This MIT Student is Pursuing Film Scoring?! | Clay Lewis | TEDxMIT

Key Concepts

• Screen Scoring Portfolio: A collection of musical compositions specifically designed to showcase a composer’s skills for graduate school applications or professional work in film scoring.
• Rescore: The process of composing and recording a new musical score for an existing film or animation.
• Orchestration: The art of assigning different instruments of an orchestra to create a specific sound and texture.
• Genre Versatility: The ability to compose effectively in a wide range of musical styles and genres.
• Collaboration: The process of working with filmmakers and other creatives to create a cohesive and impactful film score.
• Glaucoma: A condition that damages the optic nerve, potentially leading to blindness (mentioned in the context of the final film).

MIT Student’s Screen Scoring Portfolio Presentation

This presentation by Clay, a senior music student at MIT specializing in film composition, details his approach to building a graduate school application portfolio. He emphasizes the importance of demonstrating versatility, technical skill, and collaborative ability. Clay presented three distinct scores, each serving a specific purpose in showcasing his capabilities.

Animated Short Rescore: "Harmony" (ESMA)

Clay began by showcasing a rescore of the animated short “Harmony” created by ESMA, a French animation school. He chose this project to demonstrate his proficiency in orchestration and his ability to synchronize music precisely with visual cues in animation. He specifically noted the challenge of “finessing” his way around an orchestra and hitting the “beats” of the animation. This score took approximately two weeks to complete, making it the most time-consuming of the three presented. The goal was to highlight his technical command of orchestral writing.

Action-Packed Score: "Aristes" (Glow Production)

To demonstrate genre versatility, Clay then presented a score for the short film “Aristes” by Glow Production. This piece was intentionally chosen to be significantly different in tone and style from “Harmony,” leaning towards a high-intensity, action-packed, and fantasy-oriented sound. He emphasized that graduate portfolios require a broad range of styles to showcase adaptability. Both “Harmony” and “Aristes” are available for viewing on YouTube.

Collaborative Project: Original Short Film (Ruben Fuks)

The final score accompanied an original short film directed by Clay’s friend and fellow MIT student, Ruben Fuks, who was acknowledged in the audience. Clay highlighted the importance of collaboration in film scoring, emphasizing the strong working relationship he developed with Ruben over four years. This project, described as falling into the drama, emotional, and intimate genres, was particularly special because it was conceived, produced, filmed, edited, and scored within a single day. This demonstrated not only his compositional skills but also his ability to work efficiently under pressure and adapt to a fast-paced production environment.

The film’s narrative centers around a character experiencing temporary regained sight after a period of blindness due to glaucoma, and explores themes of loneliness and connection. A poignant moment features the line, “Being blind isn’t so bad. Being alone is,” underscoring the emotional core of the piece. The final dialogue, “Reuben Jackson, I can see what I know. I’ve pushed you away. I was scared and if this is the last time I get to see you, I want to spend it looking at you, Reuben. I don’t want to be alone in the dark anymore,” powerfully conveys the character’s vulnerability and desire for connection.

Key Arguments & Perspectives

Clay’s presentation argued that a successful screen scoring portfolio requires:

• Technical Proficiency: Demonstrated through orchestral writing and precise synchronization with visuals.
• Stylistic Range: The ability to compose effectively in diverse genres.
• Collaborative Spirit: The capacity to build strong working relationships with filmmakers.
• Efficiency & Adaptability: The ability to deliver high-quality work under tight deadlines.

He supported these arguments by presenting three distinct scores, each showcasing a different aspect of his skillset. He also emphasized the importance of mentorship, specifically thanking Evan Zaporin and Charles Shadel for their guidance.

Step-by-Step Considerations for Portfolio Development

While not explicitly a step-by-step guide, Clay’s presentation implicitly outlines a methodology for portfolio development:

1. Identify Skill Gaps: Determine areas where your portfolio needs strengthening (e.g., orchestration, genre versatility).
2. Select Projects Strategically: Choose projects that address those gaps and showcase your desired skills.
3. Prioritize Collaboration: Seek opportunities to work with filmmakers and build relationships.
4. Demonstrate Range: Include scores from diverse genres and styles.
5. Showcase Technical Skill: Highlight your ability to write for orchestra and synchronize with visuals.

Notable Quotes

• “There is incredible musical talent here at MIT that I’ve seen firsthand.” – Clay, emphasizing the quality of musical education at MIT.
• “Another really big part of film scoring is collaboration.” – Clay, highlighting the importance of teamwork in the film industry.
• “Being blind isn’t so bad. Being alone is.” – Dialogue from the final film, illustrating the emotional core of the story.

Synthesis/Conclusion

Clay’s presentation effectively demonstrated the breadth of his skills and his preparedness for graduate studies in screen scoring. He successfully conveyed the importance of technical proficiency, stylistic range, and collaborative ability in building a compelling portfolio. His presentation also served as a testament to the artistic talent fostered within MIT’s music program, and the value of mentorship and collaborative relationships in the creative process. The rapid turnaround of the final project underscored his ability to thrive in a dynamic and demanding production environment.