Composition

We have four in-house composers; Mahuia Bridgman-Cooper, Jim Hall, Jonathan Bree and Chelsea Nikkel.

Mahuia (MMus) is a composer/producer who joined us from Liquid Studios where he worked on advertising campaigns including VW, Kia, McDonalds, Farmers, AA Insurance and Sky TV. Already at Franklin Rd, Mah has worked on music for Toyota, Vodafone, TV2 Fresh Up & Sanitarium among others. He’s also an accomplished violinist and music programmer, and has been called to play for a variety of artists and ensembles including Ladyhawke, Brooke Fraser, The Auckland Chamber Orchestra, SJD and Kid Kenobi.

Jim is New Zealand’s most awarded composer for advertising having won over half the “Soundtrack” Axis awards since the category began. Jim’s background as an international session musician and his genuine affection for all genres of music is reflected in his extraordinarily diverse output. Jim’s music has appeared on countless local and international TV spots for Sony, Coke, Ford, Toyota, GM and McDonalds to name but a few. He has composed original scores for 6 feature films and has twice been nominated for “NZ Record Producer of the Year”.

Jonathan is a Brunette, his favourite colour is puce and when not composing music (once described as being “light as dandelion fluff”, all in the best possible taste of course), he particularly enjoys performing the collected works of Sir Paul McCartney via one of his many musical incarnations, The Disciples Of Macca. Jonathan’s recent advertising work includes music for Pams, Pinnacle Life, Toshiba, State Insurance and ASB. His work has also been used in the UK for Channel 4, on the Showtime series the L Word and in the video game NBA2K11, available now on all platforms. Jonathan also composes for South Pacific Pictures’ series Go Girls. He prefers 3 button suits (as opposed to those with only 2).

Chelsea’s the most recent addition to our composing team, with her first job being the music for ASB’s “IVF” execution. Her music has also been used for Auckland’s Big Little City campaign and through each series of South Pacific Pictures’ series Go Girls. As Princess Chelsea she produces her own music, which so inspired Rolling Stone they decided to call this classically trained pianist an ‘electro chanteuse’, in a good way you understand. The Princess Chelsea debut album, Lil’ Golden Book, is out now. In addition to her Princess Chelsea vehicle (we imagine a kind of Lady Penelope inspired subcompact), she also plays with The Brunettes and Teen Wolf. Phew.

To discuss a project or arrange a copy of our reel please give us a call on 64 9 370 0414 or send an email to info@franklinrd.co.nz