Tom Mcleod

NEWS

  • ABC to broadcast Tom's opera "Ihitai 'Avei'a – Star Navigator": dated 26 Nov 2023

    The recording of the opera – Ihitai ‘Avei’a – Star Navigator by Tim Finn, Célestine Hitiura Vaite and Tom McLeod, is now complete! 

    Ihitai 'Avei'a – Star Navigator will be broadcast TONIGHT 9pm NZT via livestream on ABC Classic in Australia and ABC Classic FM (7pm EST for local listeners) and is also available to stream for a limited time.

    It has been a long journey for Tim and Tom with support from West Australian Opera and the ABC’s Gavin Fernie – recording, editing and mixing this epic project.


    What began as a planned concert premiere in Perth, WA, back in March 2020 on the eve of the COVID pandemic and was then rescheduled a year-and-a-half later – only to be cancelled again in August 2021 – has morphed into a recording collaboration across time and distance... An on the spot pivot turned this cancelled performance into a full recording session with the wonderful West Australian Symphony Orchestra and WASO Chorus, conducted by Chris van Tuinen – in the stunning Perth Concert Hall, with Tim and Tom beaming in directly from their respective studios in NZ to produce the performance – all while Aotearoa and much of Australia was in lockdown.

    Over the two years since, they have built gradually upon this foundation, and have been treated to stunning performances each in turn from an international cast, which includes Teddy Tahu Rhodes (James Cook), Emmanuel Fonoti Fuimaono (Tupaia), Marlena Devoe (Purea), Risatisone C. Malagamaali'i (Teata), as well as Tim Finn (Piano and Nylon Guitar), Célestine Hitiura Vaite (Tahitian Orero) and Ena Manuireva (Vivo & Conch), with additional chorus support from Auckland Choral (Chorus Director – Uwe Grodd).

    Thanks to Carolyn Chard at West Australian Opera, Thomas De Mallet Burgess, Stuart Maunder and New Zealand Opera for their immense support along the way, as well as Simon Phillips who helped develop the work, Gary Henderson (additional lyrics), Ena Manuireva (translation), Ben Woods and Ryan Youens (transciption and typesetting).


    Ihitai 'Avei'a – Star Navigator was commissioned by West Australian Opera, with New Zealand Opera.

  • WINNER - APRA Best Original Music In A Series: dated 05 Oct 2023

    Tom is thrilled to share that his score for "Blood, Sex & Royalty" won Best Original Music In A Series at the APRA Silver Scrolls ceremony last night, at Auckland's Spark Arena.

    APRA acknowledged the international nature of the productions featuring this year's finalists - with Blood, Sex & Royalty being produced by UK-based company Nutopia for Netflix. 

    Tom was delighted to recieve this honour in a ceremony that this year also saw the induction of kiwi music legend Don McGlashan into the NZ Music Hall Of Fame, as well as many incredible performances from NZ artists. 

    For the full APRA Press Release click this link: https://www.apraamcos.co.nz/about-us/news-and-events/winners-at-the-2023-apra-silver-scroll-awards

  • Finalist for APRA Awards 2023!: dated 11 Aug 2023

    Tom is a finalist for Best Original Music In A Series at this year's APRA Awards for the Netflix show "Blood, Sex & Royalty". The show, produced by UK based Nutopia, is a modern take on the British monarchy, and the lives of Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII.

    Tom was a fnalist for the same category in 2021, and has twice won the award in 2014 and 2015 with comedy "Girl vs Boy". The awards will take place at Auckland's Spark Arena on Oct 4th, 2023.

    read press release

  • Ihitai 'Avei'a performed in Wellington: dated 12 Dec 2022

    NZ Opera and Orchestra Wellington have combined to perform "Ihitai' Avei'a - Star Navigator" at Te Rauparaha Arena in Porirua, bringing the work to Wellington audiences for the first time, after it's world premiere in Auckland in 2021.

    The work, by composer and lyricist Tim Finn, co-composer by Tom McLeod, and Tahitian monloguist Cèlestine Hitiura Vaite, explores the story of "Tupaia" and his extraordinary journey aboard the ship Endeavour with Captain James Cook in 1769 - 1770.

    It was commissioned by West Australian Opera, in partnership wtih NZ Opera, and features soloists Emmanuel Fonoti Fuimaono ("Tupaia"), Paul Whelan ("James Cook") and Marlena Devoe (Purea"), supported by the Orpheus and Signature Choirs. 

    Ihitai 'Avei'a - Star Navigator

  • Blood, Sex and Royalty - premieres on Netflix Nov 23rd!: dated 08 Nov 2022

    Tom's latest project Blood, Sex and Royalty is about to be launched on Netflix - a 3-part period docu-drama about the life and death of Anne Boleyn. The show is a modern, feminist take on her extraordinary impact, influence and place in history, made by acclaimed UK company Nutopia (One Strange Rock, The World According To Jeff Goldblum). Tom was honoured to be the sole Kiwi on this production - transcending timezones and hemispheres to compose the show's music score - which is a mix of contemporary beats and textures, ambient electronics and orchestra, interspersed with pop songs by various other artists.

    Watch the trailer here

  • New Netflix series: dated 16 Sep 2022

    Autumn and winter has seen Tom immersed in an intense but exciting new adventure, working on the score for a soon-to-be announced Netflix show…

     

    He can’t say much at this stage (!) ...except that it is a 3-part, period docu-drama, produced out of the UK, about a very famous and ground-breaking female historical figure!

     

    More to come soon…

  • When The Cows Come Home (feature doco): dated 08 Sep 2022

    Tom recently completed another collaboration with friend and filmmaker, Costa Botes, scoring his latest feature documentary - this time about musician, journalist and ’cow whisperer’ Andrew Johnstone. “It has been such a treat to work on this immensely inspiring cinematic canvas… and to again collaborate with fab musicians Vesa-Matti Leppänen (violin), Andrew Thomson (viola), Andrew Joyce (Cello), and the wonderful Age Pryor (guitars)."

