Q : INTO THE STORM

dir. Cullen Hoback

This score first references the dawn of the internet through a focus on 8-bit sounds, reminiscent of early video games, and then builds into a more sweeping, serious score to represent the internet-meets-real work phenomenon Q and Q’s acolytes. I wanted to underscore the slow burn into destructive, conspiratorial chaos that director Cullen Hoback captures.

Of course, documentary work is often time-sensitive as we seek to illuminate events unfolding in real hours and minutes. That said, the production series progressed on an especially tight schedule. For example, the final cut of Episode 6 (the last episode of the series) locked in mid-February, and relied heavily on footage Cullen captured in person at the January 6 riots at the  Capitol. The show aired in March. This was all during Covid lockdown, and all post mixing happened online and over Zoom. Working this way required flexibility, and clear, efficient communication in the midst of a shared adrenaline haze. 

MONEY ELECTRIC : THE BITCOIN MYSTERY

dir. Cullen Hoback

Unlike Q: Into the Storm, this investigative journalism project centered on Bitcoin was more traditionally paced, with two months between lock and delivery. I developed the musical themes of “faux-royal a la fake money” and “Succession” through strings, synths and self-created instruments. I used a small chamber-style approach to the orchestral cues (all strings were recorded live at my studio) and to record bells and metals for a percussion-as-coin vibe.

KILLER LIES : CHASING A TRUE CRIME CON MAN

dir. Ben Selkow

This series’ score was a fantastic challenge. It needed to maintain the tension and propulsion of a criminal investigation, while also allowing for space for the viewer to process and for the possible reveal of a surprising villain.  I drew “noir” influence from Bernard Hermann’s Hitchcock scores, as well as Tangerine Dream and Vangelis. To offset the tension and to provide a breath of unexpected perspective, I wrote rhythmical and percussive string arrangements for a small section with horns and woodwinds to provide lightness and breath from the investigation. My constant goal was to balance mystery and the intrusion of the absurd with compassion and respect for the real victims of gendered violence,

This unusual take on the classic road narrative takes the perspective of Marie, a fiercely independent and vulnerable woman in her seventies. I wanted to offer this score from the archives since I was tasked with expressing this indomitable female character’s external quest and complex inner life. I used clarinet, baritone guitar, piano and simple string lines to accompany this character on her journey and to honor the actor who plays Marie, film legend Shirley Knight.