It’s not unusual for the globetrotting team at Yessian to be called upon to create music and sound design in some far reaching and interesting locales. On one of their recent journeys, it was a truly extraordinary project that took the crew north to Alberta, Canada’s Fort Edmonton Park for “Northern Light,” an interactive film experience at the park’s Capitol Theatre. Reaching back over 10,000 years, “Northern Light” tells the story of what is now Edmonton, starting with the journey of the earliest settlers of the area from the ice age and following through to the roaring 20’s. The production premiered this summer at the newly built Capitol Theatre, a historic recreation of the original circa 1929. nn”Northern Light” was created to provide an experience that would compliment and enhance the historical narrative already on display throughout Fort Edmonton Park. It revisits the story of the Edmonton area with a first-time ever, interactive experience that combines elements of today’s technology with historical landmarks, architecture, actors, and performers. The film is a four-dimensional cinematic theatrical experience that engages and physically involves audiences. Viewers can watch the history of Edmonton in the Capitol Theatre and then proceed to interact with additional informative experiences and performers throughout the park. Doug Yellin, producer of the film explains, “Our goal with Northern Light was to create an experience that not only enhanced the interpretive experience already at Fort Edmonton Park, but to bring some new storytelling and [if you will] magic to the park.” nnYessian brought the sound of each individual historical period of the Edmonton area to Northern Light by creating music that differentiates and defines the various people who called the area home throughout each era of civilization. Every group was represented musically, from the tribal songs representing the first nations natives, to the European settlers with Baroque classical, Scottish, red river jigs, root-sy fiddle and into the roaring 20’s with big band and orchestral sounds. nn”We had to pay close attention to all the historical aspects of the music on this project. Authenticity was a key factor and we did months of research to make sure we had accurate music and sounds,” says Brian Yessian. “All in all it was a wonderful sonic journey for us, working with really amazing talent and music styles.” A full immersion experience was furthered by the 12.1 In-Theatre Surround Sound Mix. nn
Credits “Northern Light”nProduction: Matilda Entertainment in conjunction with Jordan FilmsnPresented By: Artisan DesignnDirector, The Bezark Company: Adam BezarknDirector of Photography: Reed SmootnExecutive Producer: Steve ChattargoonnExecutive Producer, Artisan Design: Rob WyattnSupervising Producer: Cheryl DalmernProducer/Director/Writer: Cory BrakenProducer, Matilda Production Services: Doug YellinnCo-Producers: Doug Steeden & Laurette BourassanMedia Producer: Susan Beth SmithnCreative Director: John KingnPost Production: Kevin MitchellnAnimation Director: Lyle EckmeiernVFX & Digital Animation: Aurora RisingnVFX/Digital Animation Supervisors: Tom Allain & Miguel LeenVFX/Digital Animation Coordinator: Jason CarrasconMain Show Written By: Adam J. BezarknPre-Show Written By: Miki SheltonnPre-Show Director: Michael PaynenConcept Production Designer: Yael PardessnOriginal Art By: Jean TaitnSound Design, Mix & Music: YessiannCreative Director – Audio Producer: Brian YessiannMusic Composer: Dan ZanknSound Designer: Jeff DittenbernSound Mixer: Scott GatteñonMusicians: Native Drums – Cliff Glaude, Violin/Fiddle – Sonia Lee, Cello – Sarah Cleveland, Flugelhorn/Trumpet – Bill Lucas, French Horn – Brian Kennedy, Double Bass – Scott Gatteño, Percussion – David Taylor, Piano/Organ/Guitar – Dan ZanknnClick here for more on the Capitol Theatre and Fort Edmonton Park.nnAbout YessiannWith offices in New York, Detroit, Los Angeles, and Hamburg, Germany, Yessian is a global collective of producers, composers, music supervisors, research creatives and recording artists. With six full-service recording studios and a music licensing and research division called Dragon Licks, Yessian offers a complete source for music, sound design and soundscapes. This powerful combination has allowed Yessian to enlist some of the world’s best-known brands in film, television, advertising, gaming and theme parks as clients. www.yessian.com
