Farscape composer Guy Gross

Mortaneous: hehe

* Zeke is a big dog *

OboeCrazy: Lets go!

TracicarT: Welcome & good evening, Guy. :)

Moderator: Welcome, Guy. Do you have any opening remarks for the group?

Guy: Well, I'm really pleased to be doing this,

Moderator: (/msg Moderator with questions -- like you didn't all already know that!)

Guy: nice change from work

Guy: ga

Moderator: Before I open it up to the group, I have one vitally important question:

Moderator: what is the correct pronounciation of your last name?

Guy: ga

Guy: not Grose as in grose out. It's gross that rymes with boss

Guy: ga

Moderator: <OboeCrazy> to <Moderator>: Hi Mr. Gross! Thanks for chatting with us! I was wondering if you'd tell us a bit about your background, what instruments you play, where you studied, and how you got into television music.

Guy: I studied at the conservatorium in Sydney

Guy: it's a selective high school

Guy: kinda like that"fame school"

Guy: but a little less glamerous

Guy: my parents are film producers so it all kinda jelled

Guy: ga

Moderator: <Cush> to <Moderator>: How much, if any, of the shows music is done digitally?

Guy: it's practically ALL digital.

Guy: I use samplers almost entirely

Guy: ga

Moderator: Can you describe a bit the kind of set-up you work on, and how you go about making up the music for each episode?

Moderator: (or perhaps better phrased: <Thinkum> to <Moderator>: Guy, what are the steps you initially go through, when you have a new episode to score? )

Guy: Well, actually for a picture of my room (and me, go to: http://www.ggm.com.au/ggm/ggmstudio.html

Guy: I work entirely alone. (no, I'm not going blind). I have a cute little setup, tailer made for Farscape. I have a whole bunch of samplers at my finger tips. Unfortunatly time and money mean that there is rarely anything "live" in my score. It's all samples.

Guy: Me and the director spot once every 2 weeks and decide what goes where, then I get to work

Guy: ga

Moderator: <Luggage7a> to <Moderator>: Glad you could join us. What do you consider a good score? Something you don't notice while you're watching the movie/episode?

Guy: It's gotta propel the intent of the scene.

Guy: If someone is sad, I gotta make them seem sader

Guy: if there's a chase on I gotta make it seem more dangerous or frenetic etccc

Guy: ga

Moderator: <Chryse74> to <Moderator>: What is the most difficult part of scoring a tv show?

Guy: Actually, I find FS really a joy.

Guy: the only real problematic scenes from me are

Guy: things that aren't outside my musical vocabulary

Guy: like disco!!!!

Guy: ga

Moderator: <Gmmas> to <Moderator>: The new opening theme is exciting...tenser...what sort of guidelines were you given in developing it?

Guy: OK wait, I knew this would be asked. I've prepared an answer hang on

Moderator: (prepared??? is that allowed?)

Guy: maybe read it all later.. but here it is:

Guy: The music for the season three opener was created over a 3 week period. It was decided that rather than simply create a new arrangement of the previous theme, I would compose an original theme that made gentle musical references to the old theme. As a result the credits read: "theme composed by Guy Gross, adapted from the original theme by Subvision"

Guy: I compose, perform and produce my music using a vast array of samplers and synthesizers (predominantly EMU Ultra 4XT's and Kurzweil K2500R's) and use sequencing software called "Digital Performer" running on an Apple Mac G4/500. My sample library is mostly made up from the Peter Ziedlaczek's Advanced Orchestra CDRom library set with addition samples from my personal library recorded and created over many years.

Guy: sorry, read later perhaps

Guy: ga

Moderator: <Ex-Dragon> to <Moderator>: I too want to thank you for taking time out and talking to us fans. Where do you draw your inspiration from?

Guy: would you prefer actual discussions??

Moderator: well, you could tell us all the stuff you've already prepared answers for and then give it to us, so we can ask you other stuff and try to stump you. ;)

Guy: woops, next question: Inspiration comes from training

Guy: stump away.

Guy: ga

Moderator: basically, feel free to take your time and answer in as much (or little) detail as you like.

Moderator: we don't have to stop for commercial breaks. :)

Guy: true

Moderator: <Chryse74> to <Moderator>: Hi Guy, thanks for joining us. Was it difficult taking over the music in the middle of the series?

