I'm also always thinking about the score as a recording, as opposed to a performance that can be recreated in a live environment. Some of what I write could of course be played in a concert hall, but for the needs of a film I don't consider that.

When I'm writing a score, I'm constantly looking for ways to improve on it, even when I think it's working well. I don't give up on things, and am always trying to make incremental improvements, which means I never finish writing a score early!

I prefer live musicians whenever possible. And I tailor the ensemble to what is appropriate for the film and the score I'm writing.

In a recording, your ear believes and accepts the trumpets as part of the ensemble, but you can't do that in a concert hall.

It was a natural thing for me to go become a musician, and then to start writing music. I don't even really remember making a decision to go into music, it was just there for me, always. If I weren't making a living at it, I'd still be writing music.

When I was a young child my folks would ask me why I was rocking back and forth and I'd answer "cause of the music in my head!"

For as long as I can remember, I've been passionate about music. I can't recall a time when I didn't have music playing in my head.