions surrounding AI and creativity in the arts, reflecting on its implications for musicians and composers.
label
Advice for aspiring musicians
startSec
2885
note
Shawn emphasizes the importance of following one's passion for music and the community aspect of collaboration as vital elements in a musician's journey.

excerptQuotes

text
We do indie film scoring, and the budgets are kind of on the lower side, and we have to, you know, make do with what we got. We absolutely hate virtual instruments, so we try to keep it as analog as possible.
startSec
92
reviewed
true
text
It just helps me to step into another story, into a feeling that I might not have been able to tap into if not for this movie bringing me into a place.
startSec
190
reviewed
true
text
A lot of the time, we'll get a film that's been edited and the editor doesn't have our score yet, so they'll get some temporary music they can draw from; something that fits the vibe they're looking for.
startSec
336
reviewed
true
text
The score needs to be right. If the thing works really well without music, then I think leaving more space is the answer there.
startSec
427
reviewed
true
text
An ostinato is just a repeating pattern. It's a good starting point for building around, too, because it keeps you on the road, you know?
startSec
577
reviewed
true
text
If you can sustain yourself and find a way to do it, then it's great.
startSec
2886
reviewed
true
text
Music is a way to transport; it can take you places where you've never been before on this earth, and that's an adventure.
startSec
2892
reviewed
true
text
It's a privilege as a lifestyle to make your living by doing something that you love.
startSec
2894
reviewed
true

faq

question
What is it like being an indie film composer?
answer
Being an indie film composer comes with its own set of challenges, primarily working within budget constraints. Composers often have to be resourceful and creative, using unconventional instruments and methods to deliver impactful scores.
question
How do Shawn Sutta and Adam Robl create their film scores?
answer
Shawn and Adam focus on collaboration, often starting from piano compositions before layering instruments. They prefer a hands-on approach, often using live recording techniques rather than relying solely on sample libraries.
question
What is temp scoring in film?
answer
Temp scoring involves the use of temporary music that is placed in a film during the editing process to guide the pacing and emotional tone before the final score is created.

transcriptPublished

false

draft

false

Content

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