Guy: Nice question

Guy: yes, apart from the fact the the previous composers were collegues of mine

Guy: but the breif to me never included using the old music as a starting point

Guy: they (producers) liked what I did for the pilot

Guy: asnd wanted more of the same

Guy: ga

Moderator: <GutPageant> to <Moderator>: The 'Agnus Dei" at Aeryn's funeral was beautiful-- but why use something so recognizable--and so HUMAN?

Guy: Well, i'm a big fan of classical music (incase you couldn't tell)

Guy: and I still find it "moves the savage beast"

Guy: So lyrically it was an obvious choice

Guy: but musically it's a kinda modern take on very well established baroque traditions

Guy: ga

Moderator: And it's actually a spoiler -- in season 6 we find out the Sebaceans all speak Latin.

Moderator: <------ kidding.

Guy: lol

Moderator: <Thinkum> to <Moderator>: So, do you watch the episode through first, and just wait for inspiration/training to get you rolling on the score? Or, is there a more specific approach you use?

Guy: Yah, I try not to watch it too much.

Guy: I'm really just like a viewer in this sence

Guy: that I trust my emotions

Guy: and let the scene carry me through it musically

Guy: don't forget, we're dealing with pretty speacial performances

Guy: it's hard not to tune into the subtle emotion on screen

Guy: ga

Moderator: <MindCrazed> to <Moderator>: How long does it usually take you to complete the music for one episode?

Guy: I give my self 5 days, with 5 days for problems, fix ups, days out with my kids

Guy: I have to deliver within 2 weeks

Guy: ga

Moderator: <Cush> to <Moderator>: Do you assign certain "sounds/scores" the different characters/species?

Guy: Only scopy

Guy: he has a weird synth sound

Guy: it's not even really musical

Guy: I use is under what ever the score is doing

Guy: I don't really like using recuring themes in TV work.

Guy: I find it monotonous

Guy: each ep has it's own feel whist still staying within that FS sound

Guy: It's OK for features where you've got 90 mins

Guy: ga

Moderator: (scorpy, he meant....we'll fix that in post.) ;^)

Moderator: <RydraWong> to <Moderator>: What's been the hardest scene to score?

Moderator: <QBall> to <Moderator>: What was the most difficult / challenging ep you've done, and why?

Moderator: <stargatetravler> to <Moderator>: Hi Guy! Which one of the eps have been the easiest to score for, which the hardest and which one your favorite?

Moderator: (three similar questions, all in one shot)

Guy: The work I'm most proud of is on Die Me Dichotomy, particularly the dog fight and Aeryns death scene and of coarse her funeral

Guy: the hardest was that ep that took place on earth

Guy: forgot the name

Guy: mad??

Guy: mod?

Moderator: Not Human Reaction...Won't Get Fool Again, that's the one.

Guy: yah, that's it.

Guy: there was styles that were really out of my confort zone

Guy: I was also really happy with Eat Me. I recorded a whole bunch of new samples for that one. Tenor Horn, Shakahatchi and violin.

Guy: Also the locket was great too do. Real human emotion is terrific to work with.

Guy: I'm actually stumped to find my best episode musically to submit for awards. I'm open to suggestions.

Guy: ga

Moderator: What's a "shakahatchi?"

Guy: it's a japanese bamboo flute

Guy: I taught myself to play it

Guy: it's really erry

Guy: ga

Moderator: Cool.

Moderator: <Gmmas> to <Moderator>: In the lighter episodes, like Beware of Dog, is it hard to make the music add to the humorous tone without going overboard?

Guy: which was that ep again??

Guy: ga

Moderator: That was the one with the little alien scurrying around and humping Aeryn's leg.

Guy: Oh ya, I loved doing that one

Guy: could you tell it was a bit of an ode to Goldsmiths score to Gremlins

Guy: But you're right, humour is really hard to score

Guy: ga

Moderator: <OboeCrazy> to <Moderator>: Has there been times when you've made conscious decissions NOT to have music durring a specific scene?