     

    The film recently premiered at Whānau Mārama - NZ International Film Festival, and will have a general cinema release throughout Aotearoa in November 2022. Here’s what one reviewer had to say:


    “…As much a portrait of a rural farming family, the sensitivity beneath the stoic front might surprise those who view farming as a tough and unemotional business. Incredibly beautiful to look at with a score that soars, this is Botes' best work yet. “  Sarah McMullan, Letterboxed

    watch trailer

  • "Ihitai 'Avei'a – Star Navigator" – Update: dated 20 Aug 2022

    As mentioned previously, this is a new opera Tom had the privilege of co-composing with Tim Finn (composer/lyricist) and writer Célestine Hitiura Vaite (Tahitian monologues) about the great Tahitian star navigator Tupaia, during his time aboard the Endeavour on its first pacific voyage.

     

    The work has had to navigate many a disruption on its long journey so far – the latest being for the Wellington season planned for May, which has now been rescheduled for this coming December...

     

    So, the team is delighted to be performing this in a few months time with NZ OperaOrchestra Wellington, a 180-strong Chorus and the extraordinary soloists Marlena Devoe (Purea), Emmanuel Fonoti-Fuimaono (Tupaia) and Paul Whelan (James Cook) as well as Tim Finn (piano), at Porirua’s Te Rauparaha Arena. It should be a cracker!

    Book Tickets

  • Tom Sainsbury's “The Love Hour": dated 04 Aug 2022

    And a light reprieve amidst the heavier stuff of winter... Tom had the opportunity to write the theme song and lyrics for a new comedy pilot with South Pacific Pictures – "The Love Hour", and then to perform the song live, as his alter-ego (of long ago) "Tommy Love".

     

    It was a huge amount of fun working with a talented creative team, led by Tom Sainsbury and Matt Heath... and having to conjure some 'guest-specific' lyrics on the spot for each new episode was an exciting challenge...!! The show was one of 3 comedy pilots commissioned by TV Three.

    Watch: The Love Hour

  • Tom wins Best Original Score at NZ TV Awards: dated 01 Mar 2022

    Tom picked up "Best Original Score" for the TV/podcast series Fight For The Wild at the NZ TV Awards last night. The awards were moved 'online' after the live event was cancelled amidst NZ's omicron outbreak, and the winners were announced in a shortened ceremony hosted by comedian Tom Sainsbury. Fight For The Wild also picked up the gong for Best Factual Programme.

    https://www.rnz.co.nz/media/169

  • Finalist for the NZ TV Awards - "Fight For The Wild": dated 25 Nov 2021

    Tom's score for "Fight For The Wild" has received another nomination - this time a finalist in the "Best Original Score" category at the NZ TV Awards, to be held in Auckland in March 2022. The show also received nominations for "Best Factual Series" and "Best Camera Work" for director Peter Young.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MhwGnq4N9o

  • APRA Finalist for "Fight For The Wild": dated 19 Aug 2021

    Tom has been named as a finalist for the APRA Best Original Music In A Series Award, for his work on the documentary series "Fight For The Wild". The 4-part series, directed by Peter Young, chronicles the work being done across Aotearoa towards the national goal of being predator-free by 2050. Tom's emotive score, both haunting and aspirational, features instrumentalists Alistair Fraser (Taonga Puoro) and William Philipson (Guitars).

    The APRA Silver Scroll Awards are to be held in Auckland in October.

    https://www.apraamcos.co.nz/about-us/news-and-events/finalists-announced-for-2021-apra-screen-awards

  • Tom on RNZ Afternoons: Tuesday Music Feature - with Jesse Mulligan: dated 25 May 2021

    Tom chats with Jesse Mulligan on RNZ for the “Afternoons: Music Feature", and plays some music from recent projects.
    https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/afternoons/audio/2018796913/tom-mcleod-on-creating-music-scores-for-the-screen

  • "Shoot It Now Podcast" interview: dated 20 May 2021

    Tom chats with Craig Newland about the process of writing music for screen in an extended interview in two parts...
    https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-pynpr-1046f5e?utm_campaign=a_share_ep&utm_medium=dlink&utm_source=a_share

  • RNZ Concert's Interview with Tom for "Upbeat" show: dated 18 May 2021

    Check out this interview Tom did for RNZ's “Upbeat” show, about his latest film project "Fight For The Wild" and the recent collab with Tim Finn "Ihitai ‘Avei’a - Star Navigator”…
    https://www.rnz.co.nz/concert/programmes/upbeat/audio/2018795934/composer-tom-mcleod

  • "Fight For The Wild" series - Episode 1 "Loss" released today...: dated 10 May 2021

    "Fight For The Wild” is now live on RNZ! This 4-part documentary series by director Peter Young, explores the extraordinary work being done all around Aotearoa towards our Predator-Free 2050 ambition - hailed internationally as 'NZ’s Moonshot’. The show, which was commissioned by RNZ and is being broadcast ad-free on Freeview, expertly weaves into 4 beautiful chapter films a tale of “Loss", “Defiance", "Battle" and “Hope", sharing the story of the people, the tech, the heartbreaks and successes that could make this grand vision possible. It will also screen from 7:30pm this Saturday on TVNZ1. https://www.rnz.co.nz/programmes/fight-for-the-wild

  • "Ihitai 'Avei'a - Star Navigator" - World Premiere: dated 20 Mar 2021

    A magnificent opening night last night, for the first of 3 sold out shows at the Vodafone Events Centre’s BNZ Theatre in South Auckland... "Ihitai ‘Aveia - Star Navigator has finally been brought to life, thanks to NZ Opera along with the Manukau Symphony Orchestra and the Auckland Choral and Graduate Choirs. A seven-year musical collaboration with composer & lyricist Tim Finn, Tom co-composed the work, which also featured Tahitian monologues by Celestine Hitura Vaite, additional lyrics by Gary Henderson and Tahitian translations by Ena Manuireva. The phenomenal cast including soloists Amitai Pati ("Tupaia”), Paul Whelan (“James Cook”) and Natasha Wilson (“Purea”) with conductor Uwe Grodd and Orator Norah Stevenson-Tuuga who performed Vaite’s powerful spoken words, received a standing ovation at all 3 shows, while H’zel Hetaraka playing Tupaia’s young acolyte “Teata” was also a crowd favourite... as was Tim Finn himself, at the piano.

