Scoring Greg Anderson’s web series “2”

Scoring Greg Anderson’s exciting new web series “2” required a rethink of the choice of theme.  Over the last month or two, Greg and I have been discussing the type of soundtrack needed for “2”, and we think we have settled on an interesting but simple idea.

As with any other composer, the script and the backstory are central to the theme. Most themes should be an earworm. Once heard and seen with powerful visuals, the audience will remember it.

By relying on the brain’s ability to sample and hold sound, the director can use visuals and sound to create that “can’t get enough” feeling in the audience. For example, if someone mentions Darth Vader, the first thing that comes to mind is John Williams’ Imperial March. Wonderfully orchestrated and an exciting piece of music which fits Darth Vader to such an extent that for decades, fans have hummed the tune, visualising the dark knight. Thank you, maestro John Williams!

So here is the thing…..it doesn’t need to be full symphonic. Listen to Dave Porter’s theme for “Breaking Bad”, slide guitar, flanged drums, and bass guitar fit the series perfectly. In fact,  the theme alludes to Class A drugs.
Whilst that sounds simple, its very difficult to “marry” key character or plot concepts from the script to the music and this is where the composer’s creative skills are tested.
So where does the director fit in? The director is central to the entire creative process; visuals and sound have to work really well together. Greg outlined a few key concepts to me, whilst I was scoring the theme for “2”, and these are my go-to checklists.