Guy: well, it's mostly discussed at the brief

Guy: and I'm the first to say "there's too much music"

Guy: but generally we like over scoring FS

Guy: it's not a series of subtleties

Guy: ga

Moderator: (for the latecomers -- and shame on you! -- /msg Moderator with your questions for Guy Gross)

Moderator: <TracicarT> to <Moderator>: Your website is a great resource of information - did you do it yourself?

Guy: Thanks. I wrote it up and had a friend do the webbing etc..

Guy: simple but effective

Guy: ga

Moderator: <Jamal-Walker> to <Moderator>: Guy are you going to be at any conventions any time soo if so when and where

Guy: Wow, I never considered it

Guy: don't forget, I'm down here in OZ

Guy: it's a little difficult

Guy: ga

Moderator: If you find yourself in the US or UK, I'm sure there are plenty of conventions that would love to feature you as a guest.

Guy: I'm game

Moderator: Definitely look into it.

Guy: ga

Moderator: <Eloy> to <Moderator>: Are there other film/TV composers whom you consider influential to your work?

Guy: Bach, Stravinski, Shostakovitch.

Guy: Danny Elfman, (the man can do no wrong!) Elliot Goldenthal (Aleins III) Wojciech Kilar (Dracula)

Guy: but mostly I let music around me influence

Guy: I listen to various radios stations

Guy: I have a really small CD collection

Guy: actually, I hardn't listen to music at home

Guy: but real influences are probably

Guy: the composers I studied at high school

Guy: berstien, bach, vaughn williams

Guy: ga

Moderator: <GutPageant> to <Moderator>: Your style seems to be classically inclined. Are you influenced by any rock music? Might Moyas' crew one day be adventuring to the strains of the Sonic Youth of the Uncharted Territories?

Guy: I'm afraid not. That's really NOT my forte.

Guy: The subvision boys were better at that approach

Guy: I think we've got comfortable with the classical scoring approach

Guy: ga

Moderator: Perhaps you've just answered this, but:

Moderator: <Eloy> to <Moderator>: What do you see as being different between your music and Subvision's?

Guy: Oh, delicate question

Guy: you know, I think I'd rather let you guys decide

Guy: ga

Moderator: here's another "stump the composer" question:

Moderator: <MindCrazed> to <Moderator>: You used the same background music in the Jakench cockpit and LGM-part 3 (John trying to shoot Scorpy), was there another reason other than they were similar scenes? I loved that you did that.

Guy: remind me, what was the Jakench cockpit?

Guy: ga

Guy: remind me, what was the Jakench cockpit?

Moderator: Yeah, remind me too.

Moderator: What's a Jakench?

Moderator: LGM 3 was the last of the 3-parter at the end of the season.

Moderator: <MindCrazed> to <Moderator>: Latp-part2 where john jumped off the ship

Moderator: <Gmmas> to <Moderator>: Look at the Princess, ship Crichton goes crazy on , then takes walk in space

Guy: Not sure what scenes you mean but I havn't meant to re-use things

Moderator: Well, it sounds like it was within a multi-part episode, so that can't really be considered "reuse," can it?

Guy: I guess it's the same composer it's going to sound the same sometimes

Guy: ga

Moderator: <DragonPhoenix> to <Moderator>: Have there ever been times when you are totally stumped as to what you want to use for a scene?

Guy: ya sometimes

Guy: it's the weird ones generaly

Guy: normal drama is OK. I've set that style

Guy: but dance clubs, and complex emotions are hard

Guy: but that rare

Guy: fs is pretty obvious in terms of emotion

Guy: ga

Moderator: <Stevepalmer> to <Moderator>: please give my compliments to mr Gross and ask him what kind of mixing and dubbing equipment he uses.

Guy: check my site for details but essentially

Guy: I use digital performer

Guy: and EMU and Kurzweil samplers

Guy: everything is mixed internal to DP

Guy: ga

Moderator: For those who missed it before, the URL is http://www.ggm.com.au/ggm/.

Guy: yep, ga

Moderator: Speaking of mixing, how involved are you in the final mix?

Moderator: Do you keep telling them to crank it up?

