Scoring for Netflix: Behind the Scenes Composing For Animation

What is it like, scoring a 10-part series for Netflix? Today composer Guy Michelmore shows you how he approached the new Netflix animated series Kitti Katz going through the workflow, the template, the movie format, scoring to picture and the delivery requirements.

Check out Guy’s "How to Write Music" course!

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How To Write Music explores the fundamental skills that underpin every great piece of music whether it’s a song or a film score, string quartet or video game sounds track.

[MichelBarbaro]

Witnessing a behind-the-scenes moment like this, coming from people who really are in this business environment, is invaluable! Thank you so much Guy! I looked for where to send a super chat or a donation but I couldn't find it. You should create a Patron or something.

[glttkqo]

man, being in tune with this sort of a show must be hard. mad respect for persevering through this, you're a pro.

[FatNorthernBigot]

This is an unexpected peek-behind-the-curtains. Thank you!

[markaven]

I thought id be rolling my eyes at you making tense high strings everywhere but the direction you took it is actually really original and creative

[randallharp]

Thanks so much for sharing your process. Changing the meter is such a simple but powerful "hack". I've had the pleasure of scoring a few short films (under 20 minutes), and was really challenged to sync key hits with action. When I get another scoring opportunity, I'll remember this little trick!

[GavinNellist]

Great video as always and btw congratulations on the gig, really great to see how you’re capable of so many genres which is also encouraging for beginners, showing that you don’t have to write just one style of music.

[dr.gregoryf.maassen]

Oh my, now I have to watch the show to see (hear) everything you have done to bring the animation to the next level. Excellent tutorial.

[limayesus]

Great video Guy! Please put out more of these actual scoring tutorials of more of your recent projects like you did in the past with that Lasssie scoring tutorial, those action scene scoring tutorials and a few more. keep 'em coming! Cheers!

[funwd]

Love this "behind the scenes" stuff of an actual show! More please...

[dzmo-official]

This is such a good look into something I’m thinking about getting into. You have been such a valuable resource to me here. Thank you, man ❤

[angela]

The beat bar change is an amazing trick. And I'm surprised, I thought that an OST included several musical themes that were used for each particular situation with different variations.

[ayMillmusic]

Big respect for the detailed work that composers do!

[FalseKing]

perfect timing for me as i'm just about to start scoring my animated short for my masters degree. very helpful and amazing as always, Guy!

[jmillerstudios]

I love this realistic talk/advice about what should be expected and what your expectations should be going into this side of composition!

[AlmaLibreStudios]

Your videos are so invaluable...thank you so much for taking the time to produce them. You are a magnificent composer and a humble, wise human being. Very glad I found your channel a while back!

[jimrogers]

Wow!! What a great peak behind the curtain of scoring for animation. Oddly enough, just this morning I had Carl Stalling's Merry Melodies tunes going through my head in the jukebox of my mind, so this video is very timely indeed. As always, Guy, you never cease to amaze me with your well-developed skills along with your cheeky banter. Lovely video, my friend! Cheers!

[elliottblum]

This is my dream job. Thank you for sharing this

[andreasheierre]

My 6 y daughter watched this show the other day, and all of a sudden a familiar name popped up on the credits! -Gotta check out this show, I thought. An boom - you made a great video about it! Thanx a lot! :)

[manupegolo]

I´m discovering your channel right now and i must say your work flow and aproch are amazing. I loved when you said you wont go out of the referencial stuff and go for something fresh that goes with the intention, also when you talked about have a backup of sound designs that are usefull for a lot of situations (you´re right, that saves a lot of time and gives it to the creative process). So in short terms im glad to see your work! I´m also a composer from Argentina by the way, i´m a rookie in this thing of scoring and i love meeting colleagues from all the globe. Hope to keep knowing about your work! (sorry about any english mistake that i might done)

[freshnelly]

That was pure magic! I have done a bit of this myself so appreciate the amount of work it is, but also how fun and rewarding it can be. I have never seen anyone else do this so was thrilled to watch how professional you are Guy!