  • DEAD! A ghost, buddy, murder mystery...: dated 08 Aug 2020

    Comedy feature "DEAD" had it’s first public screening at the Hollywood Cinema in Avondale last night, ahead of a full cinema release this September. Tom joined forces to collaborate with the uber-talented Jimmy Urine (Mindless Self Indulgence) and William Philipson on this score (along with some fine tunes from both Tom Pierard, and power-pop songstress Chantal Claret). The film was written by Tom Sainsbury and Hayden J. Weal (Director) and both of them star in it, alongside a host of NZ’s finest - including Jennifer Ward-Lealand, Michael Hurst, Jess Sayer, Tomairangi Ihaia and Cameron Rhodes.

  • "Star Navigator" - Australian performance cancelled (COVID 19): dated 28 Mar 2020

    Tom has just completed the score for opera "Star Navigator" - a collaboration with composer/lyricist Tim Finn, which has been several years in the making. It tells the story of two great navigators - the genius Tahitian star navigator, Tupaia, and Captain James Cook, set during The Endeavour's first Pacific voyage. The work was to premiere as a semi-staged concert at the Perth Concert Hall, presented by West Australian Opera, along with West Australian Symphony Orchestra and the WASO Choir, and featuring international soloists Ta’u Pupu’a, Marlena Devoe and James Clayton. However, due to the Covid 19 outbreak, the performance was sadly cancelled. It is hoped the work will be re-programmed in the near future...

    https://www.waopera.asn.au/show/star-navigator/

  • "Camino Skies" wins at Doc Edge : dated 31 May 2019

    Camino Skies Directors Noel Smyth and Fergus Grady have won both the Best NZ Director and Best emerging Filmmaker awards at the 2019 Doc Edge Festival! The film has now played to sell-out audiences in Auckland and Wellington, and is set to premiere in Christchurch on July 5th at the Isaac Theatre Royal, followed by a nationwide cinema release on July 11th.

    http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU1905/S00357/the-2019-doc-edge-award-winners-just-announced.htm

  • Chips - A tale of magical proportions: dated 08 May 2019

    The score has been completed on "CHIPS" - a short film written by Scottish filmmakers Karen Kelly and Daisy Costello. The film, directed by Kelly, tells the story of a young girl, who after the loss of her beloved grandfather, discovers that when she accidentally feeds her grandfather’s ashes to her goldfish ‘Chips’, he speaks to her. The creative/production team features a host of top U.K. filmmaking talent, and stars the voice of much loved actor Peter Mullan as the grandfather "Chips".

  • "Camino Skies" - score completed: dated 09 Apr 2019

    Music has been recorded and delivered for Camino Skies - the debut feature of talented directors Noel Smyth and Fergus Grady. The feature documentary, exploring themes of spirituality, well-being and religion, follows six strangers from New Zealand and Australia as they set off on an inspirational trek along the 800km Camino de Santiago, each hoping to overcome the personal and physical trauma that life has dealt them. Tom's original score features musicians Age Pryor, Vesa-Mati Leppannen, Andrew Thomson, Rowan Prior and Sarah Lineham.

    Watch Trailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zQ43z43NSE

  • "City of 100 Lovers" opens at Sky City: dated 20 Oct 2018

    New Zealand's largest ever locally produced stage musical City of 100 Lovers has just opened at Auckland Sky City Casino. A romantic comedy, Tom wrote the music, and co-wrote lyrics with Tony nominated lyricist and bookwriter Peter Kellogg. Directed by New York-based musical theatre stalwart Tony Stimac, the show features performing talent from NZ and Australia, and a creative team that includes Vincent Ward (Creative Director), Taiaroa Royal (Choreographer), Justin Brown (original story concept), Jon Baxter (AV content), Iain Aitken (Set Designer) and Ding Ding (Costume Designer).

     

    Set in Taamaki Makaurau (Auckland), the show highlights and celebrates NZ's iconic kiwi-ness, through a love story between a Kiwi tour guide and an American food critic, against a backdrop of comedy, song and dance, and visual FX spectacle. Tom also supervised the production of both the live music and the pre-recorded music, which involved the Auckland Philharmonia and some of New Zealand's finest multi-instrumentalists.

  • New Zealand Story - "Inside Stories" web campaign launch: dated 21 Jun 2018

    Tom has written the music for the newly launched "Inside Stories" promotional campaign - the latest series in New Zealand Story, which includes personalities such as actress Bryce Dallas Howard and the Tesla co-founder Ian Wright, explaining in their own words what makes New Zealand unique.

    New Zealand Story was established in 2013 to "broaden what New Zealand was known for beyond natural beauty".

    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYtnf1GhU3tZn2cCQV19VDw

  • SCREENZ article - In tune with Tom McLeod: dated 20 Dec 2017

    SCREENZ editor Keith Barclay talks to Tom about recent film projects "Into The Rainbow" and "Kiwi Christmas".

    http://www.screenz.co.nz/in-tune-with-tom-mcleod/

  • Shortland Street Christmas Cliffhanger - with Tom's music: dated 19 Dec 2017

    Tom was delighted to end the year with a whole different kind of Christmas tale... scoring a cracking 1-hour thriller directed by Oliver Driver for the famous Shortland Street Christmas cliffhanger. This story called for a darker approach, with just a little more ‘opera' than the usual Soap Opera… Watch here on TVNZ Ondemand
    Shortland Street Christmas Cliffhanger

  • "Kiwi Christmas" - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack released: dated 30 Nov 2017

    Download or listen to Tom's music here:

    itunes

    spotify

    apple music

    googleplay

  • "You Got My Love" just released: dated 26 Nov 2017

    Tom's song "You Got My Love" performed by Barnaby Weir for the movie "Kiwi Christmas", has just been released... Here's a link to the music video:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmrBcgLaPfs

    The full soundtrack album will also be available for download from this Thursday - when the film comes out in cinemas nationwide...