Moderator: :)

Guy: I go to the "mix playback" and give my comments

Guy: actually mostly I'm telling them to turn it down

Guy: especially in the more intimate scenes

Guy: but there's a healthy conflict between my and the FX editor

Guy: but I usually win out

Guy: music really tells the emotional story

Guy: but I guess if you see an explotion, you gotta hear it

Guy: so I tend to avoid writing for piccolo over a big bang

Guy: ga

Moderator: And at the end of the day, you get to put out CDs of your music but Mr. FX Editor doesn't get to release CDs of his big bangs. :)

Moderator: Speaking of CDs,

Moderator: <ElectricWhisper> to <Moderator>: Are you going to make a few cd's of your work?

Guy: Well I hope you all have a copy of the 1st one

Guy: to tell you the truth

Guy: I never really expected for the FS underscore to be put to CD

Guy: It's really tailer made for the screen

Guy: I don't "dot my i's and cross my t's" when it's going to be under heaps of FX

Guy: so some of the cues are a bit messy around the edges

Guy: this season I'm paying more attention to cues that might make a good 2nd album

Guy: ga

Moderator: (CD available from GNP Crescendo, http://www.gnpcrescendo.com/)

Moderator: <Luggage7a> to <Moderator>: who has the final say about the music? Ever gotten into an argument?

Guy: The supervising director (Andrew Prouse)

Guy: Arguments, nope. I'm not that precious

Guy: It's just a bunch of notes

Guy: I put them in a certain order

Guy: I can put em in a different order

Guy: but to date everyone has loved what I do

Guy: fingers crossed it continues that way

Guy: ga

Moderator: We've got to get Andrew on for a chat. I think he's one of the underappreciated talents behind Farscape, and it's time for him to be dragged out into the spotlight (and asked about his underwear preference, naturally). We'll work on that one.

Guy: absolutly

Guy: ga

Moderator: <Cush> to <Moderator>: When you first saw FarScape (or heard about it), what were your impressions?

Guy: I was really impressed with the "on screen" quality

Guy: I what composer wouldn't love to do sci-fi. It's a dream come true

Guy: you get to do really bombastic stuff one day....

Guy: and really beautiful gentle the next

Guy: ga

Moderator: <Thinkum> to <Moderator>: where in the mixing process do you get your copy of the episode, to start working on the score? are the CGI there? is it the final edit?

Guy: It's the final edit, but often has rough "wireframe" images for the CGI shots

Guy: if they're important for me sync wise I ask for the new images as soon as they're ready

Guy: but generally I don't see them till the mix playback

Guy: it's kinda funny writing a huge chord for a weird wire frame shot that will eventually look like a huge space expance

Guy: ga

Moderator: Another pair of related questions:

Moderator: <Chryse74> to <Moderator>: What other shows/movies have you scored for?

Moderator: <Jamal-Walker> to <Moderator>: guy are you planing on doing any music for any other movies

Guy: My biggest claim to fame is scoring "the adventures of Priscilla, Queem of the Desert"

Guy: you know, the grag queens in outback OZ

Guy: but I also do alot of kids animated music

Guy: Blinky Bill, Dumb Bunnies, Flipper

Guy: ga

Moderator: I'm going to invoke Moderator Priviledge and ask a question.

Moderator: We've heard Ben Browder sing a few times already, and I think one or two of the other cast members have suggested they can carry a tune...

Moderator: do you think we might ever see a real musical number in a Farscape episode?

Guy: Well, did you know that Wanye actually played the drums in Won't Get Fooled Again

Guy: but no other plans for a big musical number that I can tell you about

Guy: ga

Moderator: (oooh...."that I can tell you about." start the rumor mill now.)

Moderator: <RydraWong> to <Moderator>: You mentioned your "ode" to the Gremlins score - do you often include musical references and in-jokes like that

Guy: Sure

Guy: It's just for fun

Guy: just like whenever I talk to certain friends, we innevitably speak a pythonism or two

Guy: ga

Moderator: <Eloy> to <Moderator>: If you were to score a Farscape movie, what would you do differently from the TV music?

Guy: A real orchestra for a start!

Guy: That would take it to another level

Guy: And thematic development would come into it

Guy: features are very differnt beasts to series work

Guy: ga

Moderator: <Evan> to <Moderator>: Thanks for chatting with us, Guy! Would you ever consider allowing Fan-produced music on the show? Or be willing to incorporate it into your own? (If yes, then you'll like the CD I'm sending Ricky in a month) Thanks, Evan -Chianite for life

Guy: what do you mean?

