Features

Perspective: Barry Cole

Barry Cole
Music Supervisor
Spot Music
NYC


Job History
Production Assistant for concerts at The Greek Theatre in Berkeley CA
Futon Shop Manager
Perfume Salesman
Club and Radio DJ
Film Intern
Art Department Coordinator
Music Supervisor

Three words to describe yourself.

Consistent, hard working, and visionary.

What are you currently working on? What is your day-to-day responsibilities?

My current projects are:
Beautyshop (Barbershop 3) directed by Bille Woodruff and starring Queen Latifah, Alfre Woodard, Keshia Knight Pulliam, Djimon Honsou, Kevin Bacon, and Alicia Silverstone on MGM
Roll Bounce (1978 Roller Skating film) directed by Malcolm Lee starring Bow Wow, Meagan Good, Nick Cannon, Mike Epps, and Charlie Murphy on Fox
Face (3 generations of Chinese women explore and come to terms with each other in modern day New York City) directed by Bertha Pan starring Treach, Bai Ling, Kristy Wu, Will Yun Lee, and Ruth Zhang. An independent film.
Slow Burn (Gotham City Thriller) directed by Wayne Beach starring Ray Liotta, LL Cool J, Mekhi Pfeiffer, Taye Diggs, and Guy Torry. An independent film.

What made you decide to pursue this career?

Music Supervision allows me to combine my passions for music and film.

What inspires/motivates you?

The possibilities...

At what point did you decide to make this career choice?

I was assisting the Director and Producer while in Pre-Production for New Jersey Drive. The director, Nick Gomez, was in need of music to audition for the film. I called the same contacts that had been servicing me as a DJ to get the Director new music. The Producer asked me to be the Music Supervisor and, later, to start and run the music department for his Production Company. It was my first gold record and I ended up music supervising over 20 films with The Shooting Gallery before opening my independent venture, SPOT music.

How do you balance your personal and professional life?

Djing, friends, family, yoga, tai chi, and kite flying.

What career achievement are you most proud of?

I am proud of being able to look back upon almost 10 years and 50 films worth of music and film that I helped to create and share with the world. I am also proud of being able to approach each new project as if it were my first.

What was your biggest personal/career mistake and what did you learn form the experience?

At first, I tried to do every job myself. My biggest mistake was working myself into the ground. After I had enough experience, I was able to create a system and form a team that would assure that both business and creative needs for each project are met.

How did you overcome any roadblocks?

I learned to delegate.

Was there ever a time where you thought you would not succeed? Please explain.

After 9/11, many of the resources that had been financing independent film in New York film were no longer available. I had recently gone independent and did not know if I was going to be able to keep my company open. If there are no films, there is no need for a music supervisor. Brown Sugar was scheduled to begin shooting just after 9/11. Rick Famuyiwa, the director, called the crew together to discuss whether or not to make the film. The vote was unanimous to move forward with production and Brown Sugar created film jobs in New York at a very pivotal time. I am currently working on my fifth film for the studio that produced the film.

Is there a down side to your position?

The music supervisor is always an easy scapegoat if something goes wrong. The music budget is also the first to be cut if funds are needed in another area. My job is to manage the combined agendas between the director, producers, the studio execs and the record label. If everyone is not on the same page, the results (as I have learned the hard way) can be disastrous. At any given time, any of 100 people can call regarding information on one of up to five projects. If the Music SUpervisor is not alert and prepared, the job can get the better of you.

What are your Guiding principles?

My guiding principles grow as I gain experience. Right now, I am commtited to doing the best job that I can with the tools that I am provided. Rather than be frustrated if I am not advancing at a faster rate (career-wise) I am trying to enjoy the climb. This career has given me invaluable stories and lessons from which I will refer for the rest of my life.

What were/are your biggest challenges?

My biggest challenge was to be one of the few music supervisors based in New York City. I didn't have a mentor, no one who came before me in this town who showed me the way to go.

What are the personality traits you think a successful person in this industry should have?

In this day and age, industry people must be good listeners, very perceptive and open to innovation. They must also be able to make the right decision given a small amount of time.

What advice would you give someone who is just starting out?

Anyone interested in working in film should be a Production Assistant on a film. There is no better way to gain access to every department integral to bringing a film together. Scout out a department that appeals to you and ask lots of questions. Hopefully after the experience, one can make an educated decision about what department is most appealing.

When is your Birthday? Where did you grow up? Where did you go to school?

My birthday in March 3, 1971 and I grew up in The Bay Area, Northern California. I attended Dartmouth College in New Hampshire.

Message Barry Cole and tell him what you think

Ray Tamarra

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