case study:
hbo
the big picture
Since 1975, any “Feature Presentation” film on HBO has been preceded with an iconic opening sequence and a musical theme that has become synonymous with the brand and the highest-quality in-home entertainment experiences.
In 2017, global sonic branding agency Made Music Studio reimagined this melody for HBO, tackling the challenge of a forward-leaning homage: paying tribute to the brand’s heritage while also signaling to HBO’s continued evolution as a champion of new audiences, storytelling and production techniques. As a cultural beacon for excellence in entertainment, HBO’s modernized look and feel needed to reflect its legacy while incorporating modern musical elements.
the challenge
HBO commissioned world-renowned visual agency Imaginary Forces and Made Music Studio to reimagine the 1983 HBO Feature Presentation trailer. Imaginary Forces’ evolved visuals send the viewer soaring through a surreal metropolis at dusk – dipping in and out of peoples’ homes as they gather to watch the upcoming Feature Presentation. The scene set at the “magic hour” culminates in the final epic statement of the HBO melody, revealing the city to be in a giant superstructure that spells out the brand’s iconic moniker. Made Music Studio’s score needed to evolve the beloved HBO theme to enhance the vivid and expansive nature of the refreshed visuals.
the approach
Made Music Studio’s reimagining of this classic composition creates a newfound sense of drama from the opening note. With a quiet and delicate start reflecting the intimacy of the opening scene, the piece begins to flourish with cinematic momentum, culminating in a powerful and resounding finale. Recorded at Made Music’s world-class studio with a 45-piece orchestra, the piece was mixed in film-standard surround-sound to promote the future of home entertainment.
the results
With a refreshed sound and stunning visuals, the cinematic opening of HBO Feature Presentation continues to set the tone and standard for the highest quality home entertainment.
creative team
Joel Beckerman – Founder + Executive Music Producer
Danielle Venne – Executive Music Producer
Ferdinand J. Smith – Original Composer
Mickey Alexander – Music Co-Producer
Christopher H. Knight – Arranger
Greg Pliska – Orchestrator
Dennis Wall – Mix Engineer
Imaginary Forces – Creative Agency
/ in the press
Twenty Thousand Hertz Podcast
MMS Senior Music Producer Mickey Alexander joined the Twenty Thousand Hertz podcast to share how we helped bring the iconic sound of HBO into the digital age.
Listen to the episode