Andrew Morgan Smith, the mastermind behind the captivating score of the hit film Average Joe, is anything but average. His unique blend of grandeur and innovation has struck a chord with audiences worldwide, elevating the film's emotional impact and helping define the genre. Today, we sit down with Andrew to discuss his creative process, the challenges of scoring a film, and the power of music to tell a story.Let's dive in. Editor's note: the following interview is edited for length and clarity. - YouTube www.youtube.com No Film School: What are some specific ways in which you aimed to give Average Joe a sonic identity distinct from other films in the genre?Andrew Morgan Smith: Discovering the sonic identity for Average Joe was a real challenge. It’s a blend of sports movie, Christian film, and drama, so the score had to be just as distinctive, while reflecting elements of each genre. After some experimentation with director Harold Cronk, we settled on a fusion of old-school strings and guitars, complemented by unique synthesizers that added rich pads and textures. The goal was to keep the score engaging without being overbearing.NFS: In what ways did your experience with horror projects influence your approach to scoring a drama like Average Joe?Smith: Surprisingly, some of the most effective horror scores are incredibly subtle. Scores like Jerry Goldsmith’s Alien or Ennio Morricone’s The Thing build tension through texture and nuance, relying on restraint rather than bombast. Learning when to pull back is a skill that comes with...
Published By: NoFilmSchool - Tuesday, 24 September, 2024