What's the Score Podcast

Guest: Filmmaker Paul Scrabo

Paul Scrabo is an Emmy winning video technician who enjoyed a 35+ year career at NBC television. His work included contributions to "The Tonight Show", "Saturday Night Live", and the 2012 London Olympics. He has also been an integral part of a team producing documentaries for Blu Ray releases of many films including the James Bond series. His insights into films and film music are sure to interest you.

Guest: Musician Ron Lang

Ever wanted to know some behind the scenes info on recording film scores? Ever wanted to know what composers were like to work with? Then this episode is for you! Ron Lang was sought after woodwind player in Los Angeles for over 40 years and worked on many scores and with the the most accomplished composers. His stories will interest you and the cues he chose feature some of his best work. Films like Body Heat, The Specialist, Hatari, and Taxi Driver. Composers we talk about include Bernard Herrmann, John Williams, Henry Mancini, Jerry Goldsmith and John Barry. Enjoy a fascinating discussion and iconic music.

Guest: Documentarian and James Bond expert John Cork

Our guest is a screenwriter, documentarian and expert on all things James Bond. But his love of music goes beyond Bond as you'll hear on this episode. Composers include Goldsmith, Williams, Newman and of course Barry. We have a rather interesting discussion on who wrote the Bond theme which was a recent subject of an episode as well as insights into his life and career. He was a driving force in producing the special features found on the DVD's of the Bond series but as you'll find out, his career has had plenty of successes out side of Bond. Enjoy learning more about our guest John Cork.

Guest: Casting Director Hunter McHugh

Our guest is a casting director who has become one of the busiest casting directors in the southern market of the USA. We take a different slant on this episode and focus on musicals, a favorite genre of our guest.  We discuss his career, musicals that stand the test of time and advice for actors in the audition process. You'll learn more about the film industry and its process as well as hear some great music. Our guest is Hunter McHugh from "On the Hunt Casting".

Who wrote the James Bond Theme?

Our most ambitious episode ever. I've assembled three knowledgeable people to discuss, dissect and inform on the fascinating story of the theme's authorship. It's not as straightforward as you may think. We don't aim to change the official record but rather provide a backdrop into the composing of one of cinema's most famous pieces of music. We talk about the events of 1962 when the theme was being developed for the first Bond film "Dr. No". Also discussed are possible influences for the theme. We then dive into the lawsuit filed by composer Monty Norman against the Sunday Times who claimed John Barry had written the theme. All angles and opinions are explored to give the listener a comprehensive view of this controversial topic. Join Stephen Woolston, Peter Greenhill, Terry Walstrom and myself as we explore the story of "who wrote the James Bond Theme". 

Guest: Violinist and Concertmaster Holly Mulcahy

In one of my better interviews, our guest provides great insight into film music and symphonic music. Holly Mulcahy is a master Violinist who has great thoughts on film music and symphonic music. She is currently the featured artist for the Concerto "Rose of Sonara" written by film composer George Clinton, performing around the country, Not only did we have a great wide ranging discussion but also played some great music by composers like Barry, Morricone, Horner and more. You'll find the discussion and music very entertaining.

Guest: Composer Kyle Rodriguez

Kyle Rodriguez is a composer who likes to use unique instruments to create his scores. His work can be heard in projects showing on Apple TV, Netflix, Hulu and more. We focus on his most recent work for an episodic called "Jane", about the Conservationist Jane Goodall. I find his music to be refreshing in this day and age since it sounds reminiscent to the works of Barry, Goldsmith and Thomas Newman. Join us for an interesting conversation and music I think many of you will enjoy.

Guest: Composer Peter Chapman

Peter Chapman, who hails from Canada, has been composing since the tender age of 19.  He has scored TV, film, commercials and video games. This award nominated composer shares his hard charging electronic music which is sure to stir the soul.

Guest: Superfan Terry Walstrom

Our guest isn't an Actor or a Director but rather he is a super, superfan of fiim music. Terry is an author, artist and composer who understands music. Many may recognize his name from various Facebook groups he participates in. His choices of cues are quite varied today and illustrate how music works in film. From Alex North to Lalo Schifrin to a spec ail section on John Barry, the discussion and music is sure to draw you in.

Guest: Composer P Andrew Willis

P Andrew Willis has been a composer for film since the early 2000s. He uses unique instruments and likes scores that feature the same. Listen in for fascinating conversation and an episode that features more music than any episode before it.