Film Composers and Filmmakers Collaborate at VCU

In an effort to foster collaboration between film composers and filmmakers at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), my film composition students had an enlightening experience with Cinema students of Professor Sheree Chen.

This initiative began a few weeks ago when the Cinema students graciously invited my students to The Depot, their program house, to gain a firsthand understanding of their filmmaking process.

During their visit, my students had the opportunity to witness the intricacies of shooting a film, observe behind-the-scenes activities, and even participate as extras in the Cinema students' projects.

Students on the set

This immersive experience not only provided valuable insights into the filmmaking process but also allowed my students to appreciate the complexities involved in bringing a cinematic vision to life.

Building on this initial interaction, my film composition students recently presented their work to the Cinema students, offering a glimpse into the world of film scoring. Some of my students have already composed music for Cinema projects, showcasing their talent and versatility in adapting their compositions to enhance visual storytelling.

I am incredibly proud of my students' work and their dedication to their craft. This exchange of knowledge and experiences has laid a solid foundation for future collaborations between these two groups of talented individuals. By bridging the gap between film composers and filmmakers at VCU, we are paving the way for innovative and captivating projects that showcase the creative synergy between these disciplines.

I am also excited to announce that we will be offering a new B.A. in Music with a concentration in Media Scoring starting next fall. This program will provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the field of media scoring, further enhancing our ability to collaborate with our colleagues in the Cinema program.

I am confident that the connections made during these interactions will lead to exciting new collaborations, enriching both the Media Scoring and Cinema programs at VCU.