Where to start on a blog? Well, a little bit about me might be a good place! I’m a working composer based in Hampshire. Following a musical upbringing, I embarked on a career as an Army musician and spent 26 years performing and conducting bands and orchestras whilst delivering musical support to high profile state events in London. This often involved composing, orchestrating and conducting my own music, which in turn fed a catalogue of published chamber music and also a doctorate in composition. Towards the end of my service, I found myself being asked more and more to deliver production music for corporate video, advertisements and training material for the Ministry of Defence. This then naturally led onto writing commercially for production music libraries and independent film. Nowadays, I’m a working composer writing for major production music companies such as BMG, EMI and Universal, in addition to scoring shorts and features across a variety of genres. My music features regularly on BBC, ITV, Sky, Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, Disney FX, STARZ - it is always fun to see where it ends up! |  |
How has COVID affected my work?
I was asked this question a few months ago during a live Q&A related to another project. Of course, like all disciplines in the industry, when production catches a cold, those of us working in post-production do too. I’ve been impacted by shoots being postponed and in one case, having a lengthy ‘pause' mid-shoot, which is creating some interesting continuity problems for the Director!
Ways of working? Well, as anyone who works in sound or music will tell you, prior to COVID our days consisted of long periods of isolation in a studio environment, therefore very little has changed! One positive has been the upturn in the quality of spotting notes and reference tracks I receive from Directors. Without the benefit of a face to face spotting session, Directors seem to putting extra effort into every detail, which is most welcome!
My Soap Box!
 | I guess I speak for most professionals working in the post-production environment when I say that failure to budget for sound & music often hurts us. All too often I see no budget ‘opportunities’ being touted, when on closer inspection it transpires the project originally had significant 5 or even 6 figure budget attached. These budgets have subsequently been eroded during production hence those of us at the backend feel the pinch. George Lucas once said that sound & music contribute 50% to the production value of his films. Then why all too often does 0% of the budget remain? |
As a working composer, I have to strike a balance between what might be an interesting project, and what generates revenue for my business. I therefore often respond to questions on fees with ‘what is your budget, and what % production value do you feel a well crafted score will add’? Of course, I’m not suggesting 50% should be the norm! However, neither should 0%!
What’s on my slate?
Right now, a lot…..I’m currently working with numerous publishers delivering production music in genres ranging from ‘Hollywood Christmas’ to Industrial Nordic Noir! There can sometimes be a bit of snobbery around production music where the perception from a few years ago was about a poor quality product. These days, working with top tier libraries where we often have 5 figure budgets to record with live musicians, the standard is really high and achieving regular placements on prime networks can be rewarding. I also enjoy the creative challenge; having to regularly switch context and work will different tools, instruments and technology keeps me honest as a composer.
 | Having already scored one feature this year, I have another on my slate and a couple of shorts which are due to complete shooting in the autumn. My lead into Christmas is likely to be a busy one! I am also supporting a BAFTA-nominated composer on a large project where a teaming approach is needed. The main composer on a significant project is effectively a Head of Department, who manages a team of orchestrators, copyists and other composers writing additional material. Those projects are always a fantastic opportunity to learn from each other and grow as a collective. |
Finally, I plan to launch my own niche production music label in 2022, hence work on both the tracks, and business plan, is taking significant effort.
So, all in all, a very busy time….
Drop me a line!
| I’ve been fortunate enough to work with some very talented and dedicated film makers across Hampshire and Dorset, however I’m always keen to hear about new opportunities and grow my network. Notwithstanding my ‘Soap Box’ comment above, I’m always sympathetic to indie filmmakers and very happy to hear from anyone looking to collaborate. Therefore please do reach out if you have a need for a well written and produced score on your project - always keen to make new acquaintances and have fun making quality independent film together! Contact Michael Walters |  |