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Thank you for making this short film. I really enjoyed this and this helped me out a lot. I have been a music producer for years specifically in hip-hop, rnb, and electronica. I have been approached by a few people that I should start scoring films. I always had imposter syndrome because I don't know a lot of theory, but seeing these film composers share the same thoughts is almost a relief now.

Any recommendations on good sound/sample libraries I can buy? Looking for strings, brass, percussion and sound scapes. 🙏

"On an Ipad!" Can we please stop with the blatant Steve Jobs fanboying... The Ipad sucks because it doesn't run the right software. Get a Mac M1 at least, or any old pc, it really doesn't matter. You can work on an office machine from 2010 with no problems, you will not get far with the lack of software available on an Ipad. It was cringe when Zimmer said it, and it's still cringe... Install Reaper on your $50 office pc, record some stuff with a Musio subscription... Let the humility wash over you when you realize you're not the next HZ, and go back to work at Burger King until you get that truly unique idea that actually leads somewhere.

Loved this! Thank you for sharing ❤

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Woman composer ? , Hildegard von Bengeren; 900 years ago - blow me

pull up an instance of Omnisphere. Load up a soundscape/texture, press one key. Boom! You're a composer! Yay! LOL But seriously, there are no deadly consequences to hiring somebody who doesn't know harmony/theory to score your film. Though i wouldn't suggest you hire somebody who doesn't know how an airplane works to fly you to California. I would not hire somebody who is not a trained mechanic to fix my transmission. Most modern film scores are not traditional orchestra anymore anyway. So anything goes. Enjoy it now guys and girls, because in a couple more years, AI will be scoring everything. I'm getting out of this business and starting a teaching academy for exactly that reason. Don't be part of the fray that get's left behind. Start figuring out what you're going to do NOW. Don't wait!

How the f is this documentary so so wholesome. Great Job Heikki

We humans are getting lost in the understanding and forgetting the feeling. Thank you Heikki for this beautiful documentary. I am a Musician (pianist, composer, producer) and what I love is to create. A creator is just and ORGANIZER and inspiration ADDICT, we are just organizing what nature and technology already provide. ;)

What a beautiful Documentary, I loved it I feel very identified with what was mentioned in the video I am always doubting that "I am on the right path", that my compositions are "technically correct" and that I am studying music in the "correct way". The concept of "correct" is always in my mind Sometimes I wonder if the composition I have made would be approved by a professional composer, if they would tell me that what I have done is effective. I'm constantly doubting and I'm confused I have gone through many obstacles to improve, and I have been extremely frustrated and saturated but in the end it was worth it because I see that I have made progress And I know there is still a lot of work ahead. Some time ago I also started contacting other high-level musicians to ask them if they could give me some advice that could help me and enrich me as a musician. Basically learning from the greatest musicians And the truth is that he brought me some surprises, a musician who I thought would have a great knowledge of musical theory, that he would have read many books and musical courses or that he had gone to a good academy. And in the end it turned out that he had no idea about music theory, he never watched a single theory video, claiming that it was very boring for him. Just work by ear until you find something that sounds good. Another musician that I contacted and who in my opinion is superior to the previous one, if he had knowledge of theory but did not use it to compose music I simply imagined what I wanted to convey with his music and looked for a way to do it. And some others also contact me and more or less the same story. None left musical theory in a good place I am not trying to say that the theory is useless, I have simply mentioned what other high-level musicians told me. And you all know that this debate between Theoretical Fanboys and Theoretical Haters is endless Not long ago I discovered "Jameson Nathan Jones" He says that musical theory and musical composition, despite complementing each other, are different things. I recommend you visit his website because I personally think that he is a musician who knows what he is talking about. I agree with what these composers have said, the most important thing is to be happy making music and enjoy the journey As the saying goes "It's not the treasure, it's the search" Enjoy and appreciate your path in music and do not underestimate it just because you are not world-renowned composers. But I also encourage Composers to be ambitious. You also have to aspire big. Someday I will become an Elite Composer/Musician and create a Legacy that will inspire other musicians. I am currently taking courses and I also want to start other more professional ones because I want to learn a lot to improve as a Composer/Musician. And you have to put into practice what you learn, otherwise what you have studied is of no use. I am also creating a work system that is efficient and that gives me decent results when working on my musical projects. And I recommend exactly the same to everyone, study, practice and a lot of dedication if you want to go far in music. Much success to all All the best🤘🏻

Is the back ground a fractal or soemthing? i cant tell if its a photo or a fractal

Here's my honest but unfiltered opinion. I think people miss the melodic era of film scores. That being the John Williams era. Because John Williams went through the whole music theory things, it doesn't mean that everyone else has to take music theory. Keep in mind this "genius" is one who technically plagiarized other composers from the classical era. (I really don't like John Williams, sorry.) Everything Christian Henson says in this documentary is absolutely right. Now, I don't know much music theory. Do I class myself "a composer"? Yes, I do, because the melody comes out of MY head which means it was composed by ME. I read a comment on this video comparing music composing to writing a book, which is utter bullshit if you ask me. Music as a whole is a very controversial topic. You say one wrong thing in this industry, and you get scolded for having your opinion. To close off my opinions on this topic, I think that you shouldn't listen to those music theorists and those who think that melody is dying, the ones who try to tell you what you can and can't do, in this industry there's no "rules". Everyone seems to think there's rules to film music, there isn't. Make the music YOU want to make. Also to whoever reads through this whole comment, good on you.

