Meet Jiwoo Lee

We were lucky to catch up with Jiwoo Lee recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jiwoo, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

My resilience comes from a deep belief that things can improve, and I can always be better next time. I love the word ‘resilience’ because it’s such an essential part of my life. Overcoming failures has strengthened my resilience, allowing me to grow from each challenge. While facing failure and disappointment can be daunting, I’ve learned that failure is never the end. It’s a process—one that requires reflection, moving forward, and eventually facing challenges without fear. Though the process can be painful, it’s what builds resilience. True belief in myself comes from consistency, and that belief is what fuels my resilience.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I compose music for film and media, with the goal of supporting a character, a story, and an overall mood. Sometimes, I create original compositions, and other times, I focus on orchestration, enhancing the sound of an existing piece by arranging it for an orchestra. While I’ve studied both film composing and orchestration, I don’t believe I’ve achieved success simply because I’m better than others. I’ve been fortunate to have composers who believed in me and gave me opportunities, and I’ve come to realize that luck plays a role, especially in a competitive industry like this.

One of the highlights of my career has been serving as the music director, composer, and orchestrator for two short animations, *Glasses* and *Layla*, in collaboration with the talented Art Center animation team. *Glasses* garnered widespread attention, amassing nearly 280K views on YouTube—a testament to its lasting impact and resonance with audiences. It’s incredibly rewarding to witness how it continues to capture hearts.

After graduating, I had the honor of orchestrating several prominent films, including *The Ice Rink Murders*, *Have You Seen My Son?*, and *Killing for Extra Credit*. These projects not only sharpened my technical skills but also deepened my understanding of creative collaboration. For *Have You Seen My Son?* and *Killing for Extra Credit*, I embraced the challenge of balancing synthesizers with orchestral elements. To prevent any sonic clash, I strategically minimized bass instruments within the orchestra to allow the low-end synths to shine through cleanly.

In *The Ice Rink Murders*, I pushed boundaries by using high-string pizzicatos instead of conventional staccatos in the tension-filled moments. The result was a heightened sense of suspense and unease, adding a distinct emotional layer to the scenes. I was initially anxious about the reception, but the film quickly gained traction, with around 100 IMDb reviews upon release. Major streaming platforms like Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video recognized its potential, acquiring the distribution rights and allowing audiences worldwide to experience it.

*Have You Seen My Son?* has similarly enjoyed great success, surpassing 120 IMDb reviews and also becoming available on Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video. It’s been praised for its fresh take on the crime genre, highlighting an unexpected depth and complexity in its orchestration.

Orchestrating has always been a fulfilling artistic experiment for me—one where the ultimate goal is to find the perfect harmony between different sounds. Each project has been a journey in exploring that delicate balance, and I’m grateful for every step of the way.

Currently, I’m composing for Stealing Magic, a documentary exploring the captivating world of magic and the magic industry, in collaboration with the incredible Anna Drubich. While distribution details are still being finalized, it’s expected to debut on a major OTT platform by the end of this year, making it a highly anticipated release.

Starting October 1, I will be diving into two exciting projects with Shragge Music Corporate: Hero Kid, and the Indian Photos project. The latter showcases the legendary work of Steve McCurry, renowned for his iconic Blue-Eyed Woman photograph, featured on the National Geographic cover in June 1985. I feel deeply honored to contribute to this ongoing artistic journey with Steve. His Indian Photos collection was exhibited at the prestigious Sundaram Tagore Gallery in New York from July 22 to August 19, 2022. This year, I’m thrilled to collaborate with him to further spread the profound message of this project through music, with a soundtrack set to release on major platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.

In addition, I’ll be working on several high-profile projects at Sundrink Music Inc., including Great Gatsby, Brick (a Netflix movie), Override (feature film), and Kay Scarpetta (Apple TV limited series). These exciting projects will keep me busy through September next year. According to Deadline, Brick is currently in production, featuring a stellar cast including Matthias Schweighöfer, Ruby O. Fee, and Frederick Lau. Set to release in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland (DACH) in 2025, the film tells the intriguing story of a couple, Tim and Olivia, whose lives take a dramatic turn when their apartment building is suddenly encased in a mysterious brick wall.

Meanwhile, Kay Scarpetta, based on Patricia Cornwell’s bestselling novels, stars Nicole Kidman as the forensic pathologist Kay Scarpetta, with Jamie Lee Curtis playing her sister, Dorothy. This limited series, backed by Blumhouse Productions, promises to be a gripping mystery-thriller that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

Each of these projects represents a unique and thrilling challenge, and I’m beyond grateful to be part of them. As I look ahead, I’m excited to collaborate with talented artists and directors, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. While the future always holds an element of uncertainty, I eagerly embrace the journey and look forward to the adventures to come.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

There are so many essential elements in a composer’s journey, but if I had to choose three, they would be learning, building relationships, and resilience. The music field is evolving rapidly, with new technologies and trends emerging constantly, so there’s no end to learning. I aim to embrace this ongoing education rather than feel overwhelmed by it and to think creatively beyond traditional approaches. Early in my career, I loved experimenting with different sound libraries and refining my craft, which helped me reach where I am today.

Building relationships is another critical aspect. While composing can often be solitary work, collaboration is key—you need to communicate effectively with directors, music supervisors, musicians, conductors, and even the characters within a story. And this isn’t just after you get a job. Before landing any project, it’s vital to attend film festivals, meet directors and filmmakers, and learn how to pitch yourself and nurture professional connections. I’m still working on this, and it’s probably one of the most challenging parts of the job, but in the end, our work is all about people, making relationships crucial.

Lastly, resilience. I wouldn’t be where I am without it. There have been countless moments where I’ve felt disappointed in myself, my music, or external circumstances beyond my control. After investing all your energy into a project, the result isn’t always what you envisioned. Even when you believe you’ve done great work, the outcome can be underwhelming. But it’s important to accept that and move forward quickly. The sooner you overcome setbacks and start your next project, the more opportunities will come your way. That’s just the nature of the industry.

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

I’d like to acknowledge Lawrence Shragge, who has been an invaluable mentor and a major influence in my career. He’s not only one of the most talented composers I know, but also an inspiring mentor who has profoundly shaped my approach to music and life. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work alongside him and observe his creative process firsthand. Lawrence consistently encourages me to think bigger and push the boundaries of my creativity. The lessons I’ve learned from him go beyond composition, as he’s shown me how to approach challenges with resilience and a fresh perspective. I truly look forward to continuing this journey together and learning even more from his vast experience.

Another key figure in my life is Anna Drubich, who gave me the opportunity to collaborate on several projects, including Stealing Magic, which we’re currently working on. I’ve long admired her music, and the chance to work with her has been both humbling and inspiring. Beyond the technical aspects of composition, Anna’s kindness, honesty, and grace have taught me invaluable lessons on navigating the music industry with humility and integrity. Collaborating with her has reinforced the importance of authenticity in both my professional and personal life. I feel incredibly fortunate to learn from such a brilliant composer and individual.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jiwooleemusic.com/
• Instagram: @jiwooleemusic