Oklahoman Produces Film Music Documentary 'SCORE'

For the first time, some of Hollywood's biggest composers are sharing the genius behind the music, in new documentary dedicated to them. The film is called "SCORE" and is already underway and is being produced by an Oklahoman.

The documentary covers some movie music legends, such as composers from Footloose to Frozen.

Behind every great movie, there's the music. Each note and beat captivate audiences, but it's the creation of these melodies that is often overlooked.

"So often the film score in the discourse of filmmaking is relegated to behind the scenes featurettes on a DVD and not given the thoughtful consideration we think it merits," said SCORE producer Jonathan Willbanks.

Willbanks, a Bethany native, is producing the 90-minute film music documentary to feature the minds behind the music.

"A good score is almost invisible. It's something that, if it's doing its job, the audience doesn't notice it as an element separate from what they're seeing on screen," he said.

A first of its kind, Willbanks and his team of Emmy-Award winning producers and journalists dig deep into the heavy hitters of film music composition.

SCORE interviews composers Danny Elfman (Batman, Spider-Man), Hans Zimmer (The Lion King, Gladiator, The Dark Knight, Pirates of the Caribbean, Interstellar) and Christophe Beck, (Frozen, The Muppets, The Hangover).

In SCORE, composer John Debney (The Passion of the Christ, Princess Diaries, Elf, Star Trek: The Next Generation) says, "Standing on the podium and hearing it for the first time, I guess it's like seeing your child for the first time being born."

But there are more music legends Willbanks hopes to feature and has created a Kickstarter campaign to raise money for the production. In just 5 days, he's reached 85 percent of his $40,000 goal.

“Oklahoma is my home. I have a deep passion for the film industry and this was an opportunity for me to bring Hollywood to Oklahoma,” Willbanks said.

“People have come out of the woodwork from former high school teachers to next door neighbors and friends, and that's one of my favorite things about Oklahoma is that Oklahomans really come together to support each other.”

Everyone who donates $18 will have his or her name listed in the film's end credits. 

Learn how you can support the documentary SCORE.

Willbanks plans for the film to be completed by November with a special premiere in Oklahoma.