MUSIC FOR ANIMATION: WORK IN PROGRESS

Some recent music composition for an experimental animation piece. The film is all about imagery that shifts, drifts, and dissolves. The visual presentation is somewhat lo-fi, yet expansive and abstract.

After watching and thinking about the animation, what seemed appropriate was to put together some conventional music— something jazzy and “vintage” made sense (made 100% with virtual instruments)— and then, as I often do, use the individual tracks as source material for audio collage. As ever, it’s like crafting a stained glass window, shattering it, and then reassembling the shards in some new configuration.

At this point I’ve “futzed” the sound of the music to make it resemble something coming out of an antique radio. Eventually I’ll probably add some vinyl pops to make it sound more like an old record player. I’ve already started scrambling the elements to pull a score together. It’s been a lot of fun so far.

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SOUND EDIT, FOLEY + MIX FOR SHORT FILM: "THESE IMPERFECT GIFTS"

I recently put the finishing touches on sound edit, Foley, and mix for Oxford Comma Films’ short film “These Imperfect Gifts”, directed by Vanessa M.H. Powers-- a glimpse into the lives of a couple dealing with the aftermath of a miscarriage. In the audio post process we felt our way through the alternating numbness, pain, and anger felt by the characters as they stumble toward a sense of reckoning. Powers and I agreed there was a need for focus on small, intimate sounds like the tap of fingers on cardboard, soft cloth friction, and creaking floorboards. We gave the film a sense of delicate dynamics that I hope allows for the interior spaces of the characters’ thoughts to resonate. Looking forward to seeing this head out on to the festival circuit!

More sound by Mike Hallenbeck for film

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THEATER PEOPLE SEASON FIVE PILOT

Screening this coming Saturday September 26th, as part of MN Web Fest: We recently wrapped audio post production on the pilot for Season Five of the Theater People web series. The episode features an original musical score, sound edit and mix by yours truly. Of note is a six and a half minute back story montage, which I scored with some rustic acoustic pop that morphs “Long Goodbye”-style into diegetic country music on a bar jukebox, contemporary R&B-flavored synth pop, lilting harp to accompany a scene from “Romeo and Juliet”, and eventually back into itself. Plus I got to edit and mix dialog by some of my favorite Minnesota actors, like Stacia Rice and John Middleton! There’s also a drum solo in this episode. Don’t be afraid.

More original music by Mike Hallenbeck for film

More sound edit and mix by Mike Hallenbeck for film

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