As part of my entry for the film scoring competition, I had the opportunity to compose an original soundtrack for an animated short film. This project was both a stimulating challenge and a real creative playground. Here’s how I approached creating an original composition that harmonizes with the subtleties of the film.

Preliminary Research

Before starting, I took the time to analyze several compositions made for this short film, which is frequently used in competitions. This allowed me to identify the approaches that had already been explored while refining my own direction: I wanted to offer something original that would stand out while staying true to the spirit of the film.

Initial Choices

Two key decisions guided my musical creation:

• Let the film “breathe,” as it already has a rich and dynamic sound design.
• Enhance the comedic and clumsy tone of the story.

These points helped me design music that both respects the film and adds a new narrative dimension.

The Musical Theme as a Character

I imagined a musical theme that almost becomes its own character, experiencing the same mishaps as the llama, repeatedly interrupted by falls and accidents. This theme, like the main character, constantly “loses its footing,” which reinforces the comedic aspect of the situation.

The saxophone, which I played myself, is at the heart of this narrative. It conveys a range of emotions: it grows frustrated with constant interruptions (such as the train’s arrival), takes revenge during the mine cart fall, and shares moments of sadness or joy, especially in the relationship between the llama and the penguin.

Respecting the Film’s “Breathing Space”

To maintain the film’s balance, I focused on the general atmosphere and emphasizing key impacts. I chose not to add too many musical interactions, such as a dedicated theme for the penguin or accompaniment for every character movement. The film, thanks to its sound design, stands strong on these aspects, and adding too much music would have risked overloading the narrative.

Musical Examples

• General Music: The composition consistently follows the impacts to reinforce them while remaining light and fluid.
• Main Theme: A “soft” ternary melody played on the saxophone and doubled an octave higher, creating a relaxed, slightly naïve, and nasal tone.
• Train Scene: I used a rising crescendo scream sample, accompanied by increasingly frantic string trills as the train approached.
• Soaring Through the Sky: A sudden choir enters on a Cmaj13 chord (sung by me) to create a celestial, divine effect. The choir swells before abruptly stopping at the characters’ fall, highlighting the comedic impact.

Conclusion

This project allowed me to explore new ways of using music to interact with imagery and storytelling. By playing with the comedy and emotions of the characters, I aimed to bring a personal touch to this animated short film. Participating in this competition was an enriching experience, and I hope this soundtrack will convey as much joy as I had creating it.