Guy: Oh, another composer?

Guy: well, you're welcome to pitch

Guy: but I refrain from collaborations

Guy: it always ends in tears

Guy: ga

Moderator: clarification:

Moderator: <Evan> to <Moderator>: Fan artists sending in material inspired by the show

Guy: I'd love to hear it

Guy: ga

Moderator: <RydraWong> to <Moderator>: Have you tried to develop a distinct "Farscape flavour" for the music, or do you approach each ep (or scene, even) individually?

Guy: Well there's a flavor in that I stick to a pretty tight music pallette

Guy: and I explore reasonably know early 20th century musical styles

Guy: so I hope it's recognisably FS

Guy: ga

Moderator: <OboeCrazy> to <Moderator>: The tone of Farscape can change dramaticly from show to show (comedy, drama, horror, ect...). Do you enjoy composing more for one style then another?

Guy: Nice to hear from you OboeCrazy. I see your posts sometimes.

Guy: Yes, that's why I love FS

Guy: I get to do all sorts of things musically

Guy: ga

Moderator: no favorites? did you leap up when you read EAT ME and think, "great, a horror ep!"?

Moderator: (or "oh no, a horror ep!")

Guy: Absolutly!

Guy: great a horror ep

Guy: I'd just scored a horror feature called CUT starring Molly Ringwald

Guy: and wasn't too impressed with my result

Guy: so another bite at the cherry was nice

Guy: I loved that ep

Guy: ga

Moderator: <Stevepalmer> to <Moderator>: as always my compliments to Mr Gross, has a piece of music or a score emerged as a possible theme for John Crichton? And I loved Priscilla btw

Guy: thanks

Guy: no, no real JC theme

Guy: again, I try and stay away from themes because each chachter goes through so many emotions

Guy: that one theme wouldn't do them justice

Guy: ga

Moderator: <QuietI> to <Moderator>: Earlier you mentioned musical in-jokes and quotes -- has there been any thought about syncing up Ben's pop culture references with accompanying music? The 3 Stooges leaps to mind, but I'm noy sure how/if it would work... what do you think?

Guy: I sometimes doi it

Guy: remember when he kept humming the US anthem

Guy: or was it somthing else

Guy: anyway, I preceeded the melody in the score

Guy: pretty subtle but fun to do

Guy: the directors always get a laugh

Guy: ga

Moderator: <Thinkum> to <Moderator>: Ride of the Valkyries

Moderator: ?

Guy: Can't get too obvious

Guy: ga

Moderator: <Eloy> to <Moderator>: What other music references can you tell us about? (I've thought I'd noticed a Star Wars reference or two... was I right?)

Guy: Well considering that Williams in Star Wars is drawing from the same musical refernces as I

Guy: than I guess there's going to be similarities

Guy: go and listen to Holst - The Planets and tell me there's anyting original in todays scifi scores

Guy: ga

Moderator: Guy, we've just passed the one hour mark. Do you have to go back to the (music) keyboard, or can you stick around a bit longer?

Guy: Happy to continue for 20 or so

Moderator: Super! Which ep # are you currently working on now?

Guy: I'm in the middle of ep 211

Guy: Oh it's fun

Guy: ga

Moderator: <Chryse74> to <Moderator>: Do you or have you composed original music on your off days? What are your personal/professional goals?

Guy: Nope. I don't touch music when I'm not scoreing for film

Guy: weird eh

Guy: I used to , but now it's a proffesion

Guy: that I happen to love doing

Guy: ga

Moderator: <GutPageant> to <Moderator>: Do you ever shake your head in amused disbelief at some of the scenes you need to score?"Look at the Princess" for example--'Hey! We need some alien lounge music here!'

Guy: Absolutly!

Guy: That's the great thing about FS

Guy: you never know what's next

Guy: look at the eat me cliffhanger for instance

Guy: who'd have thought!!!!!

Guy: ga

Moderator: <QuietI> to <Moderator>: Are you a fan of the whole scifi genre? Do you have particular authors or movies that you consider your favorites?

Guy: No sorry, I'm a bit new to it. Just love the classic sci fi movies

Guy: ga

Moderator: <Eloy> to <Moderator>: Besides your own, what would you consider to be your favorite movie/TV soundtrack(s)?

