Claire Batchelor - Women in Production Interview
Claire Batchelor
Claire Batchelor is a wonderful composer who has worked on a wide variety of projects. In this interview as part of our Women in Production series, find out what made her want to work in the industry, her proudest moments so far, and the kind of work being a composer involves.
Tell us a little about yourself and the work you do
I’ve been working full time as a composer for 11 years. I’ve worked on a huge range of projects which I enjoy as it keeps life interesting! For example - film, documentaries, TV and production music. I have a studio at home where I write and record guitar, ukulele, mandolin, bass, percussion and vocals. I generally create quite organic music with a natural sound, but I do like to include synths as well sometimes and mix things up. I like to be creative and try new things. Whether it’s a director, brand client or music library, I see the process as a collaboration and like to get deep inside the mind of whoever has commissioned me so we can discuss ideas and make sure we’re on the same page before I write anything. After that I would continue to go back and forth to make sure I’m fulfilling the needs of the project.
What route did you take to begin working in your role?
I didn’t know anyone in the industry and have built my career from the ground up. I studied a degree in Music Composition for Media and when I graduated, took on any work I could find. I did a lot of student short films and low budget corporate films to start with. Eventually I started composing for TV commercials, documentaries and getting high end production music placements like BBC News, Horizon and Panorama.
Why did you want to get into the film/television industry?
When I was younger I always wanted to be a musician, and started playing guitar when I was 6 or 7 years old. My parents had musical instruments and equipment around the house which I loved to muck about with. This coupled with my love of both TV and Film led me to my degree course. I just fell in love with writing to picture, getting music to sync up to emotions or things happening on screen, and it went from there.
What is your proudest moment of your career so far?
Many proud moments but I would say the best are recording my string quartets at Abbey Road, and hearing my music on TV for the first time. Getting to attend the BAFTAs, and being on the BAFTA Jury. Also sitting in a screening watching a film you’ve scored – the audience reacting around you – your credit on screen at the end – makes you really feel like you’ve achieved something. Oh, and meeting Hans Zimmer!
What is the biggest challenge you have faced in your career?
I think each stage is a challenge. Firstly, learning your craft. Then establishing yourself. Learning more. Looking for bigger projects. Working alone a lot. Being freelance. It’s a good thing I enjoy a challenge..!
Women in Film and TV - Composer Panel
What new skills would you like to learn in the next few years?
I would love to score a feature film. I’ve done feature length documentaries but only scripted shorts.
What three things do you always have on your bedside table?
Books, phone, lavender oil.
If you could have worked on any film in history, which would it be?
Hard question, so many – picking one (or three..) The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Musically I think it would have been fun to come up with all the beautiful leitmotifs and have some gritty fight scenes to get stuck into as well.
Could you tell us some women who work in your role/sector that you admire the work of?
I really admire Rachel Portman. She’s scored over 100 films, has an OBE, won an Academy Award (for Emma) and was also nominated for The Cider House Rules and Chocolat. She’s a real inspiration.
What are you working on at the moment?
A feature documentary, a production music album with live strings, a short film and a TV show pitch. (I did say I like to keep things varied!)
