Music composition by graduate student Eleftheria Zavalis, over a short part of I, Robot (2004 movie by Alex Proyas)

Thesis Subject: Sound Design in Sci-Fi Movies (History, Techniques, Aesthetics)

ABSTRACT:
From 1960 onwards, sound production, aesthetics, and technology have changed modern filmmaking as well as the audience's experience. In this respect, sound design plays a fundamental role in describing the actions occurring on screen and – more generally – reinforcing what the viewers see and feel. Science fiction is one of the most embraced cinema genres—it benefits greatly from the interconnected efforts of audio processing, technology, and innovation in aesthetic and narrative development. This paper will study sonic design in science fiction films, from its inception until present day. The theoretical framework will analyze the history, techniques, and aesthetics of sound design, science fiction, and sound design in science fiction films. In a practical context, sound design and musical investment will be applied to an excerpt of a science fiction film that belongs to the thematic circle of anthropomorphic robots.

Video link with the sound design: https://vimeo.com/358120193

MSt in Musicology Thesis Project (by Eleftheria Zavalis)

Eleftheria Zavalis is a Greek composer, songwriter, pianist and singer.

At the age of 7, she began playing piano. She got her first distinction at the age of 13 for the national music competition for the anthem composition of Piraeus city, regarding the Olympic Games of 2004. She was presented with an award at the PPA Hall among distinguished Olympic Winners, artists and other important cultural and political figures.

Eleftheria holds a bachelor’s degree in musicology from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, diplomas in classical singing and music technology, as well as degrees in harmony, counterpoint & fugue. Her musical interests have always been wide, ranging from romantic and impressionist music, to rock/metal, jazz, electronic, and ethnic music. She studied European and Byzantine music / instruments, and became proficient on Greek traditional strings and percussions.

Eleftheria wrote several songs and composed soundtracks for movies, children theater, and ads. She also worked as a sound engineer and producer at the Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation (ERT) and at other important Greek radio stations.

Today Eleftheria is busy running her own company Unicorns Music which she co-founded with her fiancé, French composer Viv Lalu. Together, they are committed to provide the best soundtracks for their clients.

To be continued...