Rolfe Kent scores Downsizing for Alexander Payne

Earlier this fall, composer Rolfe Kent recorded his score for the new Alexander Payne feature, Downsizing, starring Matt Damon, Christoph Waltz and Hong Chau. The fifth collaboration between Kent and Payne, the score for the film was recorded at the MGM Scoring Stage at Sony Pictures Studios and ScoringSessions.com is delighted to bring our readers exclusive photos from the session!

Composer/conductor Rolfe Kent performs with the orchestra

At the orchestral recording sessions, Rolfe Kent conducted a 90-piece ensemble of the Hollywood Studio Symphony. He also performed accordion and melodica solos on the film, recorded separately at his home studio.

The violin section performs

The cellos on Downsizing

The brass section: Barry Perkins, Jon Lewis, and Rob Schaer on trumpet; Steve Holtman, Alex Iles, and Craig Gosnell on trombone, and Doug Tornquist on tuba

The French horn section

The woodwinds

Percussionist Wade Culbreath performs on marimba

Composer Rolfe Kent takes his morning coffee

Inside the booth, scoring mixer Greg Townley was joined by orchestrator Geoff Stradling, music editor Nick South, score coordinator Sterling Powers, and ProTools recordist Jeremy Miller. Director Alexander Payne was also there, in a very hands-on role, working with Kent to make sure the music fit his unique vision. Producer Mark Johnson was also there to give feedback.

Composer Rolfe Kent, director Alexander Payne, and scoring mixer Greg Townley listen to the score with the playback

Music librarian Marshall Bowen, orchestrator Geoff Stradling, Paramount VP of Music Production Kim Seiniger, producer Mark Johnson, director Alexander Payne (rear), and scoring mixer Greg Townley

Director Alexander Payne and music editor Nick South

Orchestra contractor Peter Rotter talks with director Alexander Payne

The score album for Downsizing is now available from WaterTower Music.

Even the coffee was downsized during the sessions for Downsizing