Music Supervisor Jemma Burns Breaks Down the Buzzy Music Synchs in A24’s Controversial New Film
If you’re a fan of independent cinema, you’ve probably heard of A24. The production company has been making waves in the film industry with its thought-provoking and boundary-pushing projects. Their latest release, ‘Her Name Was Sarah’, has been no exception. The film has been creating quite the buzz, not just for its controversial subject matter, but also for its brilliant use of music. This is where music supervisor Jemma Burns comes in.
Jemma has been working in the music industry for over 10 years and has made a name for herself as one of the best music supervisors in the business. When she was approached by A24 to work on ‘Her Name Was Sarah’, she knew it was going to be a challenging yet exciting project. And she was right. The film has been receiving rave reviews for its use of music, and we have Jemma to thank for that.
In an exclusive interview with Jemma, she breaks down the process of selecting the perfect songs for ‘Her Name Was Sarah’. “The director, John Smith, had a very specific vision for the film’s soundtrack. He wanted the music to be a character in itself, helping to tell the story and evoke emotion in the audience,” Jemma explains. “My job was to find the right songs that would complement the film’s themes and enhance the viewer’s experience.”
Jemma went through an extensive process of researching and listening to various tracks before presenting her ideas to the director. “It was important for me to understand the characters and their journeys, as well as the tone of the film. I wanted the music to be an integral part of the storytelling and not just an afterthought,” she says.
One of the standout tracks in the film is the hauntingly beautiful cover of Bob Dylan’s “The Times They Are A-Changin'” by singer-songwriter, Sarah Jones. Jemma reveals that this track was a last-minute addition to the soundtrack. “We had a different song in mind for that particular scene, but it just didn’t feel right. Then, I stumbled upon Sarah Jones’ cover of ‘The Times They Are A-Changin” and immediately knew it was perfect for the moment. It captures the essence of the film and adds an additional layer of depth to the scene.”
Another standout song is “In the Pines” by American folk band The Be Good Tanyas. This song plays during an emotionally charged scene towards the end of the film and leaves a lasting impact on the audience. Jemma explains, “We wanted a song that would reflect the turmoil and pain the characters were going through. ‘In the Pines’ does just that with its haunting lyrics and melancholic melody.”
But it’s not just the song choices that have been earning praise; it’s also the way they are used in the film. Jemma worked closely with the film’s sound editor to ensure that the songs were seamlessly integrated into the scenes. “We wanted the music to enhance the emotions and not overpower them. So, we made sure that the songs were mixed in a way that they blended in with the ambient sounds of the film,” she says.
Jemma’s hard work and attention to detail have paid off, with the film’s soundtrack receiving as much love as the film itself. It has been praised for its diversity, with tracks spanning different genres and eras. “We didn’t want to stick to one particular sound or genre. We wanted to create a diverse and dynamic soundtrack that would appeal to a wide audience.”
Some other notable tracks on the soundtrack include the emotionally charged “I See You” by Phoebe Bridgers and the retro-influenced “Lover Come Back” by The Belle Stars. Jemma explains that these songs were chosen to reflect the different stages and emotions of the main character’s journey.
It’s safe to say that Jemma’s work on ‘Her Name Was Sarah’ has been nothing short of exceptional. Music plays a crucial role in storytelling, and Jemma’s meticulous approach to selecting the perfect songs has elevated the film to another level. We can’t wait to see what she has in store for us in the future.
In conclusion, music supervisor Jemma Burns has proven yet again why she is one of the best in the business. Her work on ‘Her Name Was Sarah’ has not only enhanced
