Music and Sound Design Industry Panel
What is a Theme Song and what is Sound Design — How Music and Sound Sets the Stage
Panelists: J.R. Fountain, Steven Labadie, Andrés Arteaga, Orin Isaacs
A theme song can evoke emotions, build anticipation, and create lasting memories, making it an integral part of the viewing, or listening experience. It primes the audience for what is to come and builds anticipation. The menacing and intense theme of Jaws, composed by John Williams, is a perfect example of this. The simple two-note leitmotif is enough to instill a sense of impending danger and fear. No longer considered a solely visual medium, a film’s viewing experience is not complete without the pivotal role of sound. Sound design is the craft of combining every piece of audio in a film—including dialogue, sound effects, ambiance, score, and soundtrack—to create the film’s soundscape. Think of a horror movie; imagine watching it on mute and not hearing the ominous score, creak of the floorboards, or the main character’s panic breathing. Not the same, right? Learn more about how the auditory magic happens at DRIFF’s Music and Sound Design Industry Panel at the St Francis Centre, Ajax on October 25 from 6:15 – 7:15 pm.
Andrés Galindo
Andrés Galindo Arteaga is a Colombian-Canadian screen composer based in Toronto, known for blending traditional folkloric acoustic instruments with contemporary electronic synthesis. He completed an internship at the Screen Composers Guild of Canada and was selected as one of ten participants for the SOCAN Labs scoring retreat program in 2022, where he was mentored by CSA Rich Williamson and Steph Copeland.
Andrés has composed original scores and main themes for various television networks, such as Lifetime, Sky History, Bell Media and OutTV. His work has premiered at festivals such as CaribbeanTales, T.O. Webfest, and International South Asian Film Festival. His score for Acid Wash debuted at TIFF Bell Lightbox, and he has also worked with prominent composers such as Gemini and CSA Mark Korven (The Lighthouse, The Witch, The First Omen).
In addition, Andrés is a three-time SOCAN Foundation screen-composer and he has been awarded grants from esteemed institutions such as the Toronto Arts Council, Ontario Arts Council and FACTOR. Andrés continues to bring fresh musical currents to various projects, ranging from television series, films, and documentaries to his own instrumental compositions.
Steven Labadie
As an experienced Audio Engineer, Steven has established a reputation in the Film, TV, and Radio industry. With a wide range of skills and experience that encompasses sound design, location sound, post-production coordination, sound effect editing, and mixing, Steven has worked with some of the biggest names in the business, including Honda, Acura, and Coleman. Whether working on a large-scale commercial project or a small independent film, Steven approaches every project with a passion for creativity and a focus on technical excellence, delivering truly remarkable results every time.
J.R Fountain
J.R Fountain is a Supervising Sound Editor, Sound Designer and Re-recording Mixer with work spanning over 20 years and multiple genres in film and television. Known for films such as Paw Patrol: The Movie, The Breadwinner and Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, and series like Locke and Key. He is passionate about his craft, always embracing the creative potential of storytelling with sound.
Other credits include: Billy the Kid, Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie, Coroner, On the Basis of Sex, The Nut Job 2, Ratchet and Clank, Pompeii and The Mortal Instruments.
Orin Isaacs
Orin Isaacs is a 30 year veteran to the Canadian music scene. He has produced Juno Award winning, Gold & Platinum selling albums, and over the last 20 years has been an in demand TV/Film Composer and Musical Director.
Orin is the composer for two of the biggest shows on Canadian TV in 2024, The Amazing Race Canada and Big Brother Canada. He is also the Composer/Musical Director Canada’s Got Talent, Canada’s Ultimate Challenge,The Juno Awards, Battle of the Generations, The Legacy Awards, and the 2024 Paris Olympic Summer Games.
His Film/TV Movie work includes, Bam Bam: The Sister Nancy Story, Song & Story: Amazing Grace (Harpo/OWN) Breaking Brooklyn (Lionsgate), Mr. Jane & Finch, Cool Black North, Shinny (NFB), Flemingdon Park (NFB)