  • Christmas movie - "Kiwi Christmas": dated 18 Oct 2017

    The score has just been completed on Tom’s latest feature film “Kiwi Christmas” - a family story produced by Tim Sanders, directed by Tony Simpson, and starring Kari Vanaanen as Santa, with Sia Trokenheim, Xavier Horan and Laura Daniel. Billed as NZ’s first homegrown Christmas movie, the film is set for release on November 30th.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_J8Rm531oxs

  • Pecking Order - Hutt Valley composer turns in 'plucky' film score: dated 23 May 2017

    Read an interview with Tom about his music for the film "Pecking Order"...

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/arts/92771027/hutt-valley-composer-turns-in-plucky-film-score

  • Pecking Order opens across NZ: dated 18 May 2017

    "Pecking Order" opened across the country today to glowing reviews and sell out screenings. This hilarious and heartfelt ‘flockumentary’ about the Christchurch Poultry Club has been garnering plenty of media attention… Tom attended the NZFF Autumn Events Premiere in Christchurch last week and met the real-life cast - a very special treat!

  • Soundtrack album released - The Art Of Recovery: dated 01 May 2017

    Tom has just released the soundtrack to The Art Of Recovery - featuring music from the award-winning feature documentary, which was performed by Joe Callwood, Cathy Irons, Dorian Liebert and Tomas Hurnik. You can hear free tracks and also download the album here:

    http://upvir.al/23460/the-art-of-recovery-soundtrack

  • Finalist for APRA Best Original Music in a Feature Film: dated 08 Sep 2016

    Tom is hugely excited to be one of three finalists named in the film music category at this year's APRA Silver Scrolls, for his score for 'The Art Of Recovery' - Peter Young's affecting and inspiring documentary that celebrates the creativity and community spirit of post-quake Christchurch. The two other films nominated are Lee Tamahori's 'Mahana' (score by Mahuia Bridgman-Cooper and Tama Waipara), and Taika Waititi's 'Hunt for the Wilderpeople' (score by Sam Scott, Luke Buda and Conrad Wedde). The awards are held at Auckland's Vector Arena on September 29th.

    http://www.screenz.co.nz/silver-scrolls-names-2016-finalists/

  • 3D feature film 'Into The Rainbow' [aka 'The Wonder 3D'] : dated 01 Sep 2016

    Tom has now completed his score for the China / NZ / U.K co-production 'Into The Rainbow'. Directed by British filmmaker Norman Stone, the film stars Willow Shields (The Hunger Games) and Maria Grazia Cucinotta (Il Postino), Jacqueline Joe, Lei Wu, Joe Chen, Christy Chung, Emmet Skilton and Colin Moy. The orchestral score was recorded in Berlin by the renown Filmorchester Babelsberg, and mixed by Grammy winner Matt Howe at Metropolis's 'Qatari Studios' in Doha. The film is due to be released in 2017. Watch the trailer...

    https://vimeo.com/182721489

     

  • Tom wins at Silver Scrolls for 2nd year running: dated 18 Sep 2015

    Tom picked up the Best Original Music in a Series award last night for the 2015 APRA Silver Scrolls held at Auckland's Vector Arena - for his score for Girl Vs Boy - Series 3. He won the same award last year for Girl Vs Boy - Series 2. This year was the 50th year of the Scrolls and included the 'Lost Scroll' award for the best song of 1981, won by The Swingers 'Counting The Beat' which, mysteriously, was not awarded at that time. Tom also had the honour of performing at this years awards - arranging and conducting Pass The Gat (Warren Maxwell, Thomas Oliver, Louis Baker) for their reinterpretation of one of the main song finalists - Unknown Mortal Orchstra's "Multi Love" - which turned out to be the winning song for 2015.

    You can watch it here...

    http://m.nzherald.co.nz/music/news/video.cfm?c_id=264&gal_cid=264&gallery_id=154384

    And here is a link to the Radio NZ Music 101 feature on the Scrolls event, including a section about the process of making Pass The Gat's version of Multi Love (starts at 22:30 mins)...

    http://podcast.radionz.co.nz/natmusic/natmusic-20150919-1405-2015_apra_silver_scroll_awards-128.mp3

  • Finalist for APRA scrolls 2015: dated 26 Aug 2015

    Exciting news! Tom has just been named as a finalist for the 2015 APRA Best Original Music in a series award for Girl Vs Boy (series 3) - the award which he won last year with Girl Vs Boy (series 2). The APRA Silver Scrolls ceremony will be held at Vector Arena on September 17th...

    https://www.facebook.com/pages/APRAAMCOS-NZ/173095315814

  • Latest Projects - two new films in NZFF: dated 01 Aug 2015

    Tom is delighted to have worked on two inspiring new doco features in this year's NZ Film Festival:

    'Act of Kindness' directed by Costa Botes and Sven Pannell, about a kiwi man's search for a good Samaritan in Rwanda who saved him 10 years earlier. Tom wrote additional music for the film.

    'The Art Of Recovery' directed by Peter Young is about the artist driven community projects that have sprung up in the wake of the Canterbury earthquakes such as "Gap Filler", which are helping to shape an exciting and vivid new Christchurch… while the Government-led CERA has somewhat different ideas about how to go about rebuilding a city. Tom's score was recorded in both Christchurch and Wellington and features the beautiful talents of Joe Callwood (guitars/mandolins/beltona), Cathy Irons (violin), Dorian Liebert (viola) and Tomas Hurnik (cello).

  • When We Go To War - music behind the scenes trailer: dated 23 Apr 2015

    A snapshot of the score recording sessions, for the 6-part WW1 drama series "When We Go To War".

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18JBlHWXLmI

  • Star Navigator - Tim Finn: dated 17 Mar 2015

    The first workshop for the opera project "Star Navigator" was completed last week, as part of Auckland Festival's RAW programme. Tom is collaborating with composer & lyricist Tim Finn and librettist Gary Henderson, as arranger and additional composer for the new work, which is a co-commission partnership between West Australian Opera, Victorian Opera and New Zealand Opera.

    Star Navigator tells the true story of Tupaia - the Tahitian star navigator who came aboard Captain Cook's 'Endeavour' during her voyage through the Pacific. An ensemble of 10 singers and 8 musicians presented a section of the 'work-in-progress' at Auckland's Q-Theatre in two performances - conducted by John Rosser, which featured Bonaventure Allan-Moetaua (Tupaia), James Clayton (Cook), Cameron Barclay (Joseph Banks) and Madison Nonoa (Purea).