Guy: Dracula really sticks in my mind

Guy: and actually the Toy Story scores are great

Guy: And anything Elfman does it superb

Guy: ga

Moderator: Is being down in Oz an advantage or disadvantage for you?

Moderator: Would you consider being closer to LA?

Guy: Well the beaches are nice here

Guy: and as long as I'm being challenged creativly I'm happy to stay.

Guy: I've got a family and LA doesn't really sound appealing in that sence

Guy: I'm a humble quiet guy

Guy: So bring the films down here and I'm happily do 'em

Guy: ga

Moderator: Everyone gets asked this eventually, so here's your turn:

Moderator: <TracicarT> to <Moderator>: (If this gets asked, I blame Thinkum for putting the thought in my head) Mr. Gross, in keeping with Farscape chat tradition - boxers, or briefs?

Guy: briefs. All my life. What do you asks the women?

Guy: ga

Moderator: Same thing, mostly.

Guy: lol

Guy: ga

Moderator: So when Thinkum isn't putting off-color thoughts in other people's heads, she's asking more mainstream questions of her own.

Moderator: <Thinkum> to <Moderator>: does Farscape keep you busy fulltime, or do you still have time for other projects?

Guy: Actually I'm directing an animated TV series for kids called OLD TOM

Guy: but if I didn't have that I might take on the accational work

Guy: ga

Moderator: Ooops, I lost my next question.

Moderator: (bad Moderator, bad!)

Moderator: quick, someone ask something brilliant.

Guy: Maybe I should tell you about this ep I'm on

Guy: maybe not

Guy: ga

Moderator: Oooh, tease.

Moderator: Is there anything you can tell us about to listen for, without giving away any plot spoiler details?

Moderator: Anything that turned out especially well?

Guy: Well, I use the baroque style for grand moments

Guy: and there have been a few lately

Guy: I really love doing them

Guy: ga

Moderator: <Thinkum> to <Moderator>: what would you Most like to work on, after Farscape

Guy: I actually hope they keep going for a while

Guy: it's great to wake up and WANT to get to the office

Guy: but feature work is nice if you can get it

Guy: few and far between

Guy: but I'm in no hurry

Guy: feed the kids, pay the mortage, swim in the ocean and I'm happy

Guy: ga

Moderator: <QuietI> to <Moderator>: When you say "grand moments", are they of the type to make the shippers happy? You can *hint* without giving spoilers, right? (wink, wink)

Guy: I guess, but also, out of body stuff. Like when time stands till and we're all sitting on the edge of our seats

Guy: wondering what's going to happen

Guy: ga

Moderator: <Thinkum> to <Moderator>: once you've completed an episode's score, do you put it out of your head? or is it frustrating, to not be able to see the finished product on the air in Australia?

Guy: Well, I see/hear it at the mix

Guy: but yah, I'm really hanging out for the DVD's

Guy: which look like they might be a while

Guy: ga

Moderator: Well, we're just about out of time.

Moderator: If you've joined us in the middle, check the transcript at scifi.com/transcripts tomorrow for some useful URLs.

Guy: Well it was really fun. Nice to see people pay attention to the music

Guy: let's do it again sometime

Guy: ga

Moderator: Absolutely.

Moderator: And everyone, don't forget our Farscape author chat with Keith R.A. DeCandido (hope I spelled that right)

Moderator: this Thursday night.

Moderator: Thanks again to Guy, and to all of you for the great questions.

Moderator: We now go unmoderated -- apres moi, le deluge.

OboeCrazy: Thank you VERY much Mr. Gross! It was great chatting with you! You're wonderful work is VERY much appreciated!!

Thinkum: thanks, Guy! appreciate your taking the time to let us pester you with Qs. ;-)

Eloy: You rock, Guy!

grf: Thanks for spending time with us!

Guy: Really, thanks for taking the time

Stevepalmer: thanks for comming Mr Gross

Jamal-Walker: thanks guy

Calliope: Thankies Guy!!! :)

QuietI: Thanks, Guy! I really love your music, it suits the show sooo well!

Eloy: Farscape music is awesome... hope to see another CD soon!

Dabee: Thanks a lot, Guy! Love your music!!!