Steve Greenwood on Specially Composed Music

On the Expedition film we used music  more as a soundscape, a tool to enhance mood, tension, pleasure - it supports the narrative.

Because I tend to work on big international co-pros, we have to clear music all rights all media worldwide so specially composed music often is the best way forward - commercial tracks would be difficult  to afford and library music clearances can get difficult. It is also very hard to find appropriate tracks from disc.

On the "Expeditions" series my composer used mainly computer generated music rather than an orchestra - it suited that style of programme.

Specially composed music gives me a perfect fit.  I enjoy the relationship with the composer, getting him involved early on and having him supply sample tracks once we've discussed the project, aims and audience.  Once we have a few tracks and sounds to work with in the edits, then the palette of music just builds as he composes tracks against rough cuts and finesses them for fine cut.  We can still make minor adjustments up to the final mix to perfect the relationship between music and pictures.  

I'm happy to use library music when it suits the film, - or to mix it with specially composed - but I do love the creativity of working with a composer .  

To find out more about Steve Greenwood's film follow this link to BBC Lost Land of the Jaguar