  • NZ Film Awards Nomination: dated 27 Nov 2014

    Tom has received a nomination for 'Best Score' for the film "3 Mile Limit" at the 2014 NZ Film Awards (Moas). The Awards will be held in Auckland on Dec 12th.

    http://www.nzfilmawards.co.nz/

  • "When We Go To War" - recording complete: dated 17 Nov 2014

    Tom's score for epic WW1 drama 'When We Go To War' is nearing completion...  With help from a hugely talented team (John Psathas, Ben Woods, Neil Maddever, Ewan Clark, Sarah Lineham, Jeremy Fitzsimons) the orchestral recording at Avalon studios is now in the can, and the music edit/pre-mix sculpting is in motion with the awesome David Downes, in preparation for final music mix with John Neill at Park Road Post in Miramar.

    The 6 part mini-series, which is directed by Peter Burger, produced by Robin Scholes, and written by Gavin Strawhan and Rachel Lang, is being made for TV1 to commemorate the centenary of the WW1 Gallipoli campaign, and will screen in 2015.

  • Tom wins at APRA Silver Scrolls: dated 31 Oct 2014

    Tom was incredibly stoked to win the inaugural "Best Original Music In A Series" Award at the 2014 APRA Silver Scrolls, for Girl Vs Boy [season 2]. The award called 'Te Matua Ngahere' was introduced this year, and he's pretty excited to be the first name on this rather large trophy... (a beautful bronze sculpture by artist Jim Wheeler).

  • Girl Vs Boy - Season 3 goes to air: dated 01 Oct 2014

    Girl Vs Boy Season 3 goes to air this month. This season sees the arrival of the new school principal Miss King (April Phillips) who segragates the sexes and pushes girls versus boys to a whole new level...

  • 3 Mile Limit enjoys festival success: dated 06 Mar 2014

    3 Mile Limit has now achieved selection into 10 international festivals, and picked up two awards along the way, winning "Best Feature Film" at Fargo Film Festival and "Best International Feature" at Washington DC Film Festival. The film has just opened on NZ screens, after a red-carpet premiere at Auckland's Civic, attended by many of Radio Hauraki's original pioneers.

    http://www.thebigidea.co.nz/connect/media-releases/2014/jan/137723-3-mile-limit-movie-continues-strong-success

  • '3 Mile Limit' - score complete: dated 23 Dec 2013

    Tom has now finished the score for feature film '3 Mile Limit' - with the sound mix just completed at Park Road Post in Miramar.

     

    The film is based on the true story of Radio Hauraki's beginnings as a pirate radio station, broadcasting illegally off the coast of Auckland in the 1960s - a time when the NZBC controlled the airwaves, and the government did everything in its power to keep rock'n roll off the air...

    Directed by Craig Newland, the film stars Matt Whelan and David Aston among a stellar cast of new kiwi talent. It will premiere in March 2014...

    http://3milelimit.co.nz/

  • New season of Girl Vs Boy...!: dated 11 Jul 2013

    Girl Vs Boy season 2 starts this Sunday, 6pm on TV2, starring the coolest cast including the amazing Courtney Abbot! It's a gem! (and the final episode has a very special musical surprise...)

    https://www.facebook.com/GirlvsBoyNZ

  • Mitre 10 Dream Home goes to air: dated 03 Jul 2013

    The new series of Mitre 10 Dream Home has gone to air on TV2 this week, including a whole new look and feel... and soundtrack! TVNZ has produced this latest version of the DIY classic show - this time in Canterbury, and Tom has created the music score, with help from his old jazz-school compatriate - composer and renowned DJ Bruce Gainsford. The series airs over 10 weeks culminating in an epic live show final...

    http://tvnz.co.nz/mitre-10-dream-home/index-group-5135060

  • "Blankets" off to Palm Springs!: dated 14 Jun 2013

    Short Film "Blankets" which Tom recently completed the score for, has been selected for Palm Springs International Film Festival. The film stars Leon Wadham, Carly Owen and Chad Moffitt, was directed by Louise Leitch and written by Casey Whelan. See Onfilm article...

    http://www.onfilm.co.nz/2013/06/13/blankets-to-palm-springs/

     

  • New series of Girl Vs Boy: dated 12 Jun 2013

    Tom has just completed the score for the second season of Girl Vs Boy, which will air on TV2 later this year - and this time features an epic little musical surprise...

    Working with the Emmy award-winning creative team of Thomas Robins and David Stubbs (Reservoir Hill) the show is a comedy-romance-whodunnit starring the incredible Courtney Abbot, with plenty of heart, hotties and hoebags...!

    http://www.tommcleod.com/tv_film.php?cid=40

  • Tom wins Best Original Score at LA Movie Awards for Dr Grordbort's...: dated 17 May 2013

    Tom's score for the short film "Dr Grordbort's: The Deadliest Game" has won 'Best Original Score' in the International section at the LA Movie Awards (LAMAs). Directed by James Cunningham and written by Nick Ward, the film, based on the steampunk world of Dr Grordbort created by Greg Broadmore, has picked up several awards, and has screened at several international festivals.

    http://thelamovieawards.com/2013_Winners.html?fbclid=IwAR3rgwo09HcIKZgAY2Y_I-P2Abv6DxFVH8OzZ9hOHSufgR8cL3ne5w0fneg

  • Tom wins at LA Movie Awards: dated 16 May 2013

    3D animated short "Dr Grordbort presents: The Deadliest Game" won 4 awards at the Los Angeles Movie Awards (the LAMA's) International section - including Best Original Score!

    http://www.thelamovieawards.com/2013_Winners.html

  • Tom performs Roger Hall & Peter Skellern's new musical at Circa: dated 24 Feb 2013

