SCENE 01 / MUSIC COMPOSITION SCORING
Music Composition & Scoring
Original music that elevates storytelling through emotional resonance, thematic development, and unforgettable melodies that define your production.
Here is how this works in practice. Music composition and scoring create original musical works tailored to a production's emotional arc, pacing, and narrative themes. Composers work with directors to develop thematic material, orchestrate arrangements, and record scores that elevate storytelling and create the emotional signature of a finished film or program.
Here is the short of it. We connect you with composers and scoring facilities suited to your project's musical style and budget. Our team sets up the creative joint work between composer and director, managing demo reviews, recording sessions, and final delivery to make sure your production's score boosts each moment of your story.
Capabilities
Music Composition Excellence
Creating the emotional heartbeat of visual storytelling through original musical works that enhance narrative impact and transport audiences.
01
Original Scores
Custom music tailored to your story with unique thematic development.
Unique
02
Full Orchestration
From intimate solo instruments to sweeping symphonic arrangements.
Range
03
Genre Versatility
Classical, contemporary, electronic, and hybrid scoring styles.
Flexibility
04
Thematic Unity
Cohesive musical storytelling that supports narrative arc.
Cohesion
Composition Services
Production Capabilities
Our Composition Process
We follow a collaborative creative process that ensures your musical vision is fully realized from initial concept to final delivery.
Creative Meeting
We talk about your vision, review picture, and set up musical direction including style, instrumentation, and emotional goals.
Theme Development
We compose and present main themes for approval, refining until they perfectly capture your story's emotional essence.
Score Production
We compose cues to picture, recording with live musicians and/or virtual instruments to create your complete score.
Final Delivery
We deliver mixed music stems, cue sheets, and all records for integration into your final mix.
Why Us
Why Choose Our Music Services
01.
Creative Excellence
Award-winning composers and arrangers.
02.
Emotional Impact
Music that moves audiences profoundly.
03.
Picture Perfect
Precise sync to visuals.
04.
Rights Management
Complete ownership and licensing clarity.
On Location
Plan 9, Howard Shore lineage, and taonga puoro integration through Wellington scoring stages
Here is how this works in practice. We connect shoots with composers and scoring stages anchored in Wellington's Park Road Post lineage, where Howard Shore's three Oscar-winning Lord of the Rings scores were finished and James Horner's Avatar collaborations with Weta were aligned to picture. Park Road's scoring stage handles 60-piece orchestral sessions with Decca-tree main pairs, outriggers, and surround arrays patched into Pro Tools HDX through Avid MTRX.
Here is how this works in practice. We connect to Plan 9, the NZ-based composer collective of David Long, Janet Roddick, Steve Roche, and Sam Yui who scored alongside Peter Jackson. Today's-generation composers Karl Sölve Steven, Jonathan Crayford, and Don McGlashan (Mutton Birds, Crowded House heritage) deliver bespoke scores out of The capital and Auckland sessions. Native Audio The capital and Imagezoo Auckland host smaller scoring sessions, library music sessions, and source-cue tracking. We set up publisher cue-sheet sign-ups with APRA AMCOS NZ, mechanical and synchronisation licensing, and master-recording chain-of-title records that streaming and broadcast distributors need.
Here is the short of it. NZ music heritage feeds directly into film scoring. Lorde (youngest Grammy winner at 17 for Pure Heroine, 2013), Crowded House under Neil Finn, Bic Runga, Hayley Westenra, Kimbra, Stan Walker, Six60, and Marlon Williams all built careers anchored in Auckland and Wellington studios. The taonga puoro revival movement. Hirini Melbourne, Richard Nunns, Horomona Horo — restored classic Māori instruments (pūtātara, kōauau, pūrerehua, taonga pūoro flutes) to active use, and we set up iwi consultation for shoots integrating these instruments under tikanga. Te reo Māori lyrics work with kaitiaki and reo Māori translators checking pronunciation, kupu choice, and karakia placement. Cross-border scoring with Skywalker Sound (on Cameron shoots) and Sydney's Soundfirm covers Pacific-region distribution. GST 15 percent applies, sessions invoice in NZD, ACC cover applies to musicians and crew.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the composition process work?
Here is the breakdown. We start with a spotting session to identify where music should appear and talk about creative direction. Our composers then develop themes for your approval before scoring person cues. Across the process, we share works-in-progress and incorporate your feedback to make sure the music perfectly serves your vision.
Can you work with a limited budget?
Yes, we give flexible solutions for many budgets. This might have smaller ensemble arrangements, creative use of virtual instruments, or hybrid ways combining live and sampled elements. We'll talk about your budget upfront and propose the best way to boost production value.
Do we own the music rights?
Here is what that looks like on the ground. Mostly, yes. Our standard agreements transfer full ownership of original compositions to you, including all publishing and mechanical rights. We'll clearly outline rights in our contract and give all records needed for music cue sheets and royalty sign-ups.
Can you incorporate live musicians?
Here is how the picture comes together. Fully. We work with pro session musicians and can arrange recording sessions from solo instruments to full orchestras. Live recording adds authentic human expression that elevates scores significantly. We'll recommend the right way based on your musical needs and budget.
Related Services
Productions in New Zealand that need this often pair it with Foley Recording Services, Sound Design Services, and 5.1 Surround Mixing Services for full coverage. Most projects also draw on Music Video Production and Look Development Services.
On Set
Ready for Unforgettable Music?
Let's create an original score that brings your story to life through the power of music.