Pioneered by Whirlygig Cinema and film-score artists The Cabinet of Living Cinema, Making Tracks is an ongoing interactive event that provides a unique platform for new filmmakers to get their work seen. The premise is simple; Whirlygig seek out amazing films to showcase, strip them of their original soundtracks, and The Cabinet perform brand new live re-scores. It is a perfect way for filmmakers who have had problems with music copyright to get their work screened in public.

Making Tracks showcases a mixture of animation, music videos, experimental and narrative film. The filmmakers are encourage to attend in person, since these scores will be played live for (usually) the first and often the last time.

Since the very first Making Tracks in December 2010, the event has formed part of the London Short Film Festival 2011 and been accepted as a regular feature in the Rich Mix programme. Oliver Carruthers, Arts and Cultural Programmer at Rich Mix, says, “Making Tracks is one of my favourite events here, fusing the work of the best experimental and up-and-coming filmmakers with the genius of the Cabinet of Living Cinema’s musicianship. Making Tracks celebrates innovation, creativity and fantastic talent.”

The Cabinet of Living Cinema

The Cabinet of Living Cinema is a meeting of artists dedicated to creating living, breathing cinema experiences through live performance in front of your very open eyes. They provide a platform for live cinema acts and new filmmakers as well as a chance to see rarely-seen animation and avant-garde films.

Founded by Kieron Maguire in 2010, the band incorporates a number of musicians, or ‘conspirators’, from a range of backgrounds, including a percussionist who studied tabla in India and a distinguished cellist who specialises in gypsy music.

Making Tracks sees the band rescore a diverse scope of films provided by Whirlygig Cinema, bringing their own fresh response to these high quality visual works. Different musicians contribute to each event, providing an ever-changing soundscape of music and effects.

Previous events

Making Tracks holds a regular spot at the Rich Mix, with four events held so far:

• Making Tracks December 2010
• Making Tracks January 2011 (as part of the London Short Film Festival)
• Making Tracks May 2011
• Making Tracks August 2011
• Making Tracks October 2011
• Making Tracks January 2012 (as part of the London Short Film Festival)
• Making Tracks February 2012 (as part of the Student Film Festival London)

Submit a film

We are always on the look out for films to show at future events. If you have something that you think will work well with a live musical soundtrack, please get in touch via our submissions page. Films should be under 12 minutes long with little or no audio dialogue.