An audience with silent cinema music maestro Neil Brand!

A high-speed voyage into the art of silent cinema accompaniment presented by the world’s foremost proponent of this specialised artform. Neil will draw on his expertise presenting BBC TV’s Sound of Cinema: The Music That Made the Movies series, and his years composing and improvising for silent film, to provide insightful commentary on how music contributes to an audience’s appreciation of film, with real-time, live demonstration. From the earliest, earthiest comedies and thrillers, and a cine-verité classic shot by a young Billy Wilder (which the audience gets to score!), to the glories of Hollywood glamour, crowned by a live performance of a film he hasn't seen, Neil provides improvised accompaniment and pithy commentary on everything from deep focus to his own live cinema disasters.

 
A unique and memorable show that will leave you in awe of the great filmmakers of the silent era and the artistry of the accompanists who breathed life… and sound into their work. ‘Neil, always so eloquent and, damn it, charming, had my entire family rapt…’ – Paul Joyce, Mary, Mungo and Neil… HippFest at Home, March 2025

*Please note - this is an online broadcast, you will receive all the relevant info on how to watch online once booking closes.  Please ignore the automatic email you are sent containing a QR code. You can only tune in to this screening during the viewing window stated. If you have any queries please contact hippfest@falkirk.gov.uk.*