A Talk with Elmer Bernstein

1993 Director`s Guild Of America Hollywood, California

Elmer Bernstein begins his presentation by giving a personal account of his life that led to scoring films, tracing his steps from a young concert pianist, through his time in the Air Force during World War II, to writing radio music and eventually getting to score his first film, “Saturday`s Hero” in 1951. As his presentation continues he gives advice to composers starting out in their careers, emphasizing how important it is to make an effort to meet film makers, to present oneself well, and to insist on personal representation. He then spoke about the relationship between the composer and the director. The seminar concluded with a question and answer session.

Mr. Bernstein has scored over 200 films. In 1967 he won an Academy Award for Original Score for “Thoroughly Modern Millie”. He also received nominations for “The Man With The Golden Arm” (1955), “The Magnificent Seven” (1960), “Summer and Smoke” (1961), “Walk On The Wild Side” (1962, song), “To Kill A Mockingbird” (1962), “Return Of The Seven” (1966), “Hawaii” (1966, score and song), “True Grit” (1969, song), “Gold” (1974, song), “Trading Places” (1983) and “The Age Of Innocence” (1993).

Audio of this presentation is embedded for members below: