STILL HERE - Overview and Analysis

STILL HERE - Overview and Analysis

Abstract

This thesis examines the creation and implementation of an original musical score for STILL HERE, an animated short film centered on themes of grief, trauma, and emotional healing. The central objective of this thesis is to analyze the creative and technical decisions involved in the scoring process and how music can be used to support and enhance narrative meaning in visual media, particularly through the relationship between compositional choices and the emotional trajectory of the film. The compositional approach is a mixed combination of thematic development, modal and tonal contrast, and orchestral textural design. The score employs a primarily tonal framework centered around E minor and F♯ minor, while incorporating modal colours and functional harmonic structures at important narrative moments. The score was recorded with a live orchestra at AIR Studios in London and subsequently refined through editing, mixing and mastering in post-production. The findings of this project highlight the effectiveness of integrating harmonic contrast, orchestral colour, and motivic continuity in supporting narrative storytelling. Furthermore, the study demonstrates the importance of aligning compositional, recording, and post-production processes in the realization of a cohesive film score.

Publication Date

7-1-2026

Campus

Valencia (Spain) Campus

Keywords

Animation; Texture; Orchestral; Film; Composition

STILL HERE - Overview and Analysis

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