Mondo employees are a rare breed of cinephiles and artisans – chalk it up mostly to each of them having seen certain films way too early in their lifetime. Having watched those titles countless times, movies are not just a means of entertainment, they are part of their DNA. Who else could make/understand a “little too Raph” joke on a daily basis without missing a beat? In short, certain films defined their tastes for years to come. One such individual is Mo Shafeek. We got to speak to him for over an hour regarding his role as Mondo’s soundtrack production manager. Based in Austin, TX, the Mondo bunch (Mo included),…
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Interview…Composer Michael Brook on John Crowley’s Understated ‘Brooklyn’
Michael Brook is a Golden Globe and Grammy nominated composer, producer and recording artist recognized for his unique style of composition that traverses ambient, world, Americana, electronic and orchestral territories. His work often contains unusual combinations of instruments, sounds and moods that create a powerful, unique and emotional impact. Brook’s music career began as a recording artist, guitar player, producer and collaborator, working with artists such as Brian Eno, David Sylvian, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, The Pogues, on ground breaking labels such as 4AD and Peter Gabriel’s Real World Records. As his music began to be licensed in films such as Heat and Any Given Sunday, he developed an interest…
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Interview…Composer Harry Gregson-Williams on ‘The Martian’, Ridley Scott and Andy Weir’s Hopeful Space Epic
We first spoke to film composer Harry Gregson-Williams a few years ago and discussed his work on Zal Batmanglij‘s stunning throwback-styled thriller The East – a pensive score he shared credit with Halli Cauthri. It was a Scott Free Production, so it seems that these days Harry, even after his sabbatical, can never be found too far from Ridley Scott. The Martian is the film adaptation of Andy Weir‘s best-selling novel. It tells the story of Astronaut Mark Watney (played brilliantly and charismatically by Matt Damon – check out our glowing review here) as he struggles to get off the Red Planet. Harry was quite happy with the score and very happy to hear of…
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Exclusive: A Look Into the Mondo Creative Process and Preview of MondoCon 2015
Film fans around the globe are becoming increasingly aware of and familiar with the Alamo Drafthouse’s boutique poster label Mondo. What started out as a small Austin, TX based outfit has quickly become a major player in film circles for simply outstanding movie art – be it posters, vinyl soundtracks, or, recently, toys. While they have built brand awareness by producing a prolific and dizzying array of spectacular releases, Mondo is committed to two main goals: they seek to educate people about films as much as they want to celebrate them, but also, they aim to get film fans to see cinema the way they do. The Mondo team is a uniquely…
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Interview…Composer Mac Quayle Gives ‘Mr. Robot’ its Surreal Groove
Grammy nominated musician Mac Quayle has written music for over 40 films and television shows, and has accumulated a long list of credits as a music producer, dance re-mixer and multi-instrumentalist. Mac recently received his first EMMY nomination for FX’s hit series, “American Horror Story: Freak Show,” starring Jessica Lange, Kathy Bates and Angela Bassett, and he will also be scoring the next season of “American Horror Story: Hotel,” starring Lady Gaga and Matt Bomer. In addition to Mac’s television work, he has also composed music for a diverse list of feature films and documentaries. Mac’s music as an additional composer for Cliff Martinez can also be heard in HBO’s EMMY-winning “The Normal Heart,” Film District’s…
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Interview…Composer Penka Kouneva on ‘The Woman Astronaut’
Film and game composer Penka Kouneva has worked for 15 years in Los Angeles on a variety of projects from games, to shorts, to feature films. Her own music is a blend of her Eastern-European upbringing, classical training, modern film & game music, and influences ranging from rock, electronica, Medieval chant to non-Western music. A woman composer role model on the vanguard of the rising momentum for women creatives in entertainment, Penka Kouneva made Hollywood history as the first woman Lead Orchestrator on films with a budget over $100M – Ender’s Game and Elysium. In various capacitites, she has had notable collaborations with the celebrity composers Hans Zimmer (orchestrator: Pirates 3,…
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Interview…Composer Patrick Doyle on His New Collection of Solo Piano Themes
Patrick Doyle has scored over 50 international feature films, including Rise of the Planet of the Apes, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, BRAVE, Indochine, Carlito’s Way and A Little Princess. His work has led to collaborations with some of the most acclaimed directors in the world, including Brian De Palma, Alfonso Cuarón, Ang Lee, and Robert Altman. On July 24, Varèse Sarabande released The Film Music of Patrick Doyle: Solo Piano. The first of two planned albums features original performances and arrangements by the Oscar-nominated composer, the collection features some of Patrick’s most revered compositions performed on piano by Doyle himself. This exceptional album highlights eighteen tracks which include music…
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Interview…Composer Bill Brown Scores Season 2 of Dominion for Syfy
Bill Brown is an award-winning composer and creative force behind the musical scores of fan-favorite TV, film and video game thrillers, dramas and super-hero adventures. Widely recognized for his experimental approach to developing a unique sound and for creating dynamic orchestral landscapes, Bill is best known for composing the compelling musical backdrop for all nine seasons of the hit CBS series CSI: NY. Bill’s passion for composing is followed closely by his interest in cutting-edge sound technology. Developers regularly approach him to beta-test new music and sound design products; many in the music community as the go-to resource consider him when a product or technology recommendation is needed. Continually experimenting…
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Interview…Richard Kaufman on John Williams and Being A Session Musician on ‘Jaws’
Richard Kaufman is, and has been, a good friend of the site. Thanks to our contacts at the Dallas Symphony, we always get to catch up with him when he’s in town for a show as their Pops conductor laureate. Richard has had an amazing career being a session musician (violin) on many classic film scores as well as being MGM’s Music Supervisor for 19 years. He’s seen incredible things behind the gates of major Hollywood studios. You’ve seen those Dos XX commercials with “the Most Interesting Man in the World” right? Well, it should actually be Richard they’re talking about. Seriously, name any filmic presonality and Richard either knows them,…
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Video Interview…Michiel Huisman on the Understated Magic of ‘The Age of Adaline’
In this interview, we sit with Michiel Huisman (Game of Thrones, Orphan Black, Nashville) to discuss Lee Toland Krieger‘s modern fairy tale about a young woman, born at the turn of 20th century, who is rendered ageless after an accident. We talked to Michiel about his character, the look of the film, and also had a laugh discussing beards, grooming and co-star Harrison Ford. The film is directed by Lee Toland Krieger and stars Blake Lively, Michiel Huisman, and Harrison Ford. Lionsgate’s The Age of Adaline will be released on April 24. A young woman, born at the turn of 20th century, is rendered ageless after an accident. After years of a solitary life,…
