Yes, another one. Today, thanks to a very helpful composer, I was able to arrange an interview with Jack Hayes. A legend, and one of the greatest orchestrators to ever live. Not many people can do what he does, and even at his age, he's still sharp as a whip when orchestrating -- now for Michael Giacchino (which are doing hte new Pixar score now).

You until October 29, then you are out of luck.


For those of you who have Elmer Bernstein's "The Great Escape" -- he co-orchestrated that with his late partener, Leon Shuken.

Not only did he orchestrate the great escape for Elmer but a lot of other noteworthy bernstein classics from the 60's such as hawaii, the hallelujah trail or The commancheros. His filmography also reveals such classics as the greatest story ever told, Mr. Hobb's takes a Vacation and Star Trek 2. An truly amazing career. Just found it important to mention these films so that people can better connect the man with some familiar names.

If you are an Elmer Bernstein fan, chances are good that you heard a lot of Hayes work.

Damn, there is so much that one can ask and should ask. I don't really know where to start. In all cases ask him about his working relationship with Elmer and please as detailed as possible. I always found that Elmer's orchestrations from the 60's are very direct on the spot which always made me believe he was doing the orchestrations largely by himself. I would especially love to know to what degree the orchestrators where involved in the process as far as elmer is concerned.

Since he have orchestrated scores to so many films in so many genres it would be interesting to know what genre have been the most satisfying to work in?/Least satisfying to work in? and why?

He's orchestrated for some of the most famous composers that ever live. Sadly, IMDb is only as complete as those who add to it, and he doesn't do his, so I could only come up with -- and google -- about 16 Bernstein scores he rochestrated. Does anyone know if Hayes worked on "The Ten Commandments"?

And he's got some interesting stoires to tell...

I know he worked with Randy Newman since the very the beginning of his orchestral career until Maverick. Since Randy came from pop music, was it tough to help him achieving such wonderful symphonic works like Ragtime and The Natural ? How was it to see his orchestral abilities growing up ? And what does he think of today's Randy Newman status of Hollywood major film composer in Pixar movies like Toy Story, Monsters and Cars, even if he doesn't work with him anymore ? And by the way, why did they stop their collaboration in the early 90's ?

He also collaborated with another film music legend : Michael Kamen. What does he think of Michael global career ? Does he have any anecdotes about Michael and particularily about his most legendary score, Robin Hood ?

I noticed he worked with James Horner on one of his early scores : Star Trek II. Did he think at this time that James would become one of the most successful film composers of our time ?

Now, about the next generation : Does he enjoy working with such a growing talent like Michael Giacchino. What can he predict for the future of such a promissing composer ?

More generally : he worked with every generation of composers, from the golden age composer Dimitri Tiomkin, to the silver age, the post Star Wars age and now the next generation. What does he think of film music evolution through the ages, and how does he see film music in future times ?

You have till tomorrow night. Get them in please :-)

Still have a chance to get one in. :)

And happy birthday to Mr. Hayes.

What is his advice to those who want a similar career?

You also do Giacchino? Ask him when he's going to do another actioner, if he knows something about it.

Where/when can wee see the final interviews please ?

Time table:

Hayes: when ever he's done replying. Remember, he' still working. But I sent it in yesterday.

Safan: Had to retype his, and still haven't added the fan questions, but assuming I get that done today and send it, and he replies in a fairly timely manner, about a week, maybe two?



I'm trying to line up some other interviews.