The Creative Collaboration Behind "He Bled Neon"

"He Bled Neon," directed by Drew Kirsch and produced by Nate Bolotin, is a revenge thriller set against the backdrop of Las Vegas. The film follows Ethan (Joe Cole), who returns home after his brother's death, only to discover that it may have been a murder. The narrative unfolds over 48 hours, leading Ethan on a violent quest for the truth alongside his old crew, including Rita Ora and Marshawn Lynch. Kirsch and Bolotin aimed to create a memorable cinematic experience, emphasizing the importance of a compelling score and soundtrack.

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Recognizing the integral role of music in enhancing the film's dark tone, Kirsch sought the collaboration of composer Joe Trapanese and Grammy-nominated musician Zhu. Kirsch, known for directing music videos for artists like Taylor Swift, understood the necessity of aligning the film's visuals with its soundtrack from the outset. He stated, “Getting the music early, that’s just like how I know how to work.” This early integration allowed Zhu and Trapanese to contribute ideas during filming, adapting the score to match the film's pacing and aesthetic in real time.

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Zhu and Trapanese's hands-on approach during production was pivotal. Trapanese noted the importance of being open to changes throughout the creative process, stating, “You try to build something that you think is going to work great, but then you’re also always open to the metamorphosis that might happen.” Zhu aimed to maintain a primal essence in the score, avoiding excessive gloss to reflect the film's raw narrative. The resulting 25-song soundtrack features glowing synths and atmospheric hums, designed to complement the film's emotional landscape while also standing as a distinct musical project.

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Following its premiere at SXSW, the creators of "He Bled Neon" expressed hopes that their collaborative approach to music and cinema sets a new standard in filmmaking. Zhu emphasized the potential for inspiring younger creatives to take risks and prioritize their passions in both music and film. He remarked, “Music was a huge, impactful part of watching films, and I think it can make or break films.” The partnership between Kirsch, Zhu, and Trapanese exemplifies the evolving relationship between music and film, aiming to elevate the audience's experience.

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• “We had aspirations of grandeur, but we wanted to give audiences not just a film they remember, but a score and songs they remember,” — Nate Bolotin, Producer

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• “It’s an interesting handoff between going in with an artistic point of view of what you think it’s going to be versus being open to it changing,” — Joe Trapanese, Composer

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• “I tried to keep it primal because the story is pretty primal and I didn’t want to litter it with too much gloss,” — Zhu, Musician

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This collaboration highlights the significance of music in storytelling, aiming to resonate with audiences and inspire future filmmakers.

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