This Summer, a film I worked on – to shine a light on Walthamstow’s Salvation Army – on was shortlisted for an award. That’s a first for me, it’s a feelgood buzz and it’s great to see a film reach a wider audience while also being considered for an award.

Why the film is important to me

The film focused on Walthamstow’s Salvation Army, and is part of a series of films commissioned by William Morris Big Local. I worked on this series with the excellent film maker, Chris Eyre. Read more about the collection here.

The deep community value of the Salvation Army in Walthamstow is something that is particularly moving and special. The way Julie, one of the co-leaders of the site, speaks about the space being a hub, a welcoming and safe space encapsulates the rich value of not just places like this, but of the people who give these places purpose.

“It gives people an opportunity to meet people and get out of the house” Stephanie, a volunteer

The film speaks plainly, and shows so clearly, the power of community spaces. The Walthamstow Salvation Army, and others like it up and down the country, provide a welcoming centre for people who need. As Julie says, they help families to make homes. Support like this needs not just a building but compassionate people to show up with enthusiasm, energy and ideas.

“you will be welcomed. It’s alright to say that, but how do you make it happen?” Julie

How I approached the music

I was invited to work on the film by Chris Eyre, a film maker I’ve worked a lot with. Chris and I have built a good trusting relationship over the years – creatively it’s based on listening, exploring and a good deal of consideration. It’s great to work alongside a film maker where the composition feels exploratory and considered.

Each film in the series had a different resonance for me. When I started scoring this film, I knew that I was going to be able to draw something out of the film that supported emotive stories and values shared in the film.

Sonically, there’s a brit pop vibe that runs through the film series. The sound world that supports the film is rooted in that 90s rock n roll guitar, bass and drums, but they slow down and understand their role in the role. The music in this film keeps hold of pace, really not doing much more than keeping a steady beat of momentum, a steady moving towards progress.

About half way through the film, where Julie speaks to the positive impact of the centre in numbers, I introduce strings to add emotive umph to the fact that every one of those numbers is a person, an individual.

When Julie talks about looking ahead and seeing families who needed support return to support others in need, drums are introduced, a positive amplification of the score’s suggestion of movement and progress.

“We love people. We love building community’” Julie

Did we win?

Sadly not. But if we did, we would’ve both likely recreated this perfect moment from Oscar win Good Will Hunting.

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