We recently connected with Sacha Chaban and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Sacha, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I began playing the piano at the age of 4, and by the time I was 6, I was admitted to the Conservatory of Bordeaux. Music has been more than just a passion for me; it has been an integral part of my life since my earliest memories. I vividly recall playing the compositions of the greatest masters and feeling a profound connection with them, despite the centuries that separate us. I progressively started to improvise as a child, but it was during my teenage years that I truly found my purpose: composing. Furthermore, I was equally fascinated by one of humanity’s most ancient art forms: storytelling. Cinema, in my opinion, represents its pinnacle; naturally, I wanted to compose for it and dedicate my life to continuing this ancient tradition.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My process as a film composer begins by reading the script and engaging in discussions with the director to fully understand the vision of the story. This initial stage allows me time to digest the narrative and generate rough ideas.
During the film shoot, I strive to be present for the most critical scenes. Firstly, I record sounds on set, which I then send to my programmer to create custom instruments for the score. Secondly, I interact with everyone involved in the production, drawing inspiration from their perspectives on the story. Understanding the actors’ interpretations of their roles is particularly important, as I often compose specific themes tailored to their characters.
Furthermore, I seek inspiration from the locations themselves, immersing myself in their atmosphere rather than just observing them on screen.
Once I receive the rough draft of the film, I typically conduct a “spotting session” with the director. During this session, we discuss where to place the music and delve into specific details regarding the musical direction.
Subsequently, I commence composition and begin the approval process with the director, producers, and sometimes distributors. Once everything is approved, I prepare the score sheets for recording with a live orchestra.
After recording the musicians, we proceed with mixing and delivery to the dubstage, where dialogue, sound effects, and music are blended together. I prefer to be present during this final stage, as it is the first time the overall sound of the film comes to life, and some music decisions may need to be made on the spot.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
If I were to select three essential skills for becoming a professional film composer, they would be:
1. Mastery of music theory and styles: As film composers, we must possess an extensive understanding of music theory and be adept in various styles. Versatility is crucial, as we need to excel regardless of the story’s requirements. Furthermore, mastering music composition involves pushing the boundaries of conventional rules to create innovative sounds and develop our unique artistic voice.
2. Leadership and business acumen: As heads of the music score department, film composers oversee a team comprising assistants, score technical engineers, programmers, orchestrators, copyists, recording engineers, contractor, live musicians, librarians, score mixer… Effective leadership ensures smooth operations and timely, budget-conscious delivery of the musical elements.
3. Genuine passion for the craft: The life of a film composer demands unwavering dedication and relentless commitment. With no vacations, sporadic days off, long hours, and constant pressure, it’s imperative to harbor a deep love for the work. Without genuine passion, navigating the challenges of this profession would prove insurmountable.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
Our studio work can be pretty demanding, often keeping us tied up for long hours. But despite the hectic schedule, I’m a big believer in finding balance. I always stress the importance of having a social life and exploring interests beyond music. For me, riding horses has been a lifelong joy, and I’ve been playing polo since my twenties. Chess is another passion of mine. These activities offer me a nice escape from the intensity of music. They’re not just hobbies; they’re essential for unwinding and keeping my creativity fresh.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.1908scoringstudios.com
- Instagram: @sachachaban
Image Credits
Portrait by Jean-Claude Thibaut Recording Session – Film : Aftermath – Budapest Scoring Orchestra Recording Session – Film : Redemption Day – Budapest Scoring Orchestra World Premiere of The Vanished at Mammoth Film Festival.
