• Finally can let the cat out of the bag: Just finished the score to Michael Polish's breathtaking BIG SUR, based on the novel by Jack Kerouac, produced by Sean O'Grady and shot by the amazing David Mullen. Bryce and Aaron Dessner (of The National) started a beautiful, haunting score but weren't available to finish it, so I got to write more than half of the film's original music. It was a transcendental experience. The final version of the film premiered at the San Francisco Int'l Film Festival (an earlier version premiered at Sundance 2013.) You can preview and download the end title on my blog.
• Crowdfunding isn't about filthy rich celebs who could raise funds for their vanity projects any number of ways. Crowdfunding is about people helping people create something special that the regular marketplace would otherwise not be able to generate. This poetic documentary about legendary Russian filmmaker Andrei Tarkovsky is a perfect example. I have followed PJ's journey toward finishing this film for the past six years, and thanks to his tireless efforts, enthusiasm and hard work he's almost there.
Based on Tarkovsky's diaries (a must read for any artist, not just those working in film) PJ managed to get an amazing array of people involved, including the late Italian poet Tonino Guerra (who wrote the screenplay to Tarkovsky's "Nostalghia".) If you're a fan of film as art in general, and/or of Tarkovsky's work in particular, support this documentary. Pretty sweet rewards, too!
• Had the immense pleasure of writing music for acclaimed director Mary Harron's short film for Giorgio Armani's 2012/13 collection. Beautiful footage, gorgeous clothes, stylish location - this one was fun to score! Watch it here (turn off music player to the left before you do.)