When filmmakers think about scoring a film, they often turn to major hubs like Los Angeles or London. But Australia, with its world-class facilities and talent, is becoming a sought-after destination for film scoring. Trackdown Studios, is a hub for high-quality music production that’s worked on internationally acclaimed projects. Here, we’ll explore the unique advantages of film scoring in Australia, with a special focus on Trackdown Studios, and why more filmmakers are choosing to "do it down under."
World-Class Talent and Studios for film scoring in australia
Trackdown Studios offer cutting-edge technology and have a history of scoring high-profile projects. With experienced professionals and exceptional acoustics, studios like Trackdown rival anything you’d find overseas. Major Hollywood films such as Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes have benefitted from the expert touch of Australian recording talent, proving the capability of these studios.
Cost-Effective, Without Sacrificing Quality
While cities like Los Angeles and London have higher overheads, Australia provides the same high level of expertise and state-of-the-art facilities at more competitive rates. Studios in Australia offer affordable pricing without compromising on the quality of the end product, making it an attractive option for filmmakers working on any budget.
Flexible Session Scheduling and Musician Buy-Outs
Australia’s film scoring process offers unique flexibility that can save both time and money. For example at Trackdown Studios:
Musicians are a total buy-out with no residuals, meaning that you don’t have to worry about ongoing royalty payments for the players, a significant cost-saving benefit that’s harder to find in other film capitals.
Players can overdub during the same session, which means if additional takes are needed, they can be layered in without booking extra sessions—saving even more time and resources.
Musicians can be booked in 3- or 4-hour sessions, offering an ideal balance between productivity and avoiding fatigue. This provides a lot of flexibility to match the recording schedule to your production needs.
A maximum of 3 x 3-hour sessions can be scheduled in a single day, maximizing the efficiency of your recording sessions while keeping players fresh and focused.
Leveraging Time Zone Differences with REMOTE RECORDING
For filmmakers based in locations like Los Angeles, working with Australian studios presents an unexpected advantage when using Source Connect or Audiomovers, a high-quality, real-time remote recording tool. Thanks to the time difference, a project can start recording in the morning in Australia (which corresponds to the afternoon in LA) and when the filmmaker wakes up the next morning, the edited files are ready to mix. This workflow takes full advantage of a 24-hour production cycle, speeding up the overall process and minimizing delays. It's like having a round-the-clock production team without adding overtime costs.
Access to Top-Tier Musicians and Orchestras
Australia boasts an impressive array of musical talent, from world-class orchestras like the Sydney Symphony Orchestra to a diverse range of session musicians who are experienced in film scoring. Not only are these players highly skilled, but they are also readily available for both local and international productions. The country’s rich and varied music scene brings an added layer of depth to film scores, giving filmmakers access to a wide range of sounds and styles.
Unique Musical Influences
Australia’s cultural diversity translates into a dynamic and varied music scene. From Indigenous Australian instruments and sounds to the influence of classical European music, composers here can provide scores that are distinctive and fresh. Whether you’re seeking a classical orchestra, experimental electronic, or a hybrid mix of styles, Australia offers a wealth of musical options that can set your film apart.
Incentives and Tax Rebates
Australia’s government offers generous tax incentives for filmmakers, such as the Producer Offset and the PDV Offset, which provide significant rebates on local production costs, including film scoring. By choosing to score your film in Australia, you may be eligible for these rebates, further driving down the cost of your production while still enjoying access to top-tier facilities and talent.
A Collaborative, Relaxed Environment
Australia's laid-back and creative environment provides the ideal setting for producing a film score. Cities like Sydney and Melbourne have vibrant artistic communities, providing opportunities for collaboration with local composers, sound designers, and post-production teams. The relaxed atmosphere allows for a more stress-free experience, fostering creativity and ensuring that your score is as polished as possible.
final thoughts
Scoring your film in Australia offers numerous advantages, from financial incentives to world-class facilities and talent. Studios like Trackdown provide filmmakers with cutting-edge resources, flexibility in recording schedules, and highly skilled musicians, all while remaining cost-effective. The ability to leverage the time zone differences through Source Connect also creates a seamless, around-the-clock workflow. With these advantages, it’s no wonder more filmmakers are choosing Australia as the destination for their film scores. So, if you're considering where to bring your next film's music to life—why not do it down under?
SWORD OF CONVALLARIA SCORED AT TRACKDOWN STUDIOS
Comments