Sara Maeng is a talented composer and sound designer who has made a name for herself in the film, TV, and video game industry in both South Korea and Hollywood. She recently won the International Women Composer Competition and has been selected to perform her piece “Cosmos” with the Fabrica Harmonica orchestra in Italy. In this interview, Sara shares her industry experiences and journey to becoming a successful composer and sound designer.
Can you tell us about your educational background and how it has helped you in your career?
I graduated from Howon University in Korea with a Bachelor of Music in Composition, and then I pursued a Bachelor of Music in Film Scoring and Composition at Berklee College of Music in Boston. My education has been invaluable in helping me develop my skills as a composer and sound designer. I learned how to work with different types of software and technology and gained a deeper understanding of music theory and composition. My education also gave me the opportunity to work on many different projects and collaborate with other musicians and composers, which helped me build my portfolio and make important connections in the industry.
How did you make the transition to working in Hollywood?
I always knew that I wanted to work in the international film industry, and I felt that Hollywood was the best place to do that. So, I moved from Korea to attend Berklee College of Music, after I completed my degree, I started working as a freelance composer and sound designer, building my portfolio and networking with other professionals in the industry.
How did you first get interested in film scoring and sound design?
I have always been interested in film and music, so film scoring and sound design seemed like a natural fit for me. I loved using music and sound to help tell a story and create an emotional connection with the audience. When I was studying composition in Korea, I started to get more involved in the film industry there and realized that this was the path I wanted to pursue. I remembered in 2015, when I watched movie “The Holiday”. I couldn’t stop crying because the music hit so hard. The track was “Maestro” by Hans Zimmer. I felt the powerful empact when music and picture perfectly works together.
What is your creative process when you are composing or designing sound for a project?
Every project is different, so I adapt my creative process to fit the project’s needs. Generally, I start by reading the script or watching the footage to get a feel for the tone and mood of the project. Then, I create a few different sketches or ideas to present to the director or producer. Once we agree on a direction, I dive deeper into the project and further develop the music or sound design. I am always open to feedback and collaboration throughout the process to ensure the final product is the best.
How do you stay current and continue to improve your skills as a composer and sound designer?
I am constantly listening to new music and sound design work, both in the industry and outside of it. I also attend industry events and workshops to learn from other professionals and stay up-to-date on the latest technology and techniques. Collaboration is key, so I work with other composers and sound designers whenever possible to learn from their experiences and styles.
Can you tell us about some of the projects you have worked on?
Of course! I am particularly proud of my work on “Dark World: Karma”, “Arena Breakout” and PUBG Mobile, the video games projects working at LM Audio Production LLC as a sound designer, additional composer. Those games are on Sony PlayStation, STEAM, Xbox Games, etc. I have always been eager to work on video games, so it feels like such a dream to me.
Also, Naver audio movie series “Floor,” (starring Lee Je-hoon and Moon Chae-won who are the big stars in South Korea) where I worked spatial audio director and a composer. This movie has produced by NAVER, which is the biggest platform in South Korea. I was honored to work with NAVER company, and I am very proud of. And particularly it is an audio movie, so the role of sounds is pretty everything. It was very fun and exciting that I could do whatever I wanted with the soundscape, making emotions to tell stories. That project was such an honor for me.
Congratulations on winning the International Women Composer Competition. Can you tell us about your winning piece, “Cosmos”?
Thank you! “Cosmos” is a piece in which I imagined what sounds can we hear in the Universe. The piece was inspired by the beauty and vastness of the universe (through my imaginations) and I wanted to create music that would evoke a sense of wonder and awe. I was thrilled to be chosen as the winner and the performance with the Fabrica Harmonica orchestra in Italy.
Can you tell us about your upcoming project as a composer and sound designer?
I am working on several exciting projects as an additional composer, sound designer, and studio assistant. These include “Dark World: Karma” and “Arena Breakout” for Tencent, “PUBG Mobile,” and a few upcoming unannounced video game projects. Each project presents its challenges and opportunities, but I am grateful for the chance to be a part of such talented and dedicated teams. It’s an exciting time in the industry, and I am fortunate to be able to contribute my skills and creativity to these projects.
What advice would you give to aspiring composers and sound designers who want to work in the film, TV, and video game industry?
My advice would be to work hard and stay dedicated to your craft. Building a career in the industry takes a lot of effort and persistence. It’s important to always be learning and growing, whether that means taking classes or attending industry events. Networking is also crucial – make connections with other professionals in the industry and collaborate whenever possible. Finally, don’t be afraid to take risks and be creative. The industry is always evolving, so it’s important to be open to new ideas and ways of doing things. And most importantly, always stay true to your own unique style and voice as a composer or musicians. Your individuality and creativity are what will set you apart in a competitive industry.
