The score for the BAFTA and Annie-nominated film, Kensuke’s Kingdom, is big, traditional, and symphonic. Directors Neil Boyle and Kirk Hendry initially conceived the project almost as a silent movie, as there is very little dialogue between the two lead characters, who do not speak each other’s language. The music plays a pivotal role in the story-telling, featuring a 60-piece orchestra and a 35-piece choir. Stuart handled every aspect of the music production – composition, orchestration, music editing, supervision of the mix, handling the budget, etc.

He joins us to discuss the highs and lows of this massive project: from the business/budget to the thematic and orchestral development of this gorgeous score.

He also shares his love of orchestral music from Stravinsky to John Williams, and gives his advice on scores to study and the importance of composing horizontally as well as vertically.

https://www.stuarthancock.com/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2fTTVQwaWU