Art Starter: David Bridie

How different is it composing music for screen as opposed to writing music for your day to day band/project? Composing for film is a collaborative process with the directors and other creatives who work on bringing the film to life. The music isn't the main thing, whereas with songwriting it pretty much is.

What are the challenges of composing for the screen? Many challenges… deadlines, writing to picture, making it strong and worthwhile music that ticks the boxes I have in making worthwhile music, as well as composing music that is appropriate to accompany the drama and atmosphere of the film.

Does the television or film director give a specific brief or a general outline for you to explore creatively? Yes, the directors give a specific brief, or at least a general mood that applies to the scene.

How much creative input does the director have? Heaps. It is their gig and they get to lock off on whether the music I have written/recorded gets accepted or not.

Is it necessary to tell a story or just convey a mood when writing for the screen? Convey a mood more than tell a story. Though there are occasions where a motif or an instrument takes on the role of a character, but that's pretty rare.

What are the rewards of composing for the screen? The chance to work with other artists in a different field (cinematographers, editors, directors, sound recordists and mixers) is wonderful. It helps making it easier to have employment as a musician in the Australian music industry.

Name the film or television score that has had a big impact on your life? The Last Temptation Of Christ, the TV series Deadwood and Paris, Texas.

The Screen Music Awards will be held in Melbourne on Monday 19 November.