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Music Composition for Film, Television and Commercials

Below are some examples of compositions that we have contributed to various projects

Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire

Kizazi Moto : Generation Fire

The official trailer for "Kizazi Moto : Generation Fire"

James Frank had the incredible opportunity to work on this groundbreaking project in collaboration with Triggerfish Animation and Disney+. As part of the project's music composition service, James facilitated the composition of original music for 10 animated shorts in the anthology. The main objective was to curate a fresh and authentic sound for these Afrofuturistic films by engaging multiple composers from across Africa and the world. Authenticity and the establishment of a unique musical identity for Africa within the film space were paramount to the client. The team was involved in various aspects, including the development of music composition proposals, consultation on composer selection, composer engagement, and the overall management of the composition process. The music for this project was truly authentically African, with all of the composers originating from different countries across the continent. This project served as a platform for showcasing the rich diversity and creativity of African musical talent on an international scale.

Collaborators

Tshepo Moche, Director (1st Totem Problems)
James was able to help me form and expand my musical vision, taking lead when needed while holding the essence of my film a characters in the ways I wanted.


Shofela Coker, Director (Moremi)
"What exceeded hopes was James' creative problem solving. He always presented a genuine respect and commitment to authentic representations of the music we were referencing."


Tendayi Nyeke, Creative Producer

"James was enthusiastic, professional, humble and a joy to work with. I am excited to see the continued impact he will have on the industry as a leader and artist himself."

Olaolu Lawal, Composer and Yoruba Culture Consultant

"He is very skillful at creating and recontextualizing Afrocentric sounds. A great people manager, inspiring confidence in team members while maintaining a fun atmosphere."
AVBOB Centenary Campagin

AVBOB Centenary Advert Campaign

One of the adverts from the AVBOB Centenary Campaign, featuring Mzansi Youth Choir and Andy Innes on flutes.

James Frank, collaborating with Brand Et Al, delivered music composition services for this advertsing campaign commissioned by AVBOB. The project took place in Johannesburg, South Africa, in April 2018. The client emphasized the importance of a truly South African underscore that evoked deep emotions. James and the team delivered a composition that captured the essence of South Africa. They also managed the booking of recording artists to bring the music to life. The authenticity of the composition was enhanced by including lyrics in Sesotho, a South African language. James facilitated an easy experience for the client through efficient project management and collaboration with esteemed colleagues such as Jonty Rens (executive producer) and Robin Walsh (mix and master). Notable featured names on the project included the Mzansi Youth Choir and Andy Innes. The result was a captivating and emotionally resonant composition that left a lasting impact.

Collaborators

Jonty Rens, Executive Producer

"James understands the balance between creating art and doing business"

Andy Innes, African Flutes

"James is a highly accomplished music director, producer, composer and all round polymath. Having worked with him over the course of several years I can attest to his infallible work ethic and results-oriented drive for perfection. In addition to his mainstream arranging, writing and conducting skills, he has deep knowledge of multiple African music styles and is passionate about both the music and the practitioners."
 

Stumbo Ad Campagin

Stumbo Ad Campaign

The Stumbo Ad campaign

James Frank collaborated with Carl Shultz Creative to deliver a captivating music composition project for a Stumbo advertising campagin in South Africa. The main objective was to create music that incorporated the popular Amapiano genre, reflecting the vibrant South African pop culture. With a focus on efficiency, James provided fast turnarounds for music composition, ensuring a timely delivery for the client. Working alongside Carl Shultz, the creative director, James successfully brought the vision of the advert to life through music, enhancing its impact and engagement.

Collaborators

Carl Schultz, Creative Director

"James is one of the best music creatives I have encountered. He has a deep understanding of the African pop music landscape and, at the same time, is incredibly easy to work with."
Kyknet Theme Song

"Soveel Meer", Kyknet Theme Song

The full length version of the Kyknet theme song

James Frank collaborated with Clearwater to deliver a remarkable music composition project for Kyknet, a popular Afrikaans television channel in South Africa. The main objective was to co-write the new theme song for the channel alongside Loki Rothman, entitled, “Soveel Meer”. The client emphasized collaboration and sought a piece of music that would have enduring appeal beyond a single year. James took on multiple roles, including songwriting, license negotiation, production, and final mix and master, ensuring a seamless and high-quality outcome. The resulting composition was 100% South African, representing the vibrant Afrikaans Pop genre. With the expertise of colleagues such as Leo Smit, the Head of Marketing at Kyknet, and Robin Walsh, the music mixer, James successfully delivered a theme song that captured the essence of Kyknet and resonated with its audience.

