Filmmaker Resources

In addition to writing Film Scores, we really want to contribute to every aspect of your success. That's why this page features content written by our team, trusted friends, and collaborators who want to share their knowledge with the community. The goal being resources that can help as you work towards your creative goals.

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How Westworld, Hans Zimmer, and Musical Illusions Influenced This Soundtrack

Composer Daniel Ciurlizza talks about how Westworld, Hans Zimmer, and musical illusions, influenced the soundtrack for Project Volare.

5 Films to Inspire Your New Proof of Concept

So you wanna make your fantastic and amazingly epic film. Well, you can. But sometimes it's good to start small. Here are 5 projects that did just that.

This Is How We Write Music With Filmmakers [Video]

Our friends at My RØDE Reel interviewed Daniel about his process when working with filmmakers.

What To Do When Your Film Fails

Your film didn't go the way you thought it would - maybe it outright failed. There are things you can do to get back on track.

How To Make Characters and Influence People

Give your audience a reason to connect with your film's characters. Knowing what makes people tick will make your stories click.

Why Pixar Makes Such Damn Good Films

Pixar masterfully crafts stories that make us laugh, cry, and cheer - they make us care. Here's how your films can too.

Why Artists Put Each Other Down (And What Happens When You Don't)

Giving your time and ideas away can significantly boost your success. So why don't we do it more often?

Filmmaker Essentials: The Criterion Collection

Wanna know what movies inspired your filmmaking heroes? Start with these 5 and you’ll learn what influenced the creators of Logan, Moonlight, Pulp Fiction, and more.

The Rogue One: How George Lucas Defied Expectations and Proved His Genius

A filmmaker-friendly look into what makes George Lucas a genius, and Star Wars an everlasting masterpiece.

Directors, Here's What 35 Years of Filmmaking Can Teach You

Here’s 35 years of a life in filmmaking condensed to 9 takeaways.

9 Books To Increase Your Artistic Value

These books are a masterclass on making more money and improving as an artist.

A Cinematographer's Guide to Achieving Great Work

Interesting work doesn’t come from playing it safe, but from making bold decisions and taking chances. Here are 7 core rules to help you do just that.

Kicking Music Up to "Stupidly Loud" On Corridor Digital's MINECRAFT JOHN CENA Video

It got loud in the studio for Corridor Digital's latest video. Composer Daniel Ciurlizza writes about pushing sounds beyond their limit, steps for breaking down a story, and writing ridiculously loud music for Minecraft John Cena.

This Film's Script Inspired the Entire Score

A great script can be the difference between efficient execution or an uninspired production. This is what the script for Athena inspired in the music team.

NORMAN: Crafting the Score [Video]

Daniel Ciurlizza, composer for Norman, explains developing character themes, being creative on a tight feature film budget, and working with an old friend 500 miles away.

Writing Music for Corridor Digital's "Nerf Team Fortress"

Corridor Digital, a YouTube channel producing films that focus on impressively crazy action shots and VFX, contacted us about scoring their newest video based on the wacky game, Team Fortress 2. Here's how it all went down.

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Filmmaker Resources

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