In his latest endeavor emerging film composer Matthew Llewellyn crafts a rich, thematic orchestral score for the Chiller Network original feature film Deep In the Darkness. His sweeping, ominous score evokes classic drama reminiscent of the old school style of horror scores. That combined with Llewellyn’s contemporary yet traditional orchestral textures make him a composer to watch. In the words of director Colin Theys, “Llewellyn found a delicate balance that feels original and intense at the same time, taking the film through some dramatic twists and turns.” Theys continues, “Matthew is delivering world-class scores that elevate the films they help to drive.” Llewellyn’s musical repertoire is grounded in the traditions…
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Video Interview…’Locke’ Writer/Director Steven Knight
The latest brilliant cinematic offering from across the pond is the Steven Knight drama Locke. Both written and directed by Knight, Locke tells the story of a man who in one night must decide between a myriad of jeopardies. Knight, known for penning Eastern Promises and Dirty Pretty Things, crafts and then directs Hardy in this dramatic one man tour de force. It’s a stunning film, one that blurs the line between cinema and theater, and even more stunning is the conception and execution of Knight’s gripping narrative. A masterpiece of writing and acting, the film is as impacting as it is riveting but also it deserves to be lauded…
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[USA Film Fest Interview]…’Frontera’ Writer/Director Michael Berry
Michael Berry is an actor and director of stage and film and most recently completed production on the feature film Frontera. Directed and co-written by Berry, the film stars Ed Harris, Michael Pena, Eva Longoria and Amy Madigan. Previous to that he directed and co-produced two award winning short films, Mira and Day of the Grackle. As an actor Berry appeared as an original cast member of the Tony Award, Pulitzer Prize winning “Next To Normal”. Other Broadway and national tour appearances include Les Miserables, Sunset Boulevard, Tommy and Mamma Mia. Off Broadway Mr. Berry appeared as Starbuck in a critically acclaimed production of Moby Dick, and was nominated for a…
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[USA Film Fest Interview]…’Finding Neighbors’ Writer/Director Ron Judkins
Oscar-winning sound engineer and filmmaker Ron Judkins earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from Southern Methodist University in Dallas. He then began his motion picture career as a sound recordist and editor for public television. In January of 1998 Ron began production on his feature directorial debut, The Hi-Line. The project premiered in the Dramatic Competition at the 1999 Sundance Film Festival. It won the “Audience Award” at the Austin Film Festival, the “Best Feature” Award at both the Louisville Film and Video Festival and the Heartland Film Festival, and the “Best Actress” and “Best Cinematography” awards at the Santa Monica Film Festival. His latest film, Finding Neighbors, written and directed by the two time Academy Award winner,…
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[USA Film Fest Interview]…’Fading Gigolo’ Writer/Director/Star John Turturro
The Dallas-based USA Film Festival (which runs 4/22-4/27) kicked off on Thursday, April 22nd. Prior to the opening night ceremonies, John Turturro brought his new film Fading Gigolo to Dallas to open the festival. His latest is narrative is about a NY native who when faced with losing his job enters into the world’s oldest profession, and ends up finding something he didn’t know he was looking for. Fading Gigolo is an oddball film but one that deep down has a heart and a message about the simplest of life’s pursuits – love, relationships and a sense of belonging. Written, directed and starring John Turturro, the film is Turturro’s fifth…
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Video Interview…’Dom Hemingway’ Writer/Director Richard Shepard
Director Richard Shepard’s wild imagination allows him to write skewed or jaded characters that are as enticing as they are off-putting. Each of his so-called protagonists (if you can classify anyone as the “good guy” please tell us how) is so close to the breaking point but manages to find redemption at the very last second. One thing is for sure; whether it’s Pierce Brosnan as the assassin who is hilariously at the end of his rope or, in this case, Jude Law who has come apart in every possible way Shepard’s fantastic characters are so oddly appealing. We sat with Richard for an in-depth interview. He talks to us…
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Interview…Legendary Brazilian Musician and ‘Rio 2’ Soundtrack Producer Sergio Mendes
Sergio Mendes is a producer, composer, keyboardist and vocalist whose influence on the music industry has spanned five decades and continues to evolve through new collaborations and mediums. One of the most internationally successful Brazilian artists of all time, Mendes started his career with the groups Bossa Rio and the Sergio Mendes Trio but it was Sergio Mendes and Brasil ’66 which sparked global stardom. Mendes added soul and funk to his jazz and pop and Mendes’ signature mix of bossa nova/samba and his distinctive pop instrumentation features melodies with distinct sophistication and alluring sexiness that ultimately came to define Brazilian music for many music enthusiasts around the world. In the…
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Interview…Film Music Composer Stephen Endelman Discusses Scoring ‘Rob the Mob’
Raymond De Felitta’s latest film Rob the Mob is based on the true story of the New York couple who would pulled off Mafia heists during the Gotti trial in the early 1990s. It stars Michael Pitt, Nina Arianda, Andy Garcia and Ray Romano and this period film finds composer Stephen Endelman re-teaming with the Oscar-nominated filmmaker. Last week we were fortunate to speak with this seasoned musician to discuss his work on the film. Endelman, who was actually living in NY during the original heist incidents, crafts a wonderfully simple musical backdrop to the love story of this modern day Bonnie & Clyde as well as the grittiness of their…
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Home Grown Texas Talent Interview Series – Film and TV Composer Darius Holbert Talks Peter Berg, Hulu and His Experiences in the Music Industry
Darius Holbert is an award-winning composer of music for film, TV, and new media and has written scores for a gaggle of international films and television shows. Less than a decade in the industry he’s already been afforded the opportunity to work with such film and TV luminaries as Robin Williams, Kevin Spacey, Bobcat Goldthwait, J.J. Abrams, and many more. His work has even been featured in hit TV shows like American Horror Story, Lost, The Client List, Grey’s Anatomy, American Idol, and Crash. Aside from scoring to picture, Darius has been commissioned to compose operas, modern dance pieces, and chamber works. He has appeared on a ton of records…
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Video Interview…Director Rob Minkoff On Adapting ‘Mr. Peabody & Sherman’
Last week director Rob Minkoff made a stop in Dallas to promote his latest film, the feature-length adaptation of Jay Ward’s classic animated show Mr. Peabody & Sherman. No stranger to animation Minkoff is the driving force behind successful family fare like the Stuart Little series, the Roger Rabbit short films “Tummy Trouble” and “Roller Coaster Rabbit” and of course The Lion King. Yup, he directed Disney’s animated classic way back in 1994 and now 20 years later, going by what we saw at the Press screening, Mr. Minkoff (and DreamWorks Animation) looks to have another huge hit on his hands. We sat down with Rob to talk about the film,…