    Tom is happily trading his dark composing studio for a warmly lit stage and the wondrous tones of Skellern and Hall for a 5 week season of 'You Can Always Hand Them Back" which opened at Circa One on Saturday night. The musical play is the first collaboration between NZ's most successful playwright Roger Hall, with British 60's pop-star and reknown songwriter Peter Skellern. The show, directed by Jane Waddell, stars George Henare and Lynda Milligan as the grandparents, and Tom as the pianist / singer / narrator, who helps tell their story.

    http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU1302/S00602/review-of-you-can-always-hand-them-back-at-circa.htm

    http://theatreview.org.nz/reviews/review.php?id=5551

  • Short Film Score - "The God Painter": dated 11 Feb 2013

    Tom's music score is now complete for Pavel Kvatch's short film "The God Painter". Written by JE Ryan, the film tells the story of "Sacha", a new Russian immigrant to New Zealand, who tries to overcome his turbulent past and build a peaceful life in a rough neighbourhood. The film stars Gene Alexander, Mike Minogue, Francesca Emms, Frank Edwards and Ivana Palezevic, and features Justin Firefly (guitars, mandolin and balalaika) on the soundtrack. The film was funded through the New Zealand Film Commission's Fresh Shorts scheme.

  • Short Film "A Kiwi Legend" wins Viewers Choice Awards at Tropfest: dated 04 Feb 2013

    Tom has written music for a short film in this year's Tropfest Film Competition - the first time the event has been held in NZ. Directed by Tess Novak, 'A Kiwi Legend', is a mockumentary starring 'World' designer Denise L'Estrange-Corbet, legendary All Black Sir Colin Meads, actress Melanie Lynskey, comedians Dai Henwood and Steve Wrigley, and sporting stars Beauden Barrett and Valerie Adams. It features some particularly iconic kiwi apparel, and won the Viewers Choice Award at the event, held in Taranaki last week. Click link to watch film http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qoDSnID-L0I

  • Short Films on the go: dated 26 Nov 2012

    The music is nearing completion for two NZ Film Commission funded shorts: "The Present" funded under the Premiere Shorts scheme is directed by Thomas Robins ('Girl Vs Boy', Emmy award winning 'Reservoir Hill') and produced by Jeremy Macey. "Blankets" funded under the Fresh Shorts scheme, is directed by Louise Leitch ('Whakatiki') and produced by Melissa Dodds. Both films are being submitted for international festivals in 2013.

  • Tom's films nominated for Moa's: dated 26 Nov 2012

    Tom is very excited that four films he had the pleasure of working on have received a total of 8 nominations at this years 'Sorta Unofficial Film Awards' known as the Moa's. Feature films "Netherwood" (Best self-funded film, Best Supporting Actor - Will Hall) and "The Last Dogs Of Winter" (Best Documentary, Best Director - Costa Botes) received two nominations each, while short film "Whakatiki" received 3 nominations (Best Short, Best Actor - Jim Moriarty, Best Actress - Mabelle Dennison). "Dr Grordbort presents: The Deadliest Game" is also nominated for Best self-funded Short. In the absence of a 2012 Screen Directors Guild sanctioned film awards, the Moa's were rapidly established to ensure this year's films are duly recognised, and has now become 'sorta official' ... The ceremony takes place in Auckland on Tuesday December 4th.

  • Onfilm magazine feature about the 'Hollywood Music Workshop': dated 23 Oct 2012

    This month's Onfilm magazine (October issue) features an article Tom wrote about his experiences travelling to the Hollywood Music Workshop in Vienna - an amazing 8 days of film music study with screen composer / orchestrator and legend, Conrad Pope, thanks to a Professional Development Award from the NZ Film Commission. http://www.archivesearch.co.nz/default.aspx?webid=ONF&articleid=62457

  • Booktrack - creating music for ebooks: dated 11 Sep 2012

    Tom has been working on a project for the exciting new media technology Booktrack, creating new music for a soon to be released epic...

    Launched to much fanfare worldwide in 2011, Booktrack offers a whole new reading experience for ebook lovers, a technology that enables ambience, sound FX and music to accompany a book, adaptable to any reading speed and adjusting along the way. As Tom describes it's 'kind of halfway between a book and a film - a cinematic book'!

    www.booktrack.com

  • Tom attends Hollywood Music Workshop in Austria!: dated 24 Aug 2012

    Tom has just returned from the Hollywood Music Workshop in Vienna, studying with renown Hollywood composer and orchestrator, Conrad Pope. The workshop was run over 9 intense days, and involved the participants composing and recording original cues to footage of existing Hollywood films, with an 8 piece string ensemble. Now in its 4th year, the HMW aims to bring the best of Hollywood film music knowledge to Europe, where the 'Hollywood sound' began - in large part thanks to the influence of Viennese composers and pioneers of film music - Max Steiner and Erich Korngold.

    Tom was the first kiwi to attend the workshop, and received a Professional Development award from the NZ Film Commission to get him there.
    http://www.hollywood-music.at/

  • Last Dogs NZ Premiere: dated 22 Aug 2012

    Costa Botes feature-doco "The Last Dogs Of Winter" just premiered at the Embassy Theatre in Wellington, as part of the New Zealand International Film Festival. Appearing live via Skype live from Churchill, Manitoba, where the film is set, was one of the film's main characters Caleb Ross, who answered questions during the Q & A session. The film also played at the Civic in Auckland, and other theatres across the country during the month long festival.

  • New TV Series 'Girl Vs Boy': dated 19 Jun 2012

    The score is now finally complete for the exciting new comedy whodunnit TV series "Girl Vs Boy". Tom has been working with the Emmy award-winning creative team of Thomas Robins and David Stubbs (Reservoir Hill) on the show, which airs on TV2 at 5pm, Sunday July 1st. With plenty of heart, hotties and hoebags, it promises to be a pretty special little small-town epic...

    http://www.facebook.com/GirlvsBoyNZ/info

  • NZSO / SOUNZ Recording - video diary online: dated 18 Jun 2012

    Watch a clip of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra recording Tom’s piece ‘A Hero’s Tale’.

