With the launch of China Central Television America (CCTVA), the network has expanded the presence of mainland China’s predominant television outlet — with 42 channels reaching some 1.2 billion people — into the U.S. market for the first time. With so much riding on the launch, the CCTVA turned to the sonic branding experts Stephen Arnold Music to create the music behind much of their original programming. nnThe Stephen Arnold Music team wrote the music themes for its three flagship shows — “The Heat,” “Americas Now,” and “Biz America.” With deep experience creating strong sonic brands for all of the major news networks, including CNN, HLN, CBS, MSNBC, Fox News and others, Stephen Arnold Music was more than ready to deliver something extraordinary for CCTVA‘s debut.nnInternational AmbitionsnBroadcasting from a new production center in Washington, DC, the launch of CCTVA represents as a unique chance for the network to reach out to American viewers and provide its global audience with diversified news coverage. Stephen Arnold Music created three distinct themes for each show, recording driving scores that met CCTVA‘s call for a high-end, international feel. nn”The CCTVA keywords were ‘visceral,’ ’emotive,’ and ‘forward-looking,'” says Stephen Arnold, President of Stephen Arnold Music. “Each theme we developed reflects those qualities, while standing on its own as a unique composition.”nn
nClick here to watch a montage of Stephen Arnold Music‘s work for CCTVAnnTriple PlaynFor the South America-focused broadcast news magazine “Americas Now,” Stephen Arnold Music‘s composers combined flamenco guitar and Latin percussion to set an inspiring tone with a hint of tension. A current affairs talk show “The Heat” theme sears with distorted electric guitars over charging rhythms and electronic elements. The daily global news program “Biz Asia America” is elevated by Stephen Arnold Music‘s memorable piano hooks and mid-tempo groove, punctuated with bold rock guitar strikes. nn”We appreciated the opportunity to score to picture for CCTVA‘s shows,” notes Arnold. “The visuals helped us tap into the attitude and power that each piece required.” nnFor Arnold, every arrangement the company creates is a custom sonic signature, mindful of the elements needed for credibility with today’s viewers. “News organizations are experimenting more,” he observes. “Their music has to tap into what audiences hear on their mobile devices and YouTube. Our latest sonic brands for CCTVA reflect that connectivity.”nnAbout Stephen Arnold MusicnAs a multiple Emmy, Addy and Promax Gold award-winning music production company, Stephen Arnold Music has over 15 years of success in delivering the sounds that make a difference to networks, television stations, advertising agencies, film studios and video game companies the world over. The company’s Commanding Sonic Branding approach to music production and commitment to industry-leading service is at the core of its promise. For more information, please visit www.stephenarnoldmusic.com.Right Word Media Ray Ecke p. 973.726.3797 f. 973.726.3798 c. 201.741.1092 Contact Ray via email
Goldcrest Post Speeds Delivery of “Severance” Season Two
The New York Times recently wrote that the just-released Season Two of Severance will “blow your mind”—and we couldn’t agree more. Created by Dan Erickson and Ben Stiller, the Apple TV+ drama is smart, spellbinding, distinctly original and packed with surprises. For those who aren’t already devoted fans, the show centers on Mark Scout (Adam Scott), leader of a team at Lumon Industries, whose employees have undergone a “severance” procedure that surgically divides their memories between their work and personal lives. Goldcrest Post provided post services for both seasons of the show, including picture editorial support, sound editorial, ADR and sound mixing. Editorial for Season One began in 2020. Due to the restrictions imposed by the pandemic, Goldcrest supplied both onsite production offices and edit suites, and remote editing systems for individual editors, with everything linked to a central server. "Mixing at Goldcrest with our team has been a great experience,” says Stiller. “Bob and Jacob are in sync with our creative process and so good at what they do that the experience is always one where it's about how we can enhance the creative vision, with a baseline of knowing everyone is totally committed to making something as good as it can be." Diana Dekajlo, the show’s co-producer, says that the arrangement worked so well, they chose to continue the hybrid approach for Season Two. “We’re a remote friendly show,” she explains. “Whether we’re at Goldcrest, our studio in the Bronx or at home, our workflow is seamless. I conduct remote daily meetings with my immediate staff, and weekly meetings with editorial and VFX, and we talk to each other as if we were just down the hall. It makes for great staff... Read More