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TV Composers' Secrets: From Script to Screen
16 Jun
Summary
- Composers collaborate closely with showrunners on TV music.
- Some composers start scoring early, others join late.
- Collaboration dynamics vary greatly between different shows.
Composers play a vital role in shaping television's auditory experience, creating music that resonates long after viewing. The process of composing for television is a collaborative art, with each artist employing a unique approach.
IndieWire recently hosted a Craft Roundtable, bringing together composers from acclaimed shows. Panelists discussed their creative partnerships with showrunners, noting that many composers have ongoing collaborations with specific creators. For instance, Mac Quayle frequently works with Ryan Murphy, while Jeff Russo has a long-standing relationship with Noah Hawley.
The timing of composer involvement varies significantly. Russo, who has worked with Hawley for nearly 17 years, often receives scripts at the project's outset, allowing him to develop thematic material early. In contrast, Quayle sometimes joins shows deep into post-production, facing compressed timelines.
Quayle described joining a project late, needing to deliver a horror score and themes with minimal time, mirroring his experience on "American Horror Story." This highlights the adaptability required of TV composers, who must be prepared for diverse and demanding creative circumstances.
