The score is a pre-recorded combination of sound design and live instrumentation, with cellist Alex Cox performing many of the central themes and atonal textures. We experimented using an array of African bows on the cello, to create different timbres, all heavily processed to create interesting and sometimes unrecognisable sounds.

The story revolves around a young man, Emerson, who begins to experience volatile episodes after the death of his mother. He is expelled from school after a violent outburst and then badly assaults a rival when provoked. Despite ... Read More »]]> Stunted Trees and Broken Bridges is the new play by award winning writer Ben Musgrave. The play toured schools in the UK from December to April 2013, before screening at Picturehouse cinemas and spending three nights at London’s Royal Albert Hall.

The score is a pre-recorded combination of sound design and live instrumentation, with cellist Alex Cox performing many of the central themes and atonal textures. We experimented using an array of African bows on the cello, to create different timbres, all heavily processed to create interesting and sometimes unrecognisable sounds.

The story revolves around a young man, Emerson, who begins to experience volatile episodes after the death of his mother. He is expelled from school after a violent outburst and then badly assaults a rival when provoked. Despite Emerson’s increasingly erratic behaviour and hostility, his girlfriend Hayley and sympathetic friend Miles, continue to offer their support, encouraging him to seek help. Facing his pending trial and becoming increasingly concerned about his inability to control his behaviour, he reluctantly agrees to undergo a brain scan. The analysis will determine if he has a brain abnormality and can therefore plead diminished responsibility in court. The outcome of the scan will govern his future but how reliable is this new technology and what are the consequences of using it in this way?

Curious about music composition? Want to tell stories with music and sound? Then this is the brief for you…

One KX are looking for a group of 15 IdeasTap members with an interest in sound and music for film and/or television who want to learn new skills by working with a professional composer during the Easter break. You don’t have to be an expert in either music or filmmaking to participate – they’re looking for passionate creative individuals who are willing to learn.

You’ll be taught how to plan a soundtrack using industry standard techniques, given the technical skills necessary to ... Read More »]]> TV and Film Sound and Music Course

I’m really excited to be working with good friends One KX and Ideas Tap on this three day course aimed at students between the ages of 16 and 25:

Curious about music composition? Want to tell stories with music and sound? Then this is the brief for you…

One KX are looking for a group of 15 IdeasTap members with an interest in sound and music for film and/or television who want to learn new skills by working with a professional composer during the Easter break. You don’t have to be an expert in either music or filmmaking to participate – they’re looking for passionate creative individuals who are willing to learn.

You’ll be taught how to plan a soundtrack using industry standard techniques, given the technical skills necessary to capture the perfect sound and music, master editing practices and finally produce a completely new score for an existing film. In small teams, you’ll work together to create a five to seven minute soundtrack to a sci-fi film. The finished films will be screened at One KX as part of their Sci Arts Cabaret in April and at this year’s Bloomsbury Festival.

The project is in partnership with award-winning composer Alexander Parsons.

This three-day intensive project will run from 8-10 April with each day beginning at 10am and finishing at 4:30pm.

This brief closes on Thursday 4 April at 5pm and is open to IdeasTap members aged 16 to 25. If you have any technical queries, please visit the Help Centre. Late entries will not be accepted under any circumstances, including technical issues – so make sure you don’t leave your application to the last minute.

The films provide a springboard into wider philosophical exploration and debate in the classroom and beyond. Each film consists of a beautifully animated parable, intercut with a variety of different children’s responses.

The series explore concepts such as morality, identity, perception and equality and aim to help Key Stage 2 students to think laterally and creatively.

Alexander composed the music and sound design for all five films.

Producer: Kerry McLeod Narrator: Robert Webb Music and Sound Design: Alexander Parsons Broadcast Date: February 2013

Stunted Trees and Broken Bridges (Y Touring Theatre Company), with Music and Sound Design by Alexander Parsons is currently touring UK schools and Picturehouse Cinemas.

Here I am, talking about my thoughts behind the scoring process:

(another amusing Youtube cover shot… see Seeking Refuge Wins a BAFTA for another laugh!)

