Composer Interview: Brian Tyler (May 2, 2015)

Brian Tyler is one of the most in-demand and talented composers working in the industry today. His incredible style and strong voice as an auteur in the field has helped bring us some of the most memorable high-octane and emotionally infused scores in recent years. Brian joins us for the 6th time here on Film.Music.Media to talk about his two recent scores to Furious 7 and Avengers: Age Of Ultron. We waste no time and dive right into Furious 7. Brian discusses how the series has lasted so long and what he does musically to fight off "franchise fatigue". Since the score is a hybrid of both electronics and orchestra, we talk about how Brian writes either for the orchestra first or builds the synth work first. We talk about the emotional experience it was for him writing a goodbye for Paul Walker, as the series builds a touching send-off not only for the character of Brian but for Paul. Then we dive into Avengers: Age Of Ultron. Brian explains why Danny Elfman was brought onto the project so late in the game, and how that led to one of the most unconventional yet rewarding collaborations. Since the film was so narratively huge and constantly evolving, it was a challenge even for a Marvel veteran such as Brian. Brian explains how continuity was the biggest factor for him, and how he wanted to bring references to his Iron Man and Thor scores as well as Captain America. He pushed to make sure Silvestri's original Avengers theme was there to remain as the all-encompassing motif for the group. We end by talking about Brian's upcoming slate which sees him returning for Now You See Me: The Second Act and most likely to return for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2. Also, we hypothetically talk about if Brian were to reunite with his Fast 5 director, Justin Lin for Star Trek 3. Another fun and informative chat with Brian who is keeping the classic orchestral adventure style of scoring alive in the modern action landscape.

Interview Conducted By:
Kaya Savas

Special Thanks:
Brian Tyler
Jeff Sanderson
Ryan Mazie
Chasen & Company

Photo Credit: Joanne Leung