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Q&A with Pól Brennan – composer of ‘An Bronntanas’
24 Mar 2015 : Seán Brosnan
Brennan composed the score for the Irish language thriller series and film ‘An Bronntanas’ - directed by Tom Collins
Having earned an IFTA Award for his past collaboration with director Tom Collins on the acclaimed ‘Kings’ – Pól Brennan had no problem picking up the phone when Tom Collins came calling again for the Irish-language thriller ‘An Bronntanas’.

Here, IFTN talks to Brennan about his work on the film, staying away from the traditionally Irish music for the project and enjoying the blank canvas when approaching a new film or television series.

IFTN: Tell us about your work on ‘An Bronntanas’.

Pól Brennan: ‘I had really enjoyed working with the director Tom Collins some years ago on the movie ‘Kings’ so when he called to tell me about ‘An Bronntanas’ - I was immediately interested in the project. He always has a very interesting and eclectic musical brief …it’s pretty diverse and he allows for a natural flow of ideas between director and composer which is essential. We decided that the music would have a gritty feel, but not particularly traditionally Irish…there were other elements at play as well not least the Polish influence on the storyline...’

What training/education did you receive to become a composer?

‘I did not formally train as a composer. However, I was classically trained on Piano…and also studied Counterpoint Harmony. I am also classically trained on silver flute.’

What was your first job in the industry?

‘As a founder member of ‘Clannad’ …. I wrote the ‘Theme for Harry’s Game’ in the early ’80’s and followed that with the music for the TV series ‘Robin of Sherwood’ …..both were nominated for BAFTA awards and ‘Robin of Sherwood’ was a winner! Working on ‘Robin of Sherwood’ was so much fun and it was one of the reasons why I was drawn to music score and soundtrack projects. It was a brilliant experience and gave me a great understanding of the craft.’

What do you enjoy most about being a composer? And what do you consider the greatest challenges?

‘I enjoy the idea of the blank canvas….pictures with no music. Then as you start to compose musical pieces and soundscapes the pictures take on a new meaning. I love diversity and composing for different film and TV projects.’

Describe your typical working day and the equipment you use.

‘My work days can vary depending on the project I happen to be working on….for film and TV projects I normally work from 10am -6pm ... I have my own studio and use Pro Tools. It has two good sized live rooms for recording .…I’ve recorded a string section (up to 10 piece) in the main room…the other one is a stone room and the control room is also pretty sizeable …it’s all in a renovated 300 year building next to my home in Co Kilkenny. It’s an inspirational space to work in.’

What filmmaker/composer has influenced you?

‘Arvo Part, Thomas Newman, Gustavo Santaolalla ….and many more…I love the Coen Brothers movies.’

What Irish film or TV show would you have loved to have worked on?

‘I would dearly love to work with Neil Jordan….I think he’s a brilliant director and writer.’

What films and TV shows did you enjoy growing up that may have encouraged you to work in the industry?

‘Disney Cartoons were always melody driven and grand, and 'The Sound of Music’ had a profound effect on me….’

What’s the difference between working on an Irish production and working on an international production for you?

‘International projects by and large have a bigger budget and that can help with being able to choose soloists and orchestras. Distance is no longer an issue because one can stream music within minutes of finishing a piece or idea and as long as the communication between composer and director is intact, that’s all that matters.’

What advice would you give to anyone wishing to get into composing?

‘If it’s what you want to do ….a classical music background would be essential and then you need lots of patience..!’





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