Wanda Bryant HASOM interview

It should be no surprise that James Cameron's science fiction Block Buster "Avatar" is one of the leading 2010 Academy Award Oscar nominees for Best Picture. It has also surpassed Cameron's 1997 film Titanic as the highest grossing film of all time. But what is a surprise, is that his ex-wife, Kathryn Bigelow's film "The Hurt Locker" has also been nominated for this years Best Picture. Is this a first in Academy history? A women directing a film nominated as Best Picture, and in the same category as her (ex) husband. I thought that was intriguing news to share. And did you know that Cameron and James Horner (score composer) are both Leo's, born in the month of August (leadership)? Things that make you go hmmm. I know that Avatar is also nominated for best film score, and this is one category that certainly hope it wins. For this may heighten the chances of my UCLA #HASOM class to interview James Horner, the composer of this phenomenally successful project. Well don't be surprised. We did have the opportunity to interview the delightfully candid and gracious ethnomusicologist Wanda Bryant. Who is Wanda Bryant? She is the only ethnomusicologist to contribute to the film score as the Avatar Film Score Assistant to James Horner who helped to create the musical universe for the Na'vi. It was a rewarding experience to sit and chat with her as she graciously shared with our ethno 188 class this exciting and grounding breaking event. Did you know that they use Finnish women voices and African mining songs among other example of culturally specific music in the film? These were some of the inside processes that Wanda shared with us. I think that Wanda's contribution to creating this eclectic sound source in the film enhanced the other-worldly musical experience that has captivated movie goers globally. Thanks Wanda for a great interview and congratulations on your success.