Theremin featured in "The Big Door Prize"

Posted: 5/31/2023 2:13:16 AM
Jason

From: Hillsborough, NC (USA)

Joined: 2/13/2005

Has anyone seen The Big Door Prize on Apple TV? A theremin is featured in the first episode and makes some more appearances throughout the first season. The main character receives one as a birthday present from his wife so maybe he'll "try something new for a change". 

Obviously the actor is not playing it live during filming. Some of the early scenes have the pitch antenna response reversed, but later in the first season they seemed to figure out how it actually works and the dubbed playing aligns fairly well with the actors' gestures.

I'm curious - anyone know who played theremin for the filming?

Posted: 6/2/2023 12:24:30 AM
ekahn

Joined: 11/2/2022

My friend told me to watch this for this reason.. I read some spoilers and apparently it becomes a pretty integral plot point. You can sort of get that from the trailer... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mu-KfLd-d9U

Apparently in the book it was a saxophone or something. Interesting that they changed it.

Posted: 5/1/2024 12:37:17 PM
Jason

From: Hillsborough, NC (USA)

Joined: 2/13/2005

Season 2 has been released and the theremin is back!

Posted: 5/3/2024 4:58:34 PM
randy george

From: Los Angeles, California

Joined: 2/5/2006

Theremin parts in season 1 were performed by me.  I was contracted by the shows composer Nick Sena. Recordings for the diagetic music (in scene) were tracked in sync with to the video... a task which requires awareness and responsiveness similar to Foley sound effects work (and is no walk in the park). There were also a takes of normal theremin playing for the score themes.  I believe one take I did was used in one of the title theme tracks for social media promo clips.

In season 2, I was not contracted to record.  They either hired another player or the parts were performed by the composer.  Nick Sena owns a newer Moog Etherwave Theremin. I'm guessing it was the instrument used in season 2 (if it wasn't played another thereminist).  For season 1, I used my Etherwave Plus - analog main output. (insight for any of you who were aware I normally use CV to MIDI and external synthesis)

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