When I started my composing journey nearly 3 years ago, I knew there would be doubt about whether I'm fooling myself thinking I'm actually a composer so I wrote the phrase "I am a composer" in 6 or 7 languages on a white board as a sort of mantra / reminder that I get to decide who I want to be, not a set of unwritten rules that determine whether I am a composer or not. Nowadays the doubt does not come from the act of composing but rather from how to turn of my perception of it being just a hobby to one of being a career, albeit one that has yet to be profitable in any way. I think we all suffer from this in one form or another, the trick is figuring out who are the people who will help you get where you need to be for it to be a fulfilling career.

This was great! Wonderful insight and the threads are woven together really well. Thanks for making it!

Thank you. I needed this.

For the purists in the comments (with love ♥️) Michael Jackson didn't read music, and didn't know how to play any instruments. I don't think he's less "composer", "artist" or "musician". I just met an amazing guitar player with an incredible technique and ear but doesn't know any music theory. Not even the chord names! Music is about expressing feelings. The theory is just a bunch of names we came up with to label what we hear. I love music theory, and I nerd a lot about it. But I don't think it's necessary at all! If you want to check out the guitar play I was talking search "Nick Protonarios Metalizing Power Rangers".

I watched this 3 times already. I love this documentary so much. We don't have to question ourselves, we have to just trust our instincts and do what our gut tell us. Feel, don't think!

This is a invaluable video. Thank you for putting this together. I liked how did you structured the chapters and how the message get into the soul of the composer.

This was just a fantastic piece to happen upon. Thank you for putting this out in the world. It speaks volumes to MANY of the thoughts, aspirations and personal roadblocks all composers come up against. Really appreciate this being out there.

I always wanted to be a film composer. It was always a passion as I loved and still love how music and sound complement cinematography and story telling. I didn't get to do it (well not yet anyway) but I have written for theatre, write songs and music for myself as a passionate musician singer and guitarist. I write using notation as it is one of my preferred ways to 'record' my ideas but that in itself is not music theory, it is simply a skill, like being able to write your thoughts in a diary. Knowing how to write words does not make you a linguist. Being a linguist does not make you a poet. The grammar of both language and music is not how we explain how those two skills work, grammar is, the sounds and shapes of the communication tool and knowing that, is implicit and purely based on the ability to produce and communicate an idea, not on knowing why it works or how it has broken 'rules'. It is purely the sound. So no, knowing what established rules are, does not make you creative or in control of the process. Hearing the ideas in your head and knowing the power of their ability to communicate your ideas is the true grammar and 'theory' of language and music. If you record that on tape, or digital or a piece of paper, is irrelevant. Music starts in the brain or the inner ear, not in a theory or grammar book. I link music and language because the point of origin in the brain and their purpose and how we acquire both abilities are inextricably linked.

Ok as a composer I had to stop at 220- because it was clear then it was the usual nonsense and lack of understanding. First a film composer is more sound designer composer hybrid- a monetary activity , a composer writes for themselves because it MUST be done and doesn’t consider opinions, it is a spiritual and existential activity. I am also a film composer so don’t get me wrong just a “painter” who paints buildings and a “painter” who creates a movement are different things. Same thing. Second killing blow is MY GOD WHY WONT THAT OLAF TOOL JUST GO AWAY?! His music is acoustic pablum he makes using so many software gadgets he only has to press one button and “music” comes out and he’s hailed as a genius like freaking CONTINUALLY! Am I just jealous? No. Am I bothered by seeing the same nihilistic consumerism and mob-thinking guiding peoples concept of what a composer is? YES!!!!! Does it bother me that freaking glorious OLAF presses a button or two and the computer does the rest and legions fall to their knees in worship while I write out the entire freaking symphony one after another and a pin drops? YES ABSOLUTELY! But not in the catapult to assumption reasons but for THE SAME REASONS THAT THE 1% ECONOMIC DISPARITY IS WRONG. I know 100 BRILLIANT composers and would be completely happy if any one of them took the place of these never ending soulless drones. It doesn’t have to be me, just the LEAST talented composers are the most famous and rewarded and the MOST talented are absolutely ignored. Mozarts across the world dying unheard while FREAKING OLAF’S computer barfs out another “ambient ostinato” or however he sells his musical Diet Pepsi. You likely think I’m wrong and LOVE the people in this video. Um everyone loves the same people is an instant red flag that consumer brainwashing may be close to home… Reality is these are shitty composers period. There are countless brilliant composers who NEVER EVEN GET A HOPE OF A CHANCE BECAUSE ASSHATS LIKE OLAF ARE IN EVERY DAMN VIDEO BLATHERING ABOUT THEIR GENIUS METHOD (he presses pads that play full tracks for him like a 13 year old DJ that’s his method. His music is WRITTEN BY A COMPUTER how do you not see this is fd up? HOW?!

