Ever since the pianists of silent films, film and music have been inextricably linked. On the screen, sound and image are one unit, but behind the scenes, it can be a long way from film producer to composer. One of Norway's youngest music publishers is now taking on the challenge. - Our job is not to provide training, but it is absolutely necessary, says Mia Hallesby of GILT.
/ 13/05/2019 / Kristian DugstadEver since the pianists of silent films, film and music have been inextricably linked. On the screen, sound and image are one unit, but behind the scenes, there can be a long way to go from film producer to composer. One of Norway's youngest music publishers is taking on the challenge. - Our job is not to provide training, but it is absolutely necessary, says Mia Hallesby at GILT.
Text and photo: Kristian Dugstad / TONO
Music publisher GILT was founded two years ago. The duo Mia Hallesby and Wendi Pendeza Kazonza first met in September 2016. The company was born in February of the following year.
– I knew I wanted to work in music, and have previously been involved in music companies. Mia's path into the industry was not as planned. She previously worked in the film industry, says Wendi Pendeza Kazonza.
A music publisher works to increase the income of its composers and lyricists. Important tasks include finding new opportunities for, and buyers for, the music. Among TONO's over 32,000 members, there are almost 300 music publishers. They manage the rights of authors and own shares in their works.
When you start a music publishing company, the first thing you need is music. While some publishers only sign composers and lyricists who fit a specific profile, GILT took a more emotional approach.
– We sign music and songwriters we like, completely independent of genre, says Kazonza.
All the composers GILT has in its "stable" are selected based on personal taste. However, that does not mean that the publisher is without a niche. Getting music placed in film, TV and advertising is an important part of many music publishers' everyday lives. For Mia and Wendi, this work has become a top priority.
– Film and TV have clearly become our main focus area. It is becoming more and more important for us. Among other things, we have started to visit TV and film conferences, says Mia Hallesby.
They are continuously working to sell their artists to film and TV productions, and have also gradually signed composers who primarily write for film.
As GILT's growing interest in synchronization – music combined with moving images – has also encountered challenges. It turns out that communication between the Norwegian music industry and the film and TV industry is not always completely seamless, despite the mutual dependence between them.
– It is surprising that there are so few natural bridges between those who make film and TV, and music. There should be an arena where we can meet, but unfortunately that is not the case, says Hallesby.
Instead of being deterred by the duo, they have taken this challenge head on.
– We try as best we can to help film and TV companies understand the rights and how they can play out, what pitfalls to watch out for and what expertise is needed to get approved for the use of a song, says Kazonza.
Training is not a common part of publishing operations, but GILT has spent a lot of time and effort imparting knowledge to its customers.
– It is absolutely necessary. Today, much is far too unclear. We are trying to find good solutions for all parties, says Kazonza.
Being a young publisher has both its advantages and disadvantages. GILT is forward-looking and has already proven through its involvement in the film world that the work of publishers can be multifaceted.
“The traditional way of running a publishing house can change. We are always trying to find new opportunities,” says Kazonza.
However, publishing can be compared to making good cheese. What you do today may not turn into money for many years. Music is not meant to mature in red putty or wax, but it still requires a lot of time and work.
That's why GILT is pleased to announce its brand new agreement with 150-year-old Danish Edition Wilhelm Hansen, a music publisher that is part of the internationally renowned Music Sales Group.
– They contacted us a year ago and said they liked what we were doing. We have now recently been to Denmark and the deal is in the works. This makes us the first Norwegian publisher they have a collaboration agreement with, says Hallesby.
The collaboration gives GILT a number of benefits and a solid foundation to build on. They now have access to Music Sales Group's repertoire, of around 300,000 works, which they can offer to their customers.
“The collaboration also gives our songwriters greater opportunities. We now have partners all over the world who will suggest our songwriters for film productions abroad, for example,” says Kazonza.
When GILT was contacted by their new partners, they were unaware of Music Sales Group's international reputation. They have since come to realize that they have a highly respected player on their team.
– The great thing is that they want us to continue operating the way we want. They challenge us and create new opportunities for us as a company, says Hallesby.
You can find GILT at Facebook and the instagram.
