The best part of making films for me is planning the music. Even Edison himself stated that the invention of the kinetoscope was always intended to be accompanied by the kinetophone. During the entire process of planning and scoring, I can't remember how many times Justin or myself echoed the idea that "sound must marry to the picture" from our mutual guru David Lynch.
Thus, before I wrote the script {this is still during the stage of just bringing together all of the scattered notes and pieces}, I assembled a playlist. Either texturally, lyrically or sonically, these songs helped give form to the film. I gave this playlist to Jean Goto {A}, Justin and Anton Calderon (co-composer) . Some of the included songs ended being part of the film's temp score, which is a fun version to watch; it's like a visual mixtape. Too bad there was no money for licensing those.
In order to get the mood perfect from the first frame, Justin composed a great piece of electronic blues for which we brought in Eirik Chevarud on saxophone. We all grew up together in U.City {boy scouts, soccer, the old apt with our landlord's "6666" sex dungeon}, so it was a good experience. Working with friends isn't like working at all. After a long day, we got a great opening theme.
Photos from Recording Session: here
Live Take of Eirik Recrding Theme: here and here
For those interested, here's the original temp score track list: (try lining up to the music in the film now)
1.) "Blade Runner Blues" - Vangelis, Blade Runner OTS
2.) "Ghosts II 13" - Nine Inch Nails (also the song from the trailer)
3.) "Zhora's Retirement" - Vangelis, Blade Runner OTS
4.) "She's So" - Roykspopp
5.) "Untitled" - Amon Tobin feat. Kid Koala
6.) "Joseph" - Tricky
7.) "Plainsong" - The Cure
You can hear a lot of the influences in the final film, but Justin and Anton did a great job taking things even further. Fun time.
jce
