The Phone Call

Today was a day just like any other. I woke up as late as my body would let me and planned for a nice, lazy day. Lauren was reading a book when I met her in the TV room, so I decided to play some games on my computer. Then my phone rang. It was a 310 number, so I knew it was from California, but I wasn't expecting any calls. So I pick up and I hear "Hi Brenton? My name is Christian. I'm Rupert Gregson-Williams assistant." So obviously my heart starts beating out of my throat. He told me that he had received my resume from Atli's assistant and wanted to talk to me more. So I hung up. Of course I didn't do that, he wanted to know a bit about me and what sort of things I had done.

I told Christian about playing piano and getting my degree and then moving on to local projects here in CT. Then I described my fellowship. He asked about my moving situation and finally wanted me to send him some of my songs for him and Rupert to take a look at. He said he'd pass the word along to Rupert and then they'd get back to me. So after coming down to earth, I processed all that had happened to me and got to picking out sample works that I hope will show them that I would be a good asset to them. After I had sent the sample songs out, I got another email from him. The email said that they were looking for someone to start next week because Christian was leaving, and because I wasn't planning on getting to CA until August 14, they wouldn't be able to consider me. End of story.

But wait. The only reason I was planning on leaving when I was was because I hadn't heard from any composers needing a job out there, so I didn't want to leave my friends and family earlier than I had to. But if there was a job on the line, I would definitely come right out if needed. So I emailed that back to them, and within seconds of my sending the email, Christian was on the phone with me again. He said that it was very bold of me to just be willing to come right out if needed, and bold is good if you want a good position. At that he starting describing the job. He said that first and foremost I would be a tech guy. I would make sure that the computers are running, and I would install software and make sure everything goes smoothly on the computer front. Then I would be setting up recording gear for live instrumentals and dealing with orchestral directors and music engravers as most of Rupert's music is recorded with a live orchestra!  Then he said I would also be writing as Rupert is too busy to do everything himself, and it would be credited writing, meaning I would be in the credits of films right away! He did say that starting out I'd be working 10-14 hour days sometimes 6 days a week, but that it's so rewarding and nothing beats working for such a big name composer.

Impressed that I'm willing to do all this, he said he was going to set up a video chat with Rupert (who is in London right now) for tomorrow, and that will serve as my in person interview! So within the next 24 hours my life could be changed forever and within days I could be on my way to start my dream job.

Of course there's always the chance that the will go with someone else, but this is the closest I've ever come to a job this big...or a job at all in this field, so I can't help but be so excited. And it's all moving so fast. From playing games on the couch to planning the rest of my life in a matter of hours. It's crazy.

So I went and downloaded some of Rupert's music on iTunes and it's just the style I love to write myself! I feel like if given this job I could learn so much from him. So I'm on pins and needles and my phone is on loud and will let you know the results as soon as I get them!

Good Things May Await

It's been a while since my last post so let me fill you in. First off, I started hearing back from people. I heard from Alan Menken's manager first. Although not the best news, I got a legitimate answer from him, rather than a "we don't accept any questions in this manner" sort of messages. Rick thanked me for the kind words about Alan and told me that Alan only does the Disney films, and no others, so he's not working all year round. Because of that, he has no need for a full time assistant. He then gave me some tips on how to contact other composers. I was so happy to hear back (as I didn't think I would) and he was so polite. With that done, I continued to wait.

Next I heard back from a girl, Lisa, from BMI. She told me to call her when I got out to California and we would meet at the BMI offices so she could give me some career advice. It's good to see the agency that I'm now a member of actually try to help it's clients so I'm looking forward to that. Meantime I've been doing some local projects. I was contacted by a man named Jake Wynne  who has done some real impressive work for the BBC. He had just completed a very short Sci-fi film and wanted me to do the music for it. The music he wanted to be very out there and alien-sounding but not in the cliche way, and then switch to a more emotional feel. This film is proving to be a real challenge but I love working with someone so articulate and passionate with their craft. I'm on draft 3 of the soundtrack, and rather than being frustrated with being asked to do so many changes, I'm loving it! I'm so used to people just saying "I have no idea how music for a film works, so just do whatever you want". This time around he gave me the feel he wanted, and then on each draft told me what he liked and what he wanted to change. What Jake does different that I love is that instead of telling me what he didn't like he actually told me what he wanted to have the music do differently from what I had written, so this project is a blast. I think we're nearing a finished product here, so I can't wait to see how it turns out.

I've also had a few interesting conversations of late. I was invited to a production meeting in Hartford last week for a feature film that I may be doing music for. All I know at the moment is that it is an "urban action film" but that feel to me like it would need a big sound which is my specialty. I was asked to bring some samples of my work, and was asked a lot of questions by the director, but overall they seemed impressed so I hope I get that gig. Also, one of the actors from our sci-fi film from last year is also producing a feature and asked me to do the music. It just started production so I won't have anything to do for a while, but it's good to have some future projects lined up.

Finally I got some west coast news. First, I heard back from Atli. He told me he was on vacation, but when he got back, he would let me know if anyone is looking for work. Completely unrelated, but Atli's assistant just emailed me today and told me that Rupert Gregson-Williams will be looking for an assistant next month (conveniently the month I get to CA). He's the brother of Harry Gregson-Williams, who's done films like Narnia. Rupert has done a lot of films too, and I checked out some of his soundtracks on iTunes, and his style is very similar to mine so I really hope this one works out. Atli's assistant told me that I'm coming in a bit late in the game, so Rupert already has some people high on his list, so the chances are a bit slim at this point, but a chance is a chance. I sent a resume already so all I need to do now is wait and see.

Other than all that I've been slowly packing and just enjoying this last month with my family and friends. Hopefully I'll have some good things to report very soon.