Composing for the Budget, Film Score Session Singing, and a Musical Marriage | with Christopher and Elyse Willis

Today we’re joined by Emmy nominated film and TV composer Christopher Willis and vocal contractor and session singer Elyse Willis. Chris is best known for his work on HBO’s hit comedy Veep, as well as his score for Armando Iannucci’s film “The Death of Stalin.” One of his most recent projects is “Schmigdoon!” which just started streaming on Apple TV+. Elyse has sung on dozen’s of projects as a session singer including Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, The Lost City, Lightyear, and Spider-Man: No Way Home. She’s also a vocal contractor for several television shows, and is in her fourteenth season singing with the prestigious Los Angeles Master Chorale. We have a great chat about how to get repeat gigs as a composer or singer, composing budgets, union recording sessions, and the importance of knowing when to move on in your career.In this episode we'll dig in on...How to get repeat gigs as a vocalistThe overworking and micromanaging mentality of the music industryBreaking into composition and film scoring in 2023MusicologyConquering the blank pageLearning to write for the budgetThe importance of being dependableWorking at Hans Zimmer's Remote Control facilitySinging in the LA Master ChoraleWorking on projects for streaming services like Netflix and Disney+Growing up obsessed with Classical musicThe rules of union recording sessionsPackage & All-In DealsSight readingComposing music for a Disney Parks rideComposition opportunities for video gamesMentioned in the Episode:AFM (Musician's Union)SAG/AFTRA (Singer's Union)Steven Pressfield - "The War of Art"Sun Tzu - "The Art of War"Travis' Intro: Give Your Self PermissionLearn More About Christopher & Elyse...Chris' Website: www.christopherwilliscomposer.comElyse's Website: www.elysewillis.comChris' Twitter: https://twitter.com/mrchriswillisElyse's Twitter: https://twitter.com/elysemwillis📢 Our Sponsors 📢Listen to Secret Sonics!Sign Up for Complete Producer Network!⬇️ FREE 2025 PLANNING WORKSHOP ⬇️https://www.travisference.com/2025plan📺 WATCH THE SHOW ON YOUTUBE 📺 https://www.youtube.com/@progressionspodConnect with Me:📬 Newsletter: https://www.travisference.com/subscribe📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/progressionspod🎵TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@progressionspod🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/progressionspod🌐 Website: https://www.travisference.com/🙏 Leave a Review or Rating 🙏Apple: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/appleSpotify: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/spotifyCredits:Guest: Christopher and Elyse WillisHost: Travis FerenceEditor: Stephen BoydTheme Music: inter.ference