Efferent Verb Team:

Meet Jenna Pratt, a music composer and pianist based in Sydney, Australia, currently represented by Point Blank Management. Jenna graduated with a Bachelor of Music in Songwriting from JMC Academy, where she discovered her passion for film music. She specialises in composing music for film, television, games and advertisements. Through her compositions, Jenna aims to evoke emotions, enhance narratives, and captivate audiences with her exceptional musical abilities.

Interviewer: How did you first come across Church Street Studios and what experience did you gain from participating in a 30 day unpaid residency there?

Interviewer: What was it like working under the guidance of renowned film composer Guy Gross? What was the most valuable lesson you learned from him?

Jenna: Church Street Studios, owned and operated by Guy Gross, initiated the Composing Residency in which I participated. While I didn’t work directly with Guy Gross, I had the opportunity to take part in the unpaid residency program. During this period, I was granted access to a composing suite for a month. Throughout my stay, Guy offered valuable career guidance and advice. Additionally, I had the privilege of observing one of his music-writing sessions for a screen project.

Interviewer: How did scoring several short films in 2019 impact your career as a musician?

Jenna: Scoring multiple films in 2019 gave my career and confidence a major boost. My portfolio got a major boost, and scoring multiple short films added some serious weight to my work, making me more credible and visible in the industry. People started noticing my work, and that meant more opportunities coming my way.

What’s cool is that each film I scored brought something unique to my portfolio. I got to showcase my versatility in crafting music that perfectly complemented different visual stories.

All in all, 2019 was a transformative year for me. Scoring those short films fuelled my passion for composing music for visual media and aligned my career with my true calling. I’m so grateful for that experience, and it set the stage for a fulfilling journey ahead. Can’t wait to see what the future holds!

Interviewer: One of the short films you scored was ‘Magnetic’. Could you tell us more about this film and the recognition it received?

Jenna: ‘Magnetic’ is a captivating short drama film written and directed by Nicole Delprado, with Joanna Beveridge serving as the producer. The film was created as a part of the Screenability program, an inspiring platform supporting screen practitioners with disabilities. Premiering at the prestigious 2019 Sydney Film Festival, ‘Magnetic’ delves into the compelling journey of a young woman navigating the intricate balance between mental illness, creativity, and identity. As her path to diagnosis oscillates between being cured and complicated, the film sheds light on the challenges and complexities faced by individuals dealing with mental health issues. With a poignant narrative, ‘Magnetic’ aimed to raise awareness and foster understanding about mental illness, showcasing the immense talent and creativity of filmmakers with disabilities through the Screenability program.

Interviewer: What were some of the key things you learned or experienced during the “Equalise” workshop organized by APRA AMCOS? How did being a part of “Equalise” help you as a female musician in the industry?

Jenna: During my participation in this workshop, I had the privilege of learning about the process of scoring a feature film in a professional studio setting from Caitlin Yeo. The initiative’s main goal was to promote music production and film scoring as viable career paths for underrepresented individuals in the industry. Through this opportunity, aspiring composers like myself had the chance to break barriers and foster inclusivity within the sector.

Key takeaways from the experience include valuable networking opportunities, as the initiative allowed me to connect with industry professionals and peers, potentially leading to collaborations and future prospects. Moreover, being part of this initiative served as validation for my talent and potential as a composer, inspiring me to pursue my passion despite underrepresentation challenges that women in music face.

Overall, this workshop not only equipped me with technical skills but also acted as a driving force for industry-wide change. By showcasing the potential of underrepresented individuals in music production and film scoring, the initiative strives to create a more diverse and inclusive landscape where talent is acknowledged and rewarded regardless of background or identity.

Interviewer: Can you tell us about the documentary series ‘See What You Made Me Do’ and the inspiration behind it? As a selected musician for this project, could you share your experience in providing additional music for the series?

Jenna: ‘See What You Made Me Do’ is a compelling 3-part documentary series, where investigative journalist Jess Hill delves into the subject of domestic abuse, addressing critical issues surrounding the safety of women and children and the accountability of perpetrators. The series aims to spark discussions about necessary actions to create a safer environment for those affected by domestic abuse.

The original score for the documentary was masterfully crafted by Amara Primero from Primerchord Production Music. As part of Primerchord’s International Women’s Day initiative, I had the honor of being selected to collaborate with them on a few tracks for the series, which would later end up as part of the Primerchord Production Music Catalogue.

Working to a brief that I received, Amara and I co-composed 1 track that sought to complement and enhances the emotional depth and gravity of the documentary’s narrative. Amara Primero’s contribution aimed to provide a poignant and thought-provoking musical backdrop, adding another layer of depth and resonance to the powerful storytelling presented in ‘See What You Made Me Do’.

Interviewer: How did you feel when you found out about your nomination for Best Original Score at the Made in the West Festival?

Jenna: Getting my first music nomination was a total game-changer for me! It filled me with so much pride and fulfilment. It felt like all the hard work, dedication, and talent I put into composing was finally being recognized and appreciated.

The nomination meant a lot because it was a validation from industry peers and professionals. Knowing that they saw something special in my music was an incredible honour and a massive boost to my confidence. It made me believe even more in myself and my journey as a composer.

This nomination will always have a special place in my heart. It marked a significant milestone in my composing journey, and it’s a memory I’ll cherish forever. It fuels my fire to keep striving for excellence in my music, and I can’t wait to see what other recognition and success lie ahead.

Interviewer: As a composer, what do you hope your music brings to the audience and enhances their viewing experience?

Jenna: As a composer, my ultimate goal is to add depth, emotion, and immersion to the audience’s viewing experience. I want my music to be an integral part of the storytelling process, forging a strong connection between the visuals and the viewers’ emotions. Through carefully crafted melodies, harmonies, and rhythms, I aim to enhance the audience’s emotional journey, evoking various feelings that align with the narrative, such as joy, sadness, tension, or excitement. I believe that music has the incredible ability to elevate the storytelling by intensifying critical moments and creating a memorable atmosphere. By resonating with the themes and characters, my compositions strive to help the audience connect with the story on a deeper level, unveiling subtleties and subtext that enrich the overall experience. Ultimately, my aspiration is for my music to become a lasting memory in the viewers’ minds, enhancing their appreciation for the project and leaving a lasting impact on their overall enjoyment and engagement.

Interviewer: Are there any other upcoming projects or collaborations that you are excited about?

Jenna: I am currently working on a few projects, which I can’t talk about but keep an eye out on my website and social media to hear about what I’m getting up to! I am always open to collaboration and joint projects for visual media, whether it be providing additional music or co-composing, or even if you need a composer for your next project!

Contact:

Email: contact@jennapratt.com

Website: https://www.jennapratt.com/contact