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Episode 76: First-time Filmmaker Elise Jaffe
Our film was accepted into two film festivals & we have another first-time filmmaker to interview! Elise Jaffe is making a feature documentary about using tattoos to reclaim your body after trauma or illness. Elise takes us on her journey ...

Episode 75: Winning Awards!
Our own first-time filmmaker Christian Taylor and Lead Composer Jeff Kurtenacker won awards in film festivals! They fill us in on what it feels like to be selected, nominated, and finally win! Jeff tells us about the emotional journey, particularly ...

Episode 74: Hello from France
Today we’re joined by Flo and Jenny all the way from France! We learn how Flo is uniquely gifted to ask Veterans questions because of his genuine care, interest, and respect for them... and his tips apply to any interview ...

Episode 73: Don’t be a Sucker
Today we get some updates about Film Festivals, talk distribution again, and a very specific film festival acceptance. COVID-19 feels like a huge opportunity to scam filmmakers out of money, time, and dreams. Christian brings up the reputability of film ...

Episode 72: Distribution
Today we’re talking about distribution, what is it, how does it happen, and how should you approach a distribution deal. We talk about what to look out for, why ‘Hollywood math’ doesn’t mean what you think it means, and why ...

Episode 71: Why Back Out of a Festival?
David Paterson is back with us again. We’re stuck in a weird gray area with film festivals, some canceling, some extending, some going online, so what do we do? When and why do you pull out of film festivals? How ...

Episode 70: What do Publicists do?
In this episode, we meet The Girl Who Wore Freedom's Publicist, Morgan Harris. Listen in as he shares the importance of focusing on messaging and building relationships with reporters. What are some elements of a successful campaign and how does ...

Episode 69: Meet the New Content Creation Team
In this episode, we meet the New Content Creation Team for The Girl Who Wore Freedom: Kyler Redding & Sam King. Even though the film is "done" there's still a ton of content needed to promote it. Why did they ...

Episode 68: Audio is King
In this extra-long episode, we have a full house with guests Bill Ebel, Jeff Kurtenacker, and Jason Hoban to discuss the understated importance of great audio. How did they all work together to maintain audio clarity and natural-sounding foley sound ...

Episode 67: Finalized
Director Christian Taylor is about to complete her first documentary... for the eighth time! Because, as it turns out, finalizing a film with so many moving parts is very difficult. Hear how it's all come together and what you should ...
In this episode of Documentary First, host Christian Taylor sits down with Finnish film composer Panu Aaltio to dive into the fascinating world of film scoring. From his early days as a cello player to becoming a successful composer for films and documentaries, Panu shares his unique journey and the challenges and joys of crafting music for the screen.
The conversation explores the intricate relationship between music and film, the influence of video game music, and how directors’ styles shape a composer’s approach to scoring. Panu discusses the creative process behind composing scores that evoke emotional responses, the importance of collaboration with directors, and the role of music as a character in a film.
He also offers valuable insights on his experiences working on Netflix originals, the significance of documentaries in his career, and advice for aspiring composers looking to break into the industry.
Watch the hit show “Little Siberia” on Netflix!
Discover Panu Aaltio’s work: https://www.panuaaltio.com/
Key Takeaways:
Sound Bites:
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Film Scoring
05:35 Panu’s Musical Journey
12:16 From Hobby to Profession
20:13 Navigating Directorial Styles
25:30 The Language of Music in Film
26:24 Understanding Emotional Impact through Score
28:48 Creating Unique Soundscapes for Film
30:41 The Role of Music as a Character
32:13 Experimentation in Composition
35:34 The Importance of Early Composition
41:12 Navigating the Netflix Experience
42:26 The Significance of Documentaries in Career
43:09 DocuView Déjà Vu
44:18 Advice for Aspiring Composers
45:17 Influential Scores and Future Projects