Interview 2
Hitomi Shimizu
On music production for the animation
Q. What did the director ask you in making music for the film?
A. Mr. Yamamura had a clear image for the music when the storyboard of the animation was complete.
He told me at the first meeting, he'd like to start with something nostalgic played with wind instrument. In the school scenes, something rhythmic, like polka, the one played in the Ozu movies. Then music should get up-tempo and more thrilling in the scenes with whales, leading to the ending with more impressive music.
Q. Tell us about the process of making music.
A. First you have a meeting over the storyboard. Then I make some demos
on a rough draft video Mr. Yamamura edited, and the director checks
them. When we've decided on the main theme of the melody, choose
instruments. Then organize players, print scores, and do the recordings.
Q. What instruments did you have for the music?
A. We wanted strong strings, so we had 15 players of strings and 1
horn, that is: 6 first violins, 4 second violins, 2 violas, 2 cello, 1
contrabass.
Q. Any message to those who are protecting whales in the world?
A. I can't even imagine the earth without whales, so whales are important.
But we have to think about the ecological system as a whole, caring not only visible creatures like whales but also invisible ones including planktons. All living things are related and linked, so we should keep in mind that to balance is important.
Q. Are you interested in environmental issues?
A. I love the planet earth, so I'm scared of the current situation in which we are ruining and damaging our globe. As a part of its living creatures, we human beings must protect the planet.
I try to do what I can do even it's a small thing, like using eco-friendly detergents and avoiding car use.
Q. What do you think whales mean to you?
A. They are the biggest creature on the planet. I really adore them and definitely want to see them even once.
