The Rise of Music-Driven Cinema: A New Era for Film and Artists
Hollywood producer Shannon McIntosh, known for her collaborations with Quentin Tarantino on films like Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and The Hateful Eight, has partnered with Universal Music Group U.K.’s Globe business to develop a slate of feature films where music isn’t just a soundtrack, but a core narrative element. This collaboration signals a growing trend: the intentional integration of music into the incredibly fabric of filmmaking.
Globe Originals: Bridging the Gap Between Music and Film
Led by president Marc Robinson, Globe Originals is expanding beyond traditional music synchronization deals, actively developing projects where artists, composers, and filmmakers collaborate from the outset. This approach represents a shift from simply licensing existing songs to creating cinematic experiences built around music.
The partnership between McIntosh Films and Globe Originals isn’t new; they previously collaborated on The Hateful Eight. However, this new deal formalizes a commitment to a “bold slate of music-driven feature films,” as described by the companies.
Projects in Development: A Diverse Musical Landscape
Several projects are already in active development, showcasing the breadth of this new approach:
- Falling: A modern-day love story featuring Simone Ashley, Evan Peters, and Sam Claflin, developed in collaboration with composer Marius de Vries.
- Dusty vs Dusty: A unique biopic exploring the life of Dusty Springfield, with two actors portraying the singer.
- Annie Oakley Hanging: A “fully music-driven feature” and rebellious love story set in the American frontier, featuring original music by Dan Smith of Bastille and Ralph Pelleymounter of To Kill a King.
These projects demonstrate a willingness to experiment with genre and form, using music to drive both the narrative and emotional core of the films.
Why Music is Becoming ‘Structural’ in Cinema
Shannon McIntosh emphasizes that in these films, music isn’t “ornamental—it’s structural.” This signifies a move away from traditional scoring techniques, where music supports the visuals, to a more integrated approach where music actively shapes the storytelling. This is a response to changing audience expectations and a desire for more immersive cinematic experiences.
Marc Robinson notes the “huge opportunity to bring together the worlds of music and film,” suggesting a potential for increased revenue streams for artists and a fresh perspective for filmmakers.
The Impact on Artists and the Music Industry
This trend offers artists new avenues for creative expression and revenue generation. By being involved in the filmmaking process from the beginning, musicians can have greater control over how their work is presented and integrated into the narrative. This also opens up opportunities for artists to reach new audiences through the power of cinema.
The success of recent projects like Bohemian Rhapsody and Rocketman, which heavily featured the music of Queen and Elton John respectively, demonstrates the audience appetite for music-centric films. These films weren’t just biographical; they were celebrations of music and artistry.
Future Trends: Immersive Experiences and Artist-Led Productions
The collaboration between McIntosh and Globe Originals is likely to spur further innovation in music-driven cinema. We can expect to see:
- More immersive audio-visual experiences: Utilizing technologies like Dolby Atmos and spatial audio to create a more enveloping and emotionally resonant cinematic experience.
- Artist-led productions: Musicians taking on more significant roles in the filmmaking process, potentially even directing or producing their own films.
- Genre-bending experiments: Films that seamlessly blend musical genres with cinematic storytelling, creating unique and unexpected experiences.
- Increased collaboration between record labels and film studios: More partnerships like the one between Universal Music Group and McIntosh Films.
FAQ
Q: What is Globe Originals?
A: Globe Originals is the film development arm of Universal Music Group U.K.’s Globe business, focused on creating music-driven feature films.
Q: Who is Shannon McIntosh?
A: Shannon McIntosh is a Hollywood producer known for her work with Quentin Tarantino on films like Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and The Hateful Eight.
Q: What kind of films will this partnership produce?
A: The partnership will focus on feature films where music is a central element of the storytelling, not just a supporting soundtrack.
Q: Is this a new trend?
A: Even as music has always been present in film, the intentional integration of music into the core narrative structure is a growing trend, driven by audience demand and new creative possibilities.
Did you realize? Marc Robinson has worked at the intersection of film, television, and music for over 20 years within Universal Music Group.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for films that credit composers and musicians prominently – this is a good indicator of a music-driven project.
What are your thoughts on the future of music in film? Share your opinions in the comments below!
