Preview – Fresh Prince + Downton Abbey: A Perfect Engagement

Composer Cheryl B. Engelhardt will explore how original music can enhance and strengthen quality and branding in Web videos in her panel “Fresh Prince + Downton Abbey: A Perfect Engagement.”

Engelhardt said she came up with the idea for the panel after working on a parody video for CollegeHumor.com that combined the theme music from “Downton Abbey” with “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air.”

Michael Schaubach, director of post production at CollegeHumor.com, will join Engelhardt in this session to discuss the benefits of working with a composer on Web videos.

Schaubach said most of the videos CollegeHumor produces use licensed music rather than original music made through collaboration with composers. However, he said, that’s usually because there isn’t room in the budget.

Because Web video has always a “do-it-yourself” effort, many creators have been wary of working with composers for original music, Schaubach said. He said they tend to think collaboration takes time and money they can’t afford.

As sound recording technology has gone down in price, however, composers have been able to lower their prices, he said. And the collaborative process is easier and more rewarding than many creators realize.

Engelhardt and Schaubach both said they hope to demystify the process of collaborating with a composer and that SXSW Interactive is the ideal place for that discusson.

Schaubach said he appreciates how SXSW has maintained its “independent spirit” even with exponential growth over the years. Engelhardt said SXSW presents an opportunity for her to reach tech industry creators as well as musicians.

“Fresh Prince + Downton Abbey: A Perfect Engagement” is scheduled 11 a.m. Monday, March 11 at the Austin Convention Center Room 18ABCD.

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