Filmmaking is a demanding art form, where every piece plays a crucial role in crafting the final masterpiece. One of the most critical components? The music. Recently, on the Christmas Cowboy podcast, we sat down with Colin Bell, the talented composer behind the film’s score, to discuss the challenges, creative processes, and triumphs of scoring for film.‍

Colin Bell’s Journey into Film Scoring‍

Before diving into film composition, Colin spent years writing music for marching bands, orchestras, and drumlines. However, he craved a new challenge and transitioned into film and media scoring, where opportunities were more abundant and the creative potential was vast. His previous collaboration with the team on the Bezos film paved the way for this partnership on Christmas Cowboy.‍

The Challenges of Scoring Christmas Cowboy‍

Scoring a film is never a simple task, but Christmas Cowboy posed unique challenges. Colin shared that one of the biggest hurdles was finding the right harmonic language—the right mix of emotion, nostalgia, and Christmas spirit. The film blends elements of family, warmth, and holiday cheer with complex emotional depth, making it a delicate balance to strike musically.

“Early on, there were a lot of rejected cues,” Colin admitted. “It wasn’t about hitting the notes; it was about hitting the right emotion.”‍

Interpreting the Director’s Vision‍

A major part of a film composer’s job is translating a director’s emotional vision into music. However, directors and composers often speak different creative languages. Colin emphasized that working with the director meant deciphering emotional terms into a musical framework.

The host acknowledged that he initially struggled to communicate the exact emotions he wanted, but Colin’s experience helped bridge the gap. “I don’t need directors to speak in musical terms,” Colin said. “Just tell me how you want it to feel.”‍

Handling Feedback & Creative Resilience‍

Filmmaking requires resilience, especially when working under tight deadlines. Colin spoke candidly about the challenges of working within strict time constraints. “I was working 16-hour days, barely sleeping. But I knew we had to deliver,” he said. The host praised Colin’s perseverance, adding that his ability to adapt, refine, and execute under pressure was key to the film’s success.

Feedback is another crucial part of the process. While some artists struggle with critique, Colin embraces it. “It’s a service-based industry. My job is to deliver what the director envisions, not what I personally like,” he explained. That mindset allowed him to iterate quickly and perfect the score in record time.‍

The Role of Temp Music‍

Temp music—placeholder tracks used during the editing process—played a key role in shaping the score. While it provided a reference for timing and mood, it also presented challenges. “There’s a risk that temp music locks in a style too much,” Colin noted. “At one point, we had to completely erase it and start fresh.”‍

Crafting the Sound of Christmas Cowboy‍

The final score of Christmas Cowboy balances orchestral beauty with a modern twist, steering away from overly formulaic “Hallmark” Christmas movie music. “We wanted it to have a unique, emotional depth while still feeling festive,” Colin explained.

A key element in achieving this was instrument selection. The team leaned heavily on chimes and string ensembles to create that warm, nostalgic Christmas feel. This carefully curated mix helped bring the story to life in a way that felt both fresh and timeless.‍

Advice for Aspiring Composers‍

For those looking to break into film scoring, Colin had some solid advice:

1. Master Your Craft – “You need technical skills, but also the ability to work fast and adapt.”
2. Network & Build Relationships – “Filmmaking is a people business. Be in the room, shake hands, and build trust.”
3. Take Every Opportunity – “In the beginning, say yes to everything. It builds experience and opens doors.”
4. Be Resilient – “It’s a grind. If you can’t handle criticism and pressure, you won’t last.”‍

Looking Ahead: What’s Next?‍

With Christmas Cowboy now available on platforms like Amazon Prime, Apple TV, and cable networks, the journey continues. The music from the film will also be available for licensing on Suudu, allowing other filmmakers to use its incredible score in their own projects.

Looking forward, Colin plans to continue composing for films and working on personal projects that push creative boundaries. With his determination and talent, there’s no doubt we’ll be hearing much more from him in the future.‍

Where to Watch & Listen

• Watch Christmas Cowboy on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, and cable networks.
• Listen to the soundtrack as singles release on Spotify and YouTube.
• License the film’s music for your own projects via Sutudu.com‍

Final Thoughts‍

The making of Christmas Cowboy was a whirlwind of creativity, collaboration, and determination. Through all the challenges, the team crafted a film that resonates deeply with audiences, bringing holiday magic to the screen. And as the host summed up perfectly: “It’s the collective effort that makes a film great.”‍

Stay tuned for more updates on upcoming projects, and don’t forget to check out Christmas Cowboy this holiday season!