Inspiration from The Greek

Staying over one additional day in L.A. 'cause the Dolby Surround Sound sessions were extended the moment I heard post-production sound mix master Dino Herrmann play keyboard with some of Dean Johanesen's gorgeous guitar score for Beautiful Noise. I got so wrapped up in Dino's performance that I went back through the film and looked for other areas where Dean's score could be enhanced with piano and strings. The little spaces we found didn't seem like much at first glance, but by the time Dino and I zeroed in on them they became incredibly critical pieces of music that bridge dramatic sequences. Can't tell you how much I love meshing the sights and sounds of the movie together. The collaborative process is something I not only welcome but absolutely crave...and the Teamwork involved to bring the world Beautiful Noise is paying off immensely as I craft the final cut of my vision of the film.

For inspiration to start this last day of the Sound Design and final mix in the City of Angels I had Dino drive me up the street from his studio to a music venue that has always held a special attraction and reverence to me - the Greek Theatre - home of Neil Diamond's legendary "Hot August Night" shows and albums. Walking around the Greek, a beautiful 5,000 seat amphitheatre nestled in the most amazing locale I've ever seen, was nothing short of a religious experience for me. I played that classic vinyl album so many times all those years ago that all I had to do was stroll around the venue and let the total recall of every song from those live recordings wash over me. It was an amazing experience as my vivid imagination kicked into overdrive and transported me back to a time and place in my life where all my dreams and ambitions were all spread out in front of me.

Beautiful Noise the Movie is not about Neil Diamond in any way, shape or form and none of his songs are in the film...but those who know me well understand that everybody has a musical oasis in their life where they go to seek inspiration, guidance, pure enjoyment or to be healed from difficult circumstances that crop up - that's the magic of Music - and for me, the music and lyrics of Mr. Diamond have been a part of my DNA since my teens - so his musical vibe instinctively informs everything I do creatively. So the Story I've written and directed and the original songs I've chosen most definitely appeal to my senses and passions as surely as Neil's songs appeal to and represent his take on Life and Love. And that's the connection. Diamonds' songs move me...period. And this movie moves me emotionally in the same way. I hope that everyone who experiences Beautiful Noise comes away from it feeling something real. Love it...hate it...laugh...cry...identify with a character or two...groove to the music...whatever. I just hope it grabs you in some way. Then I know my Team and I have done our job.

Please let me know when you see it. Either way it goes, the feedback will be much appreciated.
I'm still learning.

ST