 Paul Moessl Composing for television dramaRecord producer Paul Moessl had worked with the likes of Sir Cliff Richard in a long and successful musical career. At 40 he felt a step change was needed and entered the 2006 New Talent New TV Composers scheme.
One of twelve finalists who attended a weekend workshop, Paul was invited off the back of that to pitch for a one off BBC Four drama, "Who Killed Mrs De Ropp?"
He secured the TV commission and here looks back on working for a television drama and reflects on how best to work collaboratively with television producers and directors. Q1. How do you compose a score for a television drama? You often work to rough cuts within the guidelines the director has given you. On "Who Killed Mrs De Ropp?" each character conjures up a certain attitude in the music. Children in a story will call up a playful energy but if there's also a sinister side you need to mix childlike with a certain tension. The pictures are the primary thing but the music can be powerful in teasing out attitudes that are not necessarily in the visual. Q2. What did you learn from working on your first TV drama? Each job is different and each director has a different take on what he wants. You need to be musically nimble. Composing music for picture is a collaborative process. Q3. What advice would you give any aspiring TV composer? Don't be precious with your music. You need to tuck yourself inside the director's vision of the drama. Hone your craft, sharpen your tools. If there's an area of music you're least expressed in develop your skills there. It broadens your base as a composer. Apply yourself. Be ready to communicate with people on your team. Paul's success story Paul's showcase |
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