Following the resounding success of the inaugural Game Music Connect conference in 2013, Game Music Connect 2014 proudly returns to The Purcell Room at the Southbank Centre, London on September 24, 2014.
Game Music Connect is for aspiring and professional composers of all backgrounds and those interested in learning about the art and craft of creating today's cutting edge video game soundtracks. Featuring interviews, practical demonstrations and roundtable discussions with some of the world's leading composers and audio directors, the first announced speakers for Game Music Connect 2014 include music industry luminary Steve Schnur (Worldwide Executive of Music, Electronic Arts), composers Garry Schyman (BioShock Infinite), Jessica Curry (Dear Esther) and Olivier Derivière (Remember Me). Early-bird tickets are available now at www.gamemusicconnect.com.
Game Music Connect is founded by BAFTA and IFMCA award winner and five-time BAFTA Original Music nominated composer James Hannigan (Transformers Universe, RuneScape, Dead Space 3, Command and Conquer series, Harry Potter series) and noted game audio director, composer (Forza Motorsport 5, X-COM, Transport Tycoon), writer (develop, Audio Media), jury chair for BAFTA's game music and audio awards, and industry commentator John Broomhall, to celebrate and explore the music of video games.
James Hannigan: "It's a huge thrill to be back for 2014 and a great honour to have such wonderfully talented, diverse and influential guests join us for the day. As promised last year, we will be covering the innovative indie game music scene this time around, as well as continuing our focus on blockbusters and the challenges of interactive music."
Game Music Connect 2014 will open with a keynote from Steve Schnur, EA's Worldwide Executive of Music. Schnur's hands-on approach with composer selection and score production has earned EA more than 50 soundtrack nominations over the last 10 years during which he has produced in excess of 100 EA soundtrack albums. With the formation of Artwerk Music Group, EA also directly signs, develops and launches artists for publishing, master recordings, sync deals and distribution.
Game Music Connect 2014 will feature a highly distinguished and dynamic line-up of international A-list music talent including:
BAFTA winner composer Garry Schyman, who composed the BioShock series, Dante's Inferno and Destroy All Humans!, was recently honored with his second "Outstanding Achievement in Original Composition Award" from the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences for his intimate and experimental score to the blockbuster hit, BioShock Infinite.
Jessica Curry, BAFTA nominated composer and co-director of independent game studio, The Chinese Room. Curry's critically acclaimed, beautifully haunting video game scores include Dear Esther, Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs and the forthcoming Everybody's Gone to the Rapture.
Olivier Derivière, 2013 breakthrough composer of the year whose innovative scores include Assassin's Creed IV Freedom Cry, Of Orcs and Men, and Remember Me, recently awarded "Best Original Score For a Video Game or Interactive Media Award" from the International Film Music Critics Association (IFMCA).
John Broomhall reprises his role as host throughout the day's proceedings and two-time BAFTA award-winning composer Jason Graves (Tomb Raider, Dead Space series), Ivor Novello / BAFTA nominated composer Richard Jacques (LittleBigPlanet 2, James Bond 007: Blood Stone, Mass Effect) and Game Music Connect co-founder and composer James Hannigan will return to discuss upcoming projects and participate in new presentations.
Building on the success of last year's conference format, the day's programming will comprise of discussions with these celebrated composers and audio directors, including insights into their diverse career paths and scoring experiences, as well as covering topics such as orchestral recording, composer representation, licensed music, indie game music and practical demonstrations of interactive music. Full details of the day's sessions and other distinguished guest speakers, to include audio directors from leading developers and publishers, will be announced soon.
For more information and to purchase tickets for Game Music Connect 2014, visit www.gamemusicconnect.com.
Game Music Connect 2013 event website and photo gallery: www.gamemusicconnect2013.com/gallery.
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