An Unexpected Day of Inspiration

On June 12 I had the tremendous pleasure of having my music heard in three short films at the Playhouse West Film Festival. PW is actually an acting school and, in my opinion, one of LA's best kept secrets. As I do with all festivals, I approached it with little or no expectations as one never knows what one is getting into with these sorts of things. I am happy to report that what I was discovered was a warm, supportive, talented, and enthusiastic community of artists that ended up being a tremendous inspiration.

Of the three short films I had showing, two of them were done for Wolfgang Bodison, an actor turned director and teacher at Playhouse West. Wolf's fame The third was one you've heard a lot about on this blog, The Visitation directed by the amazingly wonderful and talented Cameron Young. For a composer like me, the benefit of film festivals such as this is using the exposure one gets by having their music showcased to network and make connections to more films. Often as composers we are the ones who are pushing ourselves and our music wherever we can. Even the smallest bit of exposure, like having a film at a festival, makes this job exponentially easier because we have some leverage - something to start with. And if you're lucky you may even be approached. But any composer will tell you that even then it can be a challenge.

When I first got to the theatre I immediately knew this festival was different - the energy was electric. I could tell this was a close knit community. There was cheering, whooping, hugging - overflowing with love and support. It really surprised me. Because Wolf and I had such a good relationship and because he happens to be a big wig at PW, he had me up on stage for Q&A for two different segments. I felt a little silly at first, but then I realized I was the only composer on stage in front of a room full of actors, writers, and directors - how can that be bad? During the first segment I was actually asked a question, much to my shock and amazement, so I was able to speak about the compositional process, and, in my oh so trademark way, I even got laughter and applause. I soon learned that not only was I the only composer on stage, but I was the only composer they had EVER had at one of their Q&A sessions. Combine this with the fact that I had three films at this festival and you have a recipe for outrageous exposure and networking. I literally had people running up to me asking me for cards, which I promise you NEVER happens. I was at lunch at a restaurant down the street and I kid you not, I kept being stopped by people saying "excuse me, you're the composer" - um, hell yes I am!

I realized that I could not leave this event. I was given a badge and I ended up staying through several more segments and into the award ceremony. One of the films I worked on, "Simone", was awarded the grand jury prize for Best Short Film. Because neither the director or the producer was present, guess who went up to claim it. Once again I was up on stage making witty comments, and once again I was approached by numerous people interested in film music in the hour following the ceremony. On what planet this occurred, I'll never know.

That evening I gave away every single one of my business cards. I talked to a ridiculous number of friendly, warm individuals who showed such interest in what I do and were so delightful to converse with. I felt and feel so lucky and honored to have shared my work with that community and left on a high that I am still feeling. For all you composers reading, never underestimate how important leaving your studio and showing your face is to the creative process.