A legend in the making, composer Jacob Shea is not only making a name for himself with some of the most brilliant scores of our time from television to award-winning films to popular video games, but Shea has managed to score in the big leagues with some of the most brilliant composers in the world some of whom he’s either spent a fellowship with or landed studio space next to granting him the experience of a lifetime – and the chance to build quite an impressive portfolio. From his recent score in the independent film with Christopher Folino’s award-winning “Sparks” to equivalent blockbusters on a much larger scale – and budget – such as “Pirates of the Caribbean” or – Shea has also scored in the world of television, completing another season with one of the most sought after science channels in history, “Through the Wormhole” narrated by Morgan Freeman.
This San Jose native has indeed lived the dream life of an already-successful composer, fortunate enough to soar with some of Hollywood’s top composers including Elliot Goldenthal, Steve Jablonsky and Hans Zimmer – all of whom Shea said he’s learned invaluable tools from. With credits that include arranger for Despicable Me” and “Madagascar 2,” to composer of additional music for “Modern Warfare 2” (VG), “Transformers: Dark of the Moon,” and “Battleship.” As composer and guitarist Shea has also written and performed scores for two award-winning sort films, “Mei” (Silver Berlin Bear) and “Pitstop” (Academy Student award winner); in 2011 Shea was selected as one of six fellows to attend the prestigious Sundance Composers Lab and most recently, Shea’s music can be heard in the independent film “Sparks” and the recent release of “Gears of War: Judgment” video game (with YouTube’s sampling of his amazing work spreading the “Jacob Shea twist” all over the globe) – not to mention another season that just ended with the critically acclaimed Science Channel show “Through The Wormhole” narrated by Morgan Freeman.
Yet even as fortunate as Shea said he’s been, his heart holds true to form as it does the tugging, holding steady toward no particular field yet he said he simply can’t deny his undeniable passion for independent films.
Like many, Shea’s love for creating music came at an early age, from learning how to play the guitar at age 13, with the realization that it was perfect for simultaneous melody and chords, much like the piano – only much more portable. Combined with his love for music and the fact that he had no real hard and fast expectations when entering the University of California in Santa Barbara, Shea basically let his heart do the choosing; his heart leading him in the direction of a summer fellowship with Alex Wurman (“March of the Penguins”) – and into the film industry where Shea said he soon found himself “pleasantly immersed.”
Shea said he realized quickly that there are times when working for a tentpole composer that there can be rare occasions when the fun can be taken out of an experience, although they are rare, and even still a blast in general. Shea said he’s had nothing but a great learning experience with each and every path he’s been down thus far, adding that many of those greats have been fortunate themselves to have chosen wisely in their careers – such as Zimmer who chose quality blockbusters with both the “Pirates of the Caribbean” and “Batman” series.
But what happens far too often in the composing business is what happens in any business: Recognition (or lack thereof); taking for instance “Law & Order: SVU” where most would easily recognize the two-tone score, “Dun-Dun” as the famous “Law & Order” tune; yet how likely is it that folks would link such success to Mike Post, its equally famous composer? Even if it’s not about keeping score, clearly it all carries a slight undertone in some worlds, at least until it receives an award or reaches blockbuster status. Which, fortunately for Shea, it’s not only refreshing but about time according to writer and director Christopher Folino (“Sparks”).
Folino said although they had a pretty famous composer prior to hiring Shea for the project, it just wasn’t working; “Max Carlson introduced me to Jacob Shea and it was a perfect fit from the gate. Shea knew exactly what I wanted,” said Folino, “He just got it.” Folino added that Shea knew exactly how to make it work. “It was the one area I had no control over and it turned out being my favorite aspect.”
Folino added that Jacob is not just highly talented but highly respected and a great guy; “He’s humble, funny and a hard worker with an incredible talent; Shea provided a blockbuster score that has real depth and emotion.”
Shea said he was equally thrilled to work on “Sparks” also having a great time at San Jose’s Cinequest Film Festival in March. Many of those incredible actors such as William Katt (Greatest American Hero), Clancy Brown (“Shawshank Redemption), and leads Chase Williamson (Sparks) and Ashley Bell (Lady Heavenly) had not yet seen the film in its finished state so along with Shea, many were surprised to see it for the first time on the big screen. Not only was it a huge hit, “It was a work of art, exceeding everyone’s expectations,” said Folino – including fans.
When asked if Folino would hire Shea for future projects, Folino stated he would indeed if could afford him, explaining that what Shea did for “Sparks” – “an independent film soundtrack that was on the level of a summer blockbuster action flick,” he said he would be honored to work with him. In fact, Folino said, “I truly believe Shea is the next Hans Zimmer.”
Shea said he continues to receive an understanding about music, one that comes with the more films he works on, especially when the client is happy; with that in itself sometimes being a major education. And, he said, there’s technical side of things with modern technology – “That’s always an education,” said Shea, adding that knowing how music can enhance a film or show is incredible but more impressive is how a show can stand on its own – even knowing that there are rare instances a bad soundtrack can make the experience bad. “That’s why you try to avoid not getting in the way of what’s on the screen, but rather try to enhance it,” said Shea.
What are Shea’s plans for the future? He and his wife, Lindsay, plan to continue doing what they’re doing; he’ll continue to score award-winning music and she’ll go on to be a registered nurse (graduating from nursing school in May this year) and then they plan to have a family. Shea is his wife’s biggest fan so he’s very much looking forward to a family and seeing where life takes them. Which, Shea said, not only excites him but is also “scary as hell.” In all seriousness, however, he also said he does romanticize a little about that (with his sense of humor kicking up a few notches) and said it’s frightening to think about being responsible for another human being. “I’ve managed to make it this far without feeling responsible for anything,” said Shea, “So that’s obviously going to change when we have a family.” Shea’s sense of humor is an obvious blessing (and hilarious guard when it comes to parenthood); however, once he realized he and his wife were both raised with the same high standards – and neither wanting to “embarrass their parents” – it became obvious that once the “Jacob Shea” twist is added, he’ll no doubt be a wonderful father.
When asked what his secret was to such well-rounded happiness, his response was simple: “Being happy in your heart,” said Shea. With Shea’s heart strings doing the tugging, he's likely to succeed no matter which direction he goes – if only more people listened the tugging of those heart strings, perhaps more could score their ultimate life dream.
Additional information:
Jacob Shea can be reached by email at: JacobSheamusic@gmail.com
You can also find Jacob Shea on IMDb.
Photographer for Jacob Shea: Jeff Ellingson.
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