The new Sony Playstation 3 game “The Unfinished Swan” is all about exploring the unknown. The same is also true for composer Joel Corelitz of Waveplant Studios, whose personal creative journey with the project found him writing some 60 minutes of original music that blends traditional and nontraditional elements into a wholly original score. nn”People in music often talk about film and TV scores as either being traditional or non-traditional, with non-traditional frequently being characterized as at odds with a classic, melody-based score,” Corelitz says. “I wanted to create something that felt like a mix of both, a blending of organic instruments and ambient sound design that would feel fresh ten years from now.”nnSet in a mysterious black and white landscape that grows more colorful as the game progresses, “The Unfinished Swan” centers on a lonely 10-year-old orphan named Monroe who follows a swan that has stepped out of an unfinished painting and wandered off into a surreal, storybook-inspired kingdom. Each chapter brings surprises, new ways to explore the world, a host of bizarre (and sometimes dangerous) creatures and encounters with the eccentric king who built this empire.nn
nClick here for a behind-the-scenes look at the making of “The Unfinished Swan” music.nnFinding A BalancenFor Corelitz, who Is perhaps best known for his work in advertising and film/video installations, such as LOOM, the interactivity musical installation work for HP, as well as traditional ads for Dodge Dart, Pop Tarts and Kelley Blue Book, one of the key challenges centered on taking the game’s moody narrative and composing a score that didn’t sound too minor key. The goal, he says, was to use those emotions and build on them with music that also captures a sense of wonder at this strange world.nn”There’s a sad backstory to the main character,” Corelitz explains, “and we needed to bring those emotions to the table, but it was equally important that we infuse the music with a sense of curiosity and playfulness.”nnWith that in mind, Corelitz’s score features an array of plucked acoustic instruments, such as harps, marimbas and violins, layered onto a bed of ambient sound design and ethereal synth tones. It’s a blend that effectively borrows from traditional film scorers and non-traditional mood purveyors.nn”As you play the game, the music is constantly evolving,” Corelitz says. “It’s never quite the same no matter how many times you play. The music is not just background noise, it’s part of the world, it’s part of how you feel, how the character feels. We didn’t want those things to be separate, we wanted it to be all one experience.”nnnGo here to hear Waveplant‘s score for “The Unfinished Swan”:nnRecording In NashvillenThe music was recorded at Ocean Way Studios in Nashville, TN, and for Corelitz hearing his score performed live by both a 25-piece orchestra and a simple string quartet was a powerful moment.nn”Ocean Way is an amazing studio housed in a 100-year-old gothic church,” Corelitz says. “Hearing my music performed by this orchestra in this studio was amazing. ‘The Unfinished Swan’ let me spread out creatively and flex musical muscles that haven’t used in awhile. It was an amazingly satisfying project to be a part of and I’m proud of what we accomplished.”nnAbout WaveplantnLed by Composer Joel Corelitz, Waveplant transcends classification in its design-oriented approach to composition – creating a seamless sensory experience. Fusing music and sound design, Waveplant produces audio for advertising, broadcast, gaming, film and live installations. Firmly believing that truly special projects deserve originality in every aspect of their creation, as well as the idea that being hired to work on something should never preclude the incorporation of heart and soul, Waveplant is a haven for original sound. For more information go to www.waveplantstudios.com.Right Word Media Ray Ecke p. 973.726.3797 f. 973.726.3798 c. 201.741.1092 Contact Ray via email
Creative Trailblazer Javier Campopiano Returns as Executive Jury President For The 2025 NYF Advertising Awards
New York Festivals Advertising Awards is thrilled to announce that Javier Campopiano, Global Chief Creative Officer at McCann Worldgroup and McCann will return as the 2025 Executive Jury President. In January, NYF’s Advertising Awards will kick off a spectacular new season, once again spearheaded by industry innovator Javier Campopiano. He will continue to build on the success of last year’s event by pulling together a carefully curated mix of both creative and brand leaders to ensure that a diverse array of viewpoints and perspectives are brought together. Through thoughtful discussions and expert evaluations, this coveted group will establish the benchmark for creative excellence in 2025. “We’re honored to have Javier Campopiano return to lead the 2025 Executive Jury,” said Scott Rose, President, New York Festivals Advertising Awards. “With his seasoned global perspective and mastery in crafting campaigns that push creative boundaries, Javier’s insight will once again inspire a bold standard of excellence within our jury sessions.” Campopiano has built a reputation as an innovative creative, consistently standing out on the global stage. His achievements have garnered international acclaim, including over 200 Cannes Lions, which feature prestigious accolades such as Titanium Lions and Grand Prix. Additionally, he has received top honors at numerous renowned international competitions. Campopiano said, “Serving as Executive Jury President for New York Festivals is its own reward, and I am honored to be taking on this important role again. Together with an incredible group of accomplished industry peers, we will be looking for creativity rooted in human truths that generate... Read More