Skyfall
Brief
For Skyfall, directed by Mischa Rozema and produced by Hillton, we were asked to create music and sound design — music to bring out the magic and beauty, while sound design highlights the contrast between the serenity of space and the raw intensity of breaking through the atmosphere.
Execution
To achieve this, we balanced music and sound design, allowing them to complement each other while shaping the film’s emotional arc. The film opens with earth in the distance, a quiet before the storm. The opening music sets the tone with a cinematic theme, carrying tension and anticipation. A subtle ostinato builds tension, leaving space for sound design. As the first wide shot unfolds, the music shifts, becoming more magical and uplifting, capturing the surreal beauty of athletes soaring into space.
Our Head of Studios, Bertus Pelser, shares more on the process of bringing the project to life:
“Mischa and I wanted to emphasize contrast throughout the film, especially in the first part. One scene I particularly love is the close-up of the runner tumbling through the air. Here, we wanted to highlight the stark difference between the violence of falling through the atmosphere and her personal experience. To achieve this, I created a sonic “bubble” focused on her movements and breathing, while filtering the intense wind sounds into the background. In the next shot, we shift back into a chaotic, tumbling wind soundscape, reinforcing that sense of contrast.”
As the athletes descend, the soundscape builds with rushing wind and sharp cuts that heighten the intensity. The music follows, blending orchestral elements with synthesizers, guiding the audience on a journey home.
Result
The final sonic piece enhances the film’s emotional journey and contrasts, combining moments of beauty with raw intensity to fully immerse the audience in the world of Skyfall.