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Episode 36: Drowning
Everything is possible, but what's best? In this episode, our hosts discuss what it feels like to make a documentary film and the multitude of options and opinions out there about what should happen next. Film festivals? The Oscars? Distribution ...

Episode 35: Fundraising
Fundraising is tough. Even the best documentary filmmakers like Ken Burns still has trouble finding doners that make films possible. What works? Hosts Christian Taylor and Josh Lindsey share some of the things that have worked and how to brainstorm ...

Episode 34: Entrepreneurship
What does it take to be a voiceover actor? Or a film director? Or a book author? Hosts Christian Taylor and Josh Lindsey discuss entrepreneurship to highlight common skills needed for success in a multitude of careers. Want to help ...

Episode 33: Book Publishing
Have you ever wanted to write a book? In May of 2019, Christian Taylor co-authored a book with Peggy Sue Wells to give people another avenue to learn about the stories of veterans and (hopefully) raise some money for the ...

Episode 32: Invest in People
In this episode, Director Christian Taylor shares her difficult technique for turning people into your biggest fans. Invest your time to listen to them! Hear how she came to that conclusion and all about her adventures with focus group events ...

Episode 31: Homecoming
Director Christian Taylor shares an emotional story of serendipity as she reunites two long lost brothers and brings together veterans, French families, and high schoolers for a memorable focus group event in Stoneybrook, NY. Want to help us make the ...

Episode 30: How NOT to Make a Documentary
If you're planning to make a documentary, be prepared for a lot of failure and unexpected setbacks. It takes someone like Thomas Edison (or Director Christian Taylor) to spin "1,000 mistakes" into "1,000 small steps to success". Learn some of ...

Special Edition: Upcoming Focus Groups
In this special edition episode of Documentary First, we bring you important information about upcoming focus group events for The Girl Who Wore Freedom. Listen in and see more at https://thegirlwhoworefreedom.com/events. Want to help us make the film? We're looking ...

Episode 29: Killing Your Babies
How many times do you have to watch your dear film before you decide that it really will be okay to cut some things out? In the industry, this is referred to as "killing your babies". In this episode, Christian ...

Episode 28: Rejection
What is something you shouldn't do when running a focus group event? In this episode, Director Christian Taylor talks about what she's learned from her recent experience attending four focus groups for The Girl Who Wore Freedom in Colorado earlier this ...
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