  • New German Film - "Spuren der Vergangenheit": dated 02 May 2012

    Tom has just completed the score for German/NZ tele-feature "Emilie Richards: Spuren der Vergangenheit" (dir. Christoph Screwe), shot in NZ and based on the Emilie Richards novel "Good Time Man". A romantic drama/comedy, it follows the story of an orchestral pianist's (Gesine Cukrowski) quest to find her birth mother (featuring Schubert pieces performed by pianist Sarah Watkins). It screens on ZDF in Germany on Sunday May 6th at 8:15pm, and will be viewable online for one week after. Follow this link to read producer Henrik Meyer's blog... http://www.henrikmeyer.com/?p=70

  • New showreel available: dated 15 Mar 2012

    A 2011 show reel is now available on request (includes recent unreleased work). Please email Tom for link and password. majortom@clear.net.nz

  • "Whakatiki" selected for Tribeca!: dated 15 Mar 2012

    "Whakatiki" has been selected to screen at Tribeca in New York - widely regarded as one of the highlights of the international film festival circuit. The film, directed by Louise Leitch, was one of 58 films chosen out of 2800 submissions from 25 countries. The mix was completed last week at Park Road Post Production... and it sounds great!

  • Dr Grordbort's now viewable online: dated 01 Mar 2012

    Dr Grordbort's first film "The Deadliest Game" has now been released onto the interweb... Click here to watch Dr Grordbort's "The Deadliest Game"

  • Hot Rob - nearly complete!: dated 02 Feb 2012

    This year's most anticipated action-comedy epic short film "Hot Rob" is nearing completion, and Tom's score is all but mixed. Still to be recorded are the majestic and powerful 'Rob Choir' who will undoubtedly bring another whole layer of pathos to this extraordinary saga. Check out the latest Production Diary to see how Tom and the film's producers confront the development challenges of this unique film. Hot Rob Production Diary No.12 "Hot Rob" is the story of one man - car salesman Rob Hart, and his love for nubile car-yard receptionist Anna, which leads him into and out of danger, and then back into it again - culminating in a spectacular and destructive finale on Wellington's waterfront that is indeed quite 'Hot'. Hot Rob will premiere very soon...

    Visit the "Hot Rob" Facebook page at: HOT-ROB-THE-MOVIE

  • Dr Grordbort's "The Deadliest Game": dated 27 Nov 2011

    Tom has just completed the score for award winning director James Cunningham's latest film "Dr. Grordbort's presents: The Deadliest Game". Working with advanced 3D production students at the Media Design School, Cunningham has created a short film for the globally recognised property Dr. Grordbort's, with full support from Greg Broadmore (creator) and Richard Taylor (co-owner of Stardog and Weta Workshop). The film stars Geoff Houtman and Morgana O'Reilly, and will be viewable online from December.
    Media Design School article about the project

  • Last Dogs selected for IDFA: dated 01 Nov 2011

    "The Last Dogs Of Winter" has been selected for the prestigious International Documentary Festival - Amsterdam. One of the leading doco festivals in the world, the IDFA has been held annually since 1988. Director Costa Botes and one of the featured players in the film Caleb Ross, will travel to Amsterdam this month to present the film.

  • Standing Ovation for Last Dogs at Toronto Festival: dated 12 Sep 2011

    "New Zealand documentary feature The Last Dogs of Winter, debuted in Toronto yesterday afternoon to a capacity audience that gave director/producer Costa Botes and film subjects Brian Ladoon and Caleb Ross a standing ovation when they took the stage for the film's post-screening Q&A session..." see more http://www.voxy.co.nz/entertainment/standing-ovation-nz-doco-international-film-festival/5/101059  See Variety review... http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117946023/

  • Auckland Philharmonia plays Tom's suite from "Amazing Extraordinary Friends": dated 23 Aug 2011

    Tom has arranged a suite from his original score for the popular TV series "Amazing Extraordinary Friends", which will be performed by the Auckland Philharmonia at their upcoming Kiwi Capers concerts.

    https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU1108/S00375/apo-plays-amazing-extraordinary-music-for-kids.htm

  • Toronto Festival selection!: dated 04 Aug 2011

    Costa Botes' new film 'The Last Dogs Of Winter' has been selected for the Toronto International Film Festival. The film featuring actor Caleb Ross (The Tribe) explores the quest of Canadian Brian Ladoon to save one of the rarest breeds of dog on the planet - the Canadian Eskimo Dog (or Qimmiq). Tom is currently composing the score... http://www.voxy.co.nz/entertainment/nz-film-rare-dogs-toronto-festival/5/97062

  • Duncan's Lady - German romance film: dated 22 Jul 2011

    Tom just completed his 4th feature this year - another Emile Richards adaptation 'Duncan's Lady' (working title), set in Puhoi, Northland. The score and songs were written intensively in a little over 3 weeks, and feature the beautiful vocal talents of Lisa Tomlins, Esther Melody and Louis Baker.

  • More German romance on 'Whiskey Island': dated 22 Jun 2011

    Tom has just completed the score for romance tele-feature 'Whiskey Island' (working title), based on the novel by American author Emilie Richards. It will screen on Germany's ZDF later this year.

  • Daytime Tiger: dated 21 Jun 2011

    Costa Botes latest doco Daytime Tiger, which Tom scored alongside Harley Green, is screening at the 2011 NZ International Film Festival. It's a portrait of New Zealand writer Michael Morrissey – an up-close encounter with an extremely intelligent man in the grip of bipolar disorder. It’s also a harrowing portrait of marriage vows tested to the extreme. http://costabotes.com/daytime-tiger/

  • Western feature "Netherwood": dated 09 May 2011

    Tom has just completed the score for Kiwi western feature film 'Netherwood'. Starring Owen Black, Will Hall, Miriama Smith, Mick Innes, Peter McCauley and Peter Rowley, the film was shot in the stunning Waipara district of North Canterbury. It's the story of a man who enters the small country town Netherwood and unwittingly inherits a prime piece of land coveted by a local wealthy landowner. What ensues is a conflict over land driven by a primal battle between men for power and dominance. http://netherwoodmovie.wordpress.com/

  • German romance film : dated 09 Mar 2011

    Tom has just completed scoring the romance-adventure tele-feature "Sehnsucht nach Paradise Island", based on the novel by American author Emilie Richards 'Das Geheimnis des Opals' ('The Secret Of The Opal'). A Germany / NZ co-production starring Liane Forestieri, Wayne Carpendale and Helmut Zierl, and Kiwi actors Michelle Leuthart and Peter McAuley, the film was shot in Wellington, New Zealand, and airs on ZDF (Germany) in April.

