Composers scoring music for films need to be ‘intellectually rigorous’, according to acclaimed Hollywood composer Hans Zimmer.
The German composer, who has written music for more than 150 films including Inception and the Lion King, made the comments during a discussion of his career with techno legend Dave Clarke as part of a panel session at the Amsterdam Music Event (ADE).
Hans was quizzed on numerous topics including his early years in Brighton, working with Trevor Horn on hit single Video Killed the Radio Star and his experiences as one of Hollywood’s most in-demand composers.
Asked for his advice on scoring for film, he said: ‘Music and images should complement each other but not be slaves to each other. They should be able to live and breathe in their own world.
He suggested that when starting out on a film scoring career, composers should think of themselves like members in a band, particularly when working with low budgets.
‘If there is no money, you become like a family, he explained. ‘Making films is very much like being in a band - the great thing about it, your band is really articulate.’
‘I’m not a perfectionist. I try to work with people in my band who are kind and understanding. I’ve done this before when I’ve submitted something and then just thought that’s complete crap. I’ve asked for it back so I can re-do it. One of the things is you have to fail to a certain degree to come up with new things.’
Discussing his musical prowess, Hans admitted that ‘to this day, I’m a good programmer rather than a good player. It took time to convince people that a computer was a legitimate musical instrument.’
Recent reports have confirmed that the Hollywood composer will be working with former Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr on his forthcoming solo album.
The German composer, who has written music for more than 150 films including Inception and the Lion King, made the comments during a discussion of his career with techno legend Dave Clarke as part of a panel session at the Amsterdam Music Event (ADE).
Hans was quizzed on numerous topics including his early years in Brighton, working with Trevor Horn on hit single Video Killed the Radio Star and his experiences as one of Hollywood’s most in-demand composers.
Asked for his advice on scoring for film, he said: ‘Music and images should complement each other but not be slaves to each other. They should be able to live and breathe in their own world.
He suggested that when starting out on a film scoring career, composers should think of themselves like members in a band, particularly when working with low budgets.
‘If there is no money, you become like a family, he explained. ‘Making films is very much like being in a band - the great thing about it, your band is really articulate.’
‘I’m not a perfectionist. I try to work with people in my band who are kind and understanding. I’ve done this before when I’ve submitted something and then just thought that’s complete crap. I’ve asked for it back so I can re-do it. One of the things is you have to fail to a certain degree to come up with new things.’
Discussing his musical prowess, Hans admitted that ‘to this day, I’m a good programmer rather than a good player. It took time to convince people that a computer was a legitimate musical instrument.’
Recent reports have confirmed that the Hollywood composer will be working with former Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr on his forthcoming solo album.