Collaborators

Loki Rothman Composer

Loki Rothman, Co-Composer

"He is creative, but also runs a tight ship when it comes to hitting deadlines. James creates a stress free work environment when collaborating and has earned the trust of delivering great work on time."
Robin Walsh Music Mix Engineer

Robin Walsh, Mix Engineer

"I have never encountered a more enthusiastic and friendly person in the industry. The level of professionalism and positivity he works with is truly admirable – no matter if it's a difficult client, temperamental artist or a tough situation, James always goes the extra mile to fix things."
Auto and General "Rely on General" Campaign

Auto & General "Rely on General" Campaign

"Rely on Me", the song used in the campaign features Thapelo Lekoane on vocals and Ray Green on guitars 

James Frank composed music for this Auto & General advertsing campagin centered around trust. The main objective was to compose a beautiful song that would serve as an underscore for the campaign. The client emphasized fast turnarounds and a deep understanding of the production process, requiring flexibility with revisions. James took on various responsibilities, including songwriting, license negotiation, production, and final mix and master, ensuring a seamless and high-quality composition. The end result was a 100% South African composition, reflecting its authentic African identity. Working alongside colleagues such as Wim Steytler, the Creative Director, and Murray McDonald, the Producer, James successfully delivered a musical piece that captured the essence of trust for the campaign.

Collaborators

Robin Walsh, Mix Engineer

"I have never encountered a more enthusiastic and friendly person in the industry. The level of professionalism and positivity he works with is truly admirable – no matter if it's a difficult client, temperamental artist or a tough situation, James always goes the extra mile to fix things."
RMB Sonic Logo

RMB Sonic Logo

The Rand Merchant Bank Sonic Logo

James Frank collaborated on this project where he provided music composition services, specifically creating a new 'sonic logo' for Rand Merchant Bank (RMB). The main objective was to compose a short piece of music that would serve as the brand's sonic identity in all their audio/visual content. The client emphasized the importance of capturing the brand's essence in just a few seconds. James handled the composition, talent management, final mix and master, as well as license negotiation. To make the sonic logo authentically African, the composition incorporated a fusion of international and South African instruments. The project involved collaboration with colleagues such as Marc Ashwell from RMB's marketing team and Robin Walsh for the mix and mastering process.

Carolynne Waterhouse, Marketing, Rand Merchant Bank

"He is passionately invested in African Pop Music, which he curates with sincere authenticity and workflow excellence."
RMB Music Library

Rand Merchant Bank Music Library

One of the many uses of the library music delivered for RMB

James Frank was involved in a project providing music composition services for Rand Merchant Bank (RMB). The main objective was to compose a library of eight songs that could be used in RMB's campaigns. The compositions were created in various South African styles, ensuring an authentically African sound. The client emphasized the importance of flexibility, allowing for each piece of content to have its own identity. James and the team handled the composition, talent management, final mix and master, as well as license negotiation. The collaboration with colleagues like Marc Ashwell from RMB's marketing team and Robin Walsh for mix and mastering ensured a successful delivery of the music library.

Collaborators

Marc Ashwell, Head of Integrated Marketing, RMB

"James can make anyone excited about the power of music and sound. He is passionate, rigorous, and highly knowledgeable, which shows in his work. He can take a random thought and make something from it. Working with James on projects from music concerts to sonic identities has been a pleasure."

Robin Walsh, Mix Engineer

"I have never encountered a more enthusiastic and friendly person in the industry. The level of professionalism and positivity he works with is truly admirable – no matter if it's a difficult client, temperamental artist or a tough situation, James always goes the extra mile to fix things."