  • Candyman selected for U.S. Documentary Channel's Top Premieres: dated 03 Dec 2010

    After screening on The Documentary Channel in the U.S during Thanksgiving weekend, Candyman has been selected as one of The Doc Channel's 2010 Top Premieres. During the month of December, the channel will re-screen the top premieres from throughout the year each night at 8pm, with Candyman screening on Christmas night! Of the 31 “Best of Doc” films, the Documentary of the Year will be selected by an online public vote as part of a sweepstakes. You can vote here: http://documentarychannel.com/sweepstakes

  • Alone Against The Tasman: dated 28 Oct 2010

    Tom has just completed scoring a doco for Gibson Group, about trans-Tasman solo rower Shaun Quincey. It follows his remarkable journey from Australia to New Zealand - only the second person to row the crossing solo, more than 30 years after his father Colin crossed the Tasman in the opposite direction. It will screen on TV1 Wednesday 11th November at 9:30pm. Watch online:
     http://tvnz.co.nz/real-life/s2010-alone-against-tasman-video-3887588

  • "Lost In Wonderland" wins two Qantas Awards: dated 20 Sep 2010

    Lost In Wonderland picked up the award for BEST POPULAR DOCUMENTARY OR DOCUMENTARY SERIES at the Qantas 2010 Film & Television Awards. It also won BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY DOCUMENTARY/FACTUAL - a pretty good haul for a mostly self-funded doco (unfortunately there is no music award in the documentary category!)

  • Tom's work selected for NZSO broadcast recording: dated 24 Aug 2010

    The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra will record Tom's piece 'A Hero's Tale' again in September 2010 - this time for Radio New Zealand. It is one of only 6 works being recorded for this years September SOUNZ Readings chosen from previous years readings, and will be a broadcast standard recording.

  • ONFILM Magazine - review of Candyman: dated 21 Jul 2010

    Check out this link: http://www.onfilm.co.nz/editorial.asp?EditorialID=52109&src=H

    Also, read ONFILM interview with director Costa Botes about the making of Candyman http://www.archivesearch.co.nz/default.aspx?webid=ONF&articleid=51597

  • Candyman to screen at New Zealand International Film Festival: dated 06 Jul 2010

    "Candyman: The David Klein Story" has been selected to screen at the NZIFF in 2010. It will play at Wellington's Paramount Theatre on July 19th at 6pm.

  • Candyman to screen at 'Hot Docs' in Toronto: dated 30 Mar 2010

    Candyman has been selected to screen at the "Hot Docs" Festival in Toronto in May 2010, after a rapturous reception at it's premiere at "Slamdance" in Utah in January.

  • Pavlova Western: dated 01 Sep 2009

    Tom is currently writing the score for the feature film "The Sun Sets West" - a western shot in NZ, directed by Mike Wallis and starring Cohen Holloway and Inge Rademeyer.

  • New TV show "One Night Only" : dated 21 Jul 2009

    Tom has just completed filming as Music Director for the new TVNZ entertainment series "One Night Only". The show which features song, dance and a live studio orchestra, is due to air in late 2009.

  • Candyman: dated 07 Jul 2009

    Scoring work has just begun for Costa Botes new film about David Klein - the man who invented the "Jellybelly jellybean". The film featuring, Weird Al Yankovich, follows the rise and rise of one of America's most most iconic candies, while it's creator reveals the personal cost for him and his family in this sweet'n sour doco-feature.

  • NZ International Film Festival: dated 15 Jun 2009

    Lost In Wonderland will feature in this year's NZ International Film Festival, with screenings at Wellington's Paramount and NZ Film Archive, and at Auckland's Academy theatre, between July 19-25. 
    http://www.nzff.co.nz/default.aspx?id=7522®ion=1

  • "Lost In Wonderland": dated 22 Mar 2009

    Tom has just completed the score for this feature documentary directed by Zoe McIntosh and produced by Costa Botes. The film explores the life of the colourful and controversial figure Rob Moodie, and his journey from abandoned child to cop, public figure, farmer and crusading lawyer.

  • Tommy Love's Valentine Spectacular!: dated 22 Feb 2009

    Tom's uniquely cheesy lounge persona - the Las Vegas sensation Tommy Love, made an unforgettable appearance on Wellington's waterfront this Valentines day. The show featured a cast of 34 including showgirls, hiphop dancers, rollerskaters and some of of NZ's finest musicians in a musical comedy extravaganza like no other. See photos at: http://alanpix.blogspot.com/

  • NZ Symphony Orchestra to record Tom's music: dated 22 Jan 2009
    Tom's orchestral score "Cut To: Music" was selected to be recorded at the SOUNZ/NZSO Readings in September 2009. The work which was commissioned for a short film competition, was premiered by the Auckland Philharmonia in 2008. It will be conducted by Ben Northey from Australia.
  • Luke Buda Album: dated 07 Oct 2008
    Tom has just arranged strings for Luke Buda's soon to be released single "My Imminent Demise", from the upcoming album "Vesuvius".
  • CUT TO: MUSIC Short Film Competition: dated 22 Aug 2008
    In April, Tom was commissioned by the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra to write the score for an innovative new film competition - where contestants had to create a film inspired by his score. The winning film was Eden by Oran Franco, and the film was screened at the recent A Night At The Movies concert at the Aotea Centre, with the Orchestra (conducted by Brett Kelly) playing the music live to the film. View TV3 news item. View TV9 news item
  • Amazing Extraordinary Friends Series 3: dated 22 Jul 2008
    Tom is currently completing the music for Series 3 of AEF - which promises to be more epic than ever.
  • NZ Premiere of The Last Five Years - the off-Broadway hit musical.: dated 22 May 2008

    In May Tom was Music Director and Pianist for this two-handed stage musical - starring Sarah Lineham and Nigel Edgecombe. The score includes beautiful orchestrations for violin, 2 cellos, piano, guitar and bass.