Is sound design my friend!

NIce documentary...I just would invite some "more classical" (meaning someone who use pencil and paper) film composers, cause this is highlight of "same kind" modern film composers. For example...Christian Henson..trying to convince that you should express yourself without any limitations ..I agree with that...but also there is an other side of the coin which is knowing what you doing and making things as good as possible. For ex. if you are doing something for orchestra (practically every modern film composer makes something for orchestra), you should know capabilities of this people and not relay on sound from your computer...for ex. Christian is talking about hating a musical theory...yes, cause he did not understand that this theory helps music being more diverse (specially if he writes for orchestra it is kind of cue-like and not so much interesting pieces)..so I would be careful with this opinion.

Very useful

I think i can call myself almost real composer xD I wasn't in music school, but i do study theory by myself and i use it. I didn't work in movie industry yet :P Today people complain, but 100 years later you are genius xD As i understand how to define composer is restricted by how you organize music and style. But in the end you can not limit music.

Almost all those “film music” sounds all the same.

I love how Christian Henson warns us about the dangers of dogma...while other composers demonstrated dogmatic thinking.

What a beautiful production - erinomaista työtä, hyvin mielenkiintoinen aihe, selvästi paljon vaivaa takana, ja lopulta vielä täysin yhtenäinen ja punaisen lankansa kauttaaltaan niin säilyttävä kuin suoristavakin - kiitos!

Thank you for this❤

Nice, thank you!

Nice one! 👍

I feel you Man !!!

thanks for this, so well said...let´s keep up being music

Thank you for this film. Amazing!

Well done. Great Film and detailed insights. Thanks for that film!! 🤩

7:19 and why not? The quality of your skills define the quality and dignity of your art. If you have less skills you are less professional. You have to find another way to compensate this. And this way is most of the time exaggerated, unless you are among the blessed native speakers of music who are at high level of skill and professionalism without a systematic study. With less music theory you are LESS useful as a composer. And who gets triggered and consumed TIME with this question are the ignorants, while the educated ones are concerned with their subjects. You are not forced to study music, no composer is, but you deserve what you can give. The problem starts when one thinks he deserves the same as the guy who can give more, measured by a pure and similar professional paramater: with more skill, you are more useful and the money is better spend. The less music theory, the more pure artistic geniality (or technology…)is needed . So here comes the answer about who is the arrogant in the matter .

I’m a guitarist who forced himself to learn to create music on piano (i’m still a bad piano performer) using my musical culture and imagination to help me overcome the limits of my self thought musical knowledge. Am i a good composer? I don’t care. I’m only interested in arouse emotions in the listeners

Lovely documentary, and a great reminder to everyone that you don't have to be dependent of what the huge plugin-makers sends out of pre-packaged expensive sounds. Use what you have, express yourself with what is available at your fingertips. I did this one from stock in a DAW except from some of Chris's free strings after a stroke (blood clot in brain) : th-cam.com/video/hcaA105leiU/w-d-xo.html 🙂

The composers in this documentary are, to me being just a hobbyist musician, placeholders for basically everyone, every human questioning oneself. What you do, how you do it and how you act, interact in life. One step is acceptance, not in the sense of ignorance but in a way to have the ability to move on without doubting at least too much.

Great film, and very important one! Thank you for doing this.

Networking skills and the right opportunities at the right time does it besides being a great musician….

To me there‘s a very simple answer. I dont like when people (or i) do something only to get something. That’s not sustainable, that’s hunting for illusions, that is even being driven by illusions, a fantasy world. The illusion of an outcome will become bigger than the outcome itself. So focus on what you put into something and give, to reach it. That‘s where you spend all the time and where you live in the moment! In my opinion the journey will always be the reward. I enjoy exploring and writing music, figure everything out. Feel the emotions, damn that (harmony and creation) is such a unique and incredible feeling. So there is only a very small value for me in finished pieces/projects, but a high value in how i get there. If this isn‘t your focus, you do it for something else, like fame, recognition, money - and that‘s all an illusion and influence by the outside to fill your empty inside. Find your passion from the inside, it‘s always untouchable, unbreakable and unreachable! When you deeply love to compose and are really touched by the process itself, you are a composer. Noone has the right to entitle or deny that. 🖤🪡

I like that this video was provocative! I need provoking. I am a good composer, but am pulled so many directions, I feel like an abstract painting. Relativity is always leaving me in a state of confusion. In saying that, I am going to see what next idea flows from my fingers and mind. I hate that making money always gets stuck in the middle of it all.

Pro tip: If you're making a documentary on being a "real" composer, don't include clips of you playing a midi controller that is clearly not plugged into anything lmao

Thank you very much , really needed this as a beginner with great passion. The music in the film is so so good .

Brilliant! Thank you for your work and thanks to all the composers for their wonderful words in this. Beautiful music playing all along too.

💪🏻

Great video! Thank you making it. Some great and thought provoking questions and topics you explore.

A very very interesting Documentation !

What reverb(s) did you use? Your soundtrack was great!