Composer Interview: Geoff Zanelli (December 15, 2013)

Emmy-winning composer Geoff Zanelli takes some time to chat about his two recent scores to Killing Kennedy and Christmas In Conway. Killing Kennedy premiered to record numbers becoming the highest rated program to air on National Geographic. Geoff delves into his approach for the film, as well as exploring what's behind the public's fascination with JFK and his story. We talk about how to approach a narrative based on a major historical figure and national tragedy, including how his score needed to flesh out Lee Harvey Oswald. We also chat about Christmas In Conway and how to walk the fine line between heartwarming and overly melodramatic. Christmas movies always come with a whole territory of genre expectations, and Geoff talks about how he faced them. Finally, we go in-depth into Geoff's work on The Lone Ranger as he arranged Rossini's William Tell Overture into one of the best action sequences ever filmed. Geoff talks about breaking the overture down and rebuilding it with director Gore Verbinski and composer Hans Zimmer. Every interview with Geoff shines new light onto his amazing work, and this interview is no different. Enjoy!

Interview Conducted By:
Kaya Savas

Special Thanks:
Geoff Zanelli
Emilie Erskine
Charley Walters
CW3PR