Reddit has grown so much in popularity in the past few years that their AMA (Ask Me Anything) feature, where any user can ask a question of a celebrity, has attracted numerous filmmakers -- who have given a range of interesting answers. Hans Zimmer recently participated in one, and we've culled the most interesting responses from this Hollywood mega-composer's interview. Click below to read wisdom and tips from the music man himself.
Here are some of the more interesting questions and answers from Zimmer, the German mega-composer/producer responsible for the scores of such films as The Lion King, Gladiator, The Dark Knight, and Inception (to name a very few):
1. What do you do when you're stuck on something? How do you 'clear out the cobwebs' to gain insight?
I read a book, or look at a Gerhard Richter painting. Have a heated discussion with my director. Talk to a great chef about great food. That's always inspiring.
2. If you would [have] had the chance to score for one movie which has already been released, which would it be?
Blade Runner. But I love what Vangelis did so much, so not really.
3. If there was one composer from any point in history that you could go back and meet, who would it be and why?
Beethoven, because those first 4 notes of the Fifth are so simple and how did he know that he could create such magic with them?
4. What's your studio setup like?
Here is my humble little den. If you have to spend 98% of your life in a room without windows, you might as well have some fun with a decor. It was modeled on the interior of a turn-of-the-century Viennese brothel. But don't call me a musical whore. (Note: Here's an interview about the Inception soundtrack that shows the studio.)
5. How many times would you generally watch a film during the composition process of a score?
I'm like a cat, I have 9 lives. After 9 complete viewings, I find it difficult to feel anything new, so I usually work from the first impressions and try to hang onto those for dear life.
6. Of Nolan's Batman films, which was your favorite to score?
The third, because it brought everything together - after all, it was nine years of our lives, and I think we became a very good family in that time. It was hard to say goodbye to that character.
The rest of the interview is just as fascinating, and definitely a good read.
What do you think a mainstream titan like Zimmer could teach an indie filmmaker/composer? How do you handle the music for your films? Have you had much experience working with composers, and if you are one, how do you find the experience of working on indie films?
Link: Hans Zimmer Reddit AMA
