Interviews with NAT 28
“If I could say it in words, there would be no reason to paint.” - Edward Hopper
The same could be said for composers. Composing music is difficult enough, but try explaining in words what it all means. As far as I know, attaining a PhD in composition requires exactly zero Toastmasters courses. So some years ago, instead of requiring composers to give a public introduction to their compositions, Pittsburgh chamber music ensemble NAT 28 asked me to make a series of interview videos with the winning composers of their annual call for scores. Each year the ensemble picks three compositions to be performed in their Pittsburgh Composers’ Project concert, alongside one or two pieces from established Pittsburgh-based composers. This year, we moved the project under the Bright Archives banner.
For us, the project is an opportunity and a challenge. Given free reign with the style of the video, we’ve been dipping our toes into animation for the opening credits. Last year, as shown in Luis Miguel Delgado Grande’s video (right), we went with a precise, almost surgical, line animation where changes in font were accompanied by wooden sounds. This year, as seen below, we took inspiration from Bruno Munari and the illustrations that pepper the book Design as Art. Our loose computer illustrations transform in shape and position every two video frames, aiming for early Sesame Street claymation vibes mixed with Keith Haring.
The main challenge for this project is the turnaround time. Between the selection of the winning composers and the concert, there’s about three to four weeks. This year, busy schedules meant that we filmed interviews and b-roll a week before the concert. The edit took two evenings, allowing us to get the videos to the venue a few days before the concert. (It’s always good to make sure video projections work prior to showtime.)
It’s a fun challenge! The audience gets to hear insights from the composers, we get to experiment with animations and interview styles, and the composers get a nice video, which can be used for future grants and promotion.
