Composer Ramin Djawadi
Heavy Metal Man- Page 2

CC: There's already talk of some sequels to IRON MAN. How would you feel about continuing to work in the franchise and develop the music and themes you've established?

RAMIN DJAWADI: I would love that! That's a couple a years away and a lot can happen in that time, but if they wanted me, I'd love to do it. There's lots of room to grow with the music that we have established. I do think we have established something unique and so I'd love to develop it further.


CC: You just had another movie release on April 26, DECEPTION, which is on the other side of the music spectrum as well. Were you working on that at the same time as IRON MAN?

RAMIN DJAWADI: No. Actually I finished that last August or September. I started IRON MAN sometime in October. Fortunately, these two projects didn't overlap because IRON MAN really needed my full attention.


CC: Now on DECEPTION, you worked with first-time director Marcel Langeneggar. How was that experience, in terms of working with a first-time feature film director?

RAMIN DJAWADI: There was no real difference. He worked very similar to John Favreau. He knew what he wanted and was super-professional. He came from the commercial world, so I could tell that he had done this before many times. He knew how to have a vision and carry it through to the end. He had some very specific ideas that he wanted and was very involved with the score. Sometimes I'd write with him right in the room. I'd take the guitar and we'd sit down together. It was very relaxed but a lot fun. I really enjoyed working with him.

CC: Is there a particular genre of film that brings more personal satisfaction to you as a composer?

RAMIN DJAWADI: Not really. I like to switch it up after each project, if I can. Once I do one type of movie, I like for my next project to be completely different. Having done this big action movie, my next film is this animated film. It's quite a change and I love that about film music composing. You never know what is coming next. I love the variety.


CC: You have your ongoing work with PRISON BREAK. Have you already written the music for all of Season 3?

RAMIN DJAWADI: Yes. That is all done. I have to admit that the Writer's strike helped me out in a way. Right when IRON MAN kicked in the Writer's strike put the breaks on PRISON BREAK. That allowed me to focus completely on IRON MAN. So they cut season 3 short with only 13 episodes. We are going to continue with the fourth season this Fall.


CC: What did PRISON BREAK do you for your career? Was it a turning point?

RAMIN DJAWADI: I'd have to say, "Yes." I was surprised because my focus was always on features. When I heard about the show, I thought it was great and so I decided to do it. That turned out to be a wise decision because it became such a hit and went international. Then there was the Emmy nomination. I felt really lucky to have been a part of this project. I never expected that a TV show could put me on the map.


CC: Would you say these last 12 months have been the busiest of your career?

RAMIN DJAWADI: Possibly. To be honest, I can't remember the last time I wasn't working. I have just gone from one project to the next with a little bit of overlap. I haven't taken a vacation in...forever. It's a little addicting. When I first came to Remote Control, I saw how Hans (Zimmer) just kept working and working and working. That sort of sucks you into this thought that you just need to keep working. There is just an urge to conquer yet another project. It has been very busy, but I'm very happy about that.


CC: Now you're moving into OPEN SEASON 2.

RAMIN DJAWADI: Yes. I'm just starting on that now. The animation is no where near being done. We have met and spotted the movie. Now I'm just starting to get my head around this new score and getting IRON MAN out of my head.


CC: So what can we expect in OPEN SEASON 2?

RAMIN DJAWADI: It's all the same characters again, so all the same themes will be there. There are a couple of new characters, so I only have a couple of new themes to write. The material is established so it is going to be very similar to the first OPEN SEASON. There will be orchestra and lots of solo instruments like banjo, accordion, mandolin and harmonica.


CC: What other projects do you have coming up?

RAMIN DJAWADI: I'm going to do the next nWave movie - the people who did FLY ME TO THE MOON. I just spoke with David Goya and so I'm going to be working on his next movie, which is called THE UNBORN. This will be next after OPEN SEASON 2.


CC: Thanks so much for your time today and all the best with IRON MAN and your other upcoming projects.

RAMIN DJAWADI: Thank you very much.



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