DMF Episode 234 Film Composers Michelle Birsky and Kevin Henthorn Part 3 Spoilers "Are You Missing the Dark Truth Behind Riker's Choice?"

Welcome to the DMF. Where I try to find out what motivates people behind the scenes in the world of acting and entertainment. Today on the podcast I am talking to film composers: Michelle Birsky and Kevin Henthorn. They just scored the new Netflix series' Terminator: Zero. We talk spoilers and specific themes. Spoilers are talked about in this episode. As always you can reach me on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook with my name Justin Younts. Thank you for listening and sit back and enjoy. Welcome to the DMF. I'm Justin Younts. In this video, I talk about Riker's Choice and how it has evolved over time. Initially, I approached it with a focus on the character of Riker, who is a deep and beautiful character despite her youth and the grief she carries. Throughout the season, Riker undergoes a significant transformation, and I wanted to capture that journey musically. The vocal melody remains consistent, but the emotional weight shifts from longing and grief to determination and survival. I loved the idea of starting her theme acapella, which allowed for a powerful introduction to her character. As we progressed, we incorporated various elements, including a unique synth that adds an Eastern sound, enhancing the emotional depth of her arc. Riker's theme is intricately tied to her relationship with her mother, which adds layers to her character. The music reflects her struggles and growth, especially in moments where she confronts her past. I remember listening to the music and feeling overwhelmed with emotion, particularly during scenes that evoke memories of her mother. The creative process involved collaboration and exploration, where we drew inspiration from various films and themes to shape the sound of the series. One of the most challenging aspects was crafting the score for pivotal scenes, such as the police station moment, where we aimed to create a heartbeat-like rhythm that matched the intensity of the action. This project allowed us to take our time, explore different ideas, and ultimately create a score that resonates with the audience. The support from the team, especially from Mattson, was invaluable, as it encouraged us to be bold and innovative in our approach. I believe that the time and effort invested in this project will ensure that it stands the test of time, as it captures the heart and soul of the story. Thank you for joining me on this journey, and please like, share, and subscribe for more insights into the music behind the series. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:00:04 - Riker's Choice Theme 00:01:24 - Synth and Riker's Character 00:02:48 - Mother Theme 00:02:48 - Misaki's Theme 00:03:55 - Influence from Films 00:08:36 - Police Station Theme 00:10:57 - Reusing Themes 00:12:39 - Working with Animatics 00:14:22 - Conclusion