I worked with Mr. Burgess as a contractor providing soundtrack music for the following major projects: 'Broken Saints' (as principal series composer), the 'Hellboy II – the Golden Army' animated prologue, and several similar short pieces for 'I Am Legend', produced by Sequence Post inc.
In my view Mr. Burgess is a remarkably gifted producer and team manager. Working with him has been an enriching experience for me, and the music I have created through these collaboration has been some of the most challenging and satisfying of my career. Always Brooke's focus is on supporting the story being told, but within that he has allowed me room for creativity and personal expression, somehow finding a crucial balance between these.
In particular I would stress the following areas:
communication skills:
- The Broken Saints DVD production involved a large team consisting of a mixed bag of professionals and students. Many situations called for patience, sensitivity and clarity to keep the project moving forward. Brooke seems to have the knack of knowing what people need to make them feel connected to and responsible for the task at hand. This is combined with a razor-sharp instinct for individual strengths and weaknesses, and how to make the most of them.
- Much of my own work with Mr. Burgess, including the Hellboy II animated preview, has been done remotely - with me working in my studio here in Berlin and Brooke in Vancouver (simultaneously managing personnel in Los Angeles). Naturally this kind of situation requires very clear communication to make sure everyone is on the same page. I would say that Brooke excels at this, and has made these experiences fluid and satisfying, despite the challenges of remote collaboration.
Energy and problem-solving.
- During the rather intense final production phase of the Broken Saints DVD there were two separate sound studios working in parallel, alongside the video headquarters at another location. Keeping all of these working at full steam under pressure, nearly 24 hourse a day, was a gargantuan task and a significant achievement.
- Most of the projects in which I have collaborated with Mr. Burgess have involved trying to produce very high-end, professional results with limited time and budgets. Naturally, unforeseen obstacles frequently arise that require tremendous flexibility to keep things on track. Knowing when to be doggedly determined and when to shift gears to maintain project momentum is another key strength I have observed.
I hope this is helpful, generally my opinion is that any organization in the creative media industry would benefit enormously from Mr. Burgess' skills and experience; I would certainly work with him again with no hesitation.
tobias tinker