During Brain Awareness week 2013, Y Touring will be in residence at the Royal Albert Hall on the following dates at the following times:

Mon 11th March 2013: 1pm with Professor Sophie Scott Tues 12th March 2013: 10am with Dr Ilina Singh Tues 12th March 2013: 1pm with Professor Steven Rose Wed 13th March 2013: 10am with Professor David Dexter Wed 13th March 2013: 1pm with Professor ... Read More »]]>

Stunted Trees and Broken Bridges (Y Touring Theatre Company), with Music and Sound Design by Alexander Parsons is currently touring UK schools and Picturehouse Cinemas.

Here I am, talking about my thoughts behind the scoring process:

(another amusing Youtube cover shot… see Seeking Refuge Wins a BAFTA for another laugh!)

During Brain Awareness week 2013, Y Touring will be in residence at the Royal Albert Hall on the following dates at the following times:

Mon 11th March 2013: 1pm with Professor Sophie Scott
Tues 12th March 2013: 10am with Dr Ilina Singh
Tues 12th March 2013: 1pm with Professor Steven Rose
Wed 13th March 2013: 10am with Professor David Dexter
Wed 13th March 2013: 1pm with Professor Vince Walsh

Live performances at the Royal Albert Hall are enriched by the involvement of a guest expert. After each production a scientist joins the actors on stage to participate in the debate and answer questions from the audience.

Left to right: Salvador Maldonado (animator), Alexander Parsons (Composer and Sound Designer), Amanda Scott (Assistant Producer), Andy Glynne (Producer), Tom Senior, Aliona Vilani (Presenter of Award)

Accepting the reward:

Press interview with the team (excuse the rather dodgy still of me)!:

Seeking Refuge is currently being shown weekly on BBC2 Learning and can be watched online here

The story revolves around a young man, Emerson, who begins to experience volatile episodes after the death of his mother. He is expelled from school after a violent outburst and then badly assaults a rival when provoked. Despite Emerson’s increasingly erratic behaviour and hostility, his girlfriend Hayley and sympathetic friend Miles, continue to offer their support, encouraging him to seek help. Facing his pending trial and becoming increasingly concerned about his inability to control his behaviour, he reluctantly agrees to undergo a brain scan. The analysis will ... Read More »]]> I am delighted to be scoring Stunted Trees and Broken Bridges – the new play by award winning writer Ben Musgrave. The play will be touring UK schools in the New Year, before screening at Picturehouse cinemas and spending three nights at the Royal Albert Hall in March.

The story revolves around a young man, Emerson, who begins to experience volatile episodes after the death of his mother. He is expelled from school after a violent outburst and then badly assaults a rival when provoked. Despite Emerson’s increasingly erratic behaviour and hostility, his girlfriend Hayley and sympathetic friend Miles, continue to offer their support, encouraging him to seek help. Facing his pending trial and becoming increasingly concerned about his inability to control his behaviour, he reluctantly agrees to undergo a brain scan. The analysis will determine if he has a brain abnormality and can therefore plead diminished responsibility in court. The outcome of the scan will govern his future but how reliable is this new technology and what are the consequences of using it in this way?

Animation by Damn Fine Media
The score will be a pre-recorded combination of sound design and live instrumentation, with cellist extraordinaire and old friend Alex Cox providing many of the central themes. We have experimented using an array of African bows on the cello, to create different timbres, all heavily processed to create interesting and sometimes unrecognisable sounds.

Screened Music was created in 2007 to promote and celebrate exceptional film and tv music in the UK and has grown steadily to become the leading network for professional media composers.

The network also provides opportunities for professional development through regular masterclass events on musical and technical topics.

They have included an article about my music for Seeking Refuge. Read a little more about my inspirations for the BAFTA nominated series in the full feature here.

For those of you who weren’t able to make it down, Mosaic Films have released the film to watch online:

This was the first in a series of events the team will be hosting over the next few months to help give context to the project and raise awareness about the issues it addresses.

Music: Alexander Parsons Animation: Salvador Maldonado

I’m excited to be working on such an important project alongside Andy Glynne, who will produce the film and Salvador Maldonado, the animation director. We have created the above teaser, which was launched at the first of many awareness-raising events hosted by Mosaic Films at the Frontline Club.

Support this incredibly important project by visiting the Nothing to Envy website.

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Composers: Alex Parsons and Spike Scott Original Broadcast Date: 2nd July 2012 Producer: Melissa Hameed Production Company: Silver River Broadcaster: ITV