Justin Kreinbrink
Director, “The Decoy”

I want to thank you guys for taking the time to drop a new score onto this scene in my film The Decoy. I got to sit down and watch it (several times) and wanted to give you some feedback.

You solved my biggest issue with the original score which was the tempo and music changes. I didn't want the score to feel like one big scene with the music (the same thing throughout). I wanted the music to change with what happens in the scene. Your music comes in and out where it should, and helps build the suspense and carry the action and drama in the right places, and more importantly, sets the proper mood and feel for what's going on at that specific moment. I love the timing of the knife fight sequence. You change the tempo and beats, building the suspense, then "releasing" it when the horse comes into frame, bringing the audience to a lull. Then pick it right back up immediately when the kick occurs, helping to jar the audience. Again, the music changes with what's happening in the frame. You go back to the shooting, and the music goes back to where it was when we left that part of the sequence. Helps identify two different things going on at once. I love that. And then you did EXACTLY what I was trying to get done originally!: when the bad guy falls out of the tree, the music dies down, then when the hero gets shot in the arm by the bad guy and the chase ensues, you gave it a COMPLETELY different feel, like a suspense chase. Right when I wanted it to happen. And it builds right until the end. The mood, pacing, emotion, and feel of
each sequence was dead on!

Again, I want to thank you for showing me what else could have been done with that piece. I'm definitely going to keep that and you in mind for my future projects.

Chris Bessounian
Director, “The Kolaborator”

When writing THE KOLABORATOR it became clear that this story needed a score that would not only support, but help to release the emotional intensity of the piece. From the films’ inception, music was to be an integral element in creating the mood of characters and Bosnia itself, during one of humanities darkest moments. I spoke with many composers during pre-production, only to find that most, although excited about the project, did not fully understand the role I wanted the score to play in the film. I went to see SyncMasters and after meeting them I was amazed with their professionalism and dedication to the story and I knew they could create a score that would enhance the experience of the film beyond what I had ever imagined.”

Steven M. Hirohama
Film Instructor, Cerritos College

Want to hear what my students said after attending your seminar on film scoring? That you are such an inspiration and genius'. With passion and hard work, everyone can attain their dreams. Never give up (even if you're not as talented as you guys). I also shared what you said about finding young composers willing to score student projects. I wish you could have been there to see the look on the faces of my students when I told them that. Others who couldn't attend your seminar said they really regretted missing it. Thanks Dig, Rick and Paul! What SyncMasters gave to these young minds is immeasurable.

Quotes from students who atteneded the Cerittos College seminars:

I learned about a career that I had no idea even existed. Another field trip that I will not forget was our trip to SyncMasters. We met Dig Lewis the most talented composer I have met.
- from Nadia Renner

The trip to Occidental Studios, where we visited Syncmasters and Gausst Inc. was an amazing trip. Each of them, especially Dig Lewis from Syncmasters, who was a phenomenal speaker and had a great presentation, could not be more encouraging. Learning the process of scoring a film was something I had never even though of. It was exposure I would get nowhere else. He was well prepared with information to help guide us in the direction we needed to go, to get to where we wanted to be in the industry and always left a line of communication opened, even after we left. He let each of us know that they would be available if we had any questions in the future. When we visited Gausst Inc. they showed us their state of the art facility and demonstrated how to create live action on 2D and 3D images. Both were great presentations. What an opportunity!
- from Desiree Velasquez

Seminar lecture: scroll down to see syncmasters photos cerritosfilm.org/photos

Scott Dorel
Director, “Where's Angelo?”

SyncMasters did a great job, it was awesome. They had a real feel for the films’ dramatic moments and its humorous undertones. They really made it come to life. Looking forward to working with them on my next project.

Alex Wurman
Composer, “Anchorman” and “March of the Penguins”

SyncMasters has done a lot of great work for me, their work on the film ANCHORMAN was spectacular, and their music compositions for the Oprah Winfrey show are excellent. They are true professionals who are highly motivated and can be trusted to get the job done right and on time.

Steven Ching
President/CEO, Agogo Entertainment - Hong Kong

SyncMasters music composition and scoring is very impressive...far superior to anything currently available in Hong Kong/China. I would like to utilize their immense talent to enhance the quality, viability and consumer interest in the films I currently have in production.