Music
Indiana Man's Role in the Blockbuster 'Wicked': From Studio to Stages
2024-11-22
An Indiana man, Brad Ritchie, has made a significant mark in the world of music with his work on the highly anticipated 'Wicked'. Hailing from Georgetown, Indiana, Ritchie's journey from his studio to the big screens is truly remarkable.

Uncovering the Indiana Man's Behind-the-Scenes Magic in 'Wicked'

Music Preparation in Georgetown

Brad Ritchie dedicated his time and skills from his studio in Georgetown, Indiana. With a background in music from UofL and scoring for motion picture and television at the University of Southern California, he was well-prepared for this big project. His meticulous work ensured that every note was in place and free from errors.

As he said, "You have to make sure what the orchestrator did gets on the stands with no errors, there’s no questions, it has to be perfect." This attention to detail was crucial in creating a seamless musical experience.

Despite the stress, Ritchie made the music easy for each musician to read. It was like presenting a book with a larger font and double-spaced, making it accessible and understandable for the performers.

Behind the Scenes in London

After preparing the music in Indiana, a PDF for each instrument was sent to London where the orchestra recorded the music. Ritchie understood the importance of this process, as he explained, "There’s no room for error. When you’ve got 80 plus musicians sitting on a stage in a studio, literally every minute is thousands of dollars. So, if I’ve got wrong notes in a violin part and everything ceases, that’s not a good look."

His work behind the scenes played a vital role in ensuring the success of the recording session. His expertise and precision were evident in every note.

Previous Film Work and Current Projects

This isn't Ritchie's first film. He has previously worked on 'Despicable Me Four' and 'Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga'. Currently, he is busy creating the music for the Louisville Orchestra's upcoming concert with Rapper Jack Harlow.

"I get Jack’s songs," Ritchie said. "So, it’s my and my team’s job to put the orchestra behind it." This shows his ability to adapt and collaborate with different artists and projects.

His job has led to incredible moments, and technology has allowed him to live in his hometown while making a global impact. He has even impressed his two children with his work on one of the PAW Patrol movies.

Now, with the success of 'Wicked' and the start of a new company in Los Angeles called On Staff Music Services, Ritchie's future in the music industry looks bright.

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