Episode 51: Working with a Composer (Guest: Greg Schwab)

In Episode 51 of Film Notes, host Shane Borza sits down with Los Angeles-based cinematic composer, music producer, and 35+ year set and production veteran Greg Schwab.

Having spent over three decades on physical film sets, in lighting houses, and managing equipment rentals, Greg brings a rare, deep-seated understanding of set dynamics and visual storytelling directly into his musical scoring process. In this conversation, we explore how directors and composers can communicate effectively, the danger of falling into "temp love," and why bespoke, human-crafted music is essential for elevating story on screen.

In this episode, we cover:• How directors can communicate tone and character emotion without knowing musical jargon• Why bringing a composer on board during pre-production or early edits leads to a stronger score• How to use temp tracks without falling into the "temp love" trap• The micro-dynamics and emotional weight of custom, note-by-note scoring vs. stock music• Bridging the gap between physical set production and post-production audio

Connect with Greg Schwab:• SoundCloud: @gregschwab• YouTube: @GS-SBK6• Email: SteelBlueKnight@gmail.com

About Film Notes:

Hosted by award-winning filmmaker Shane Borza, Film Notes features in-depth conversations with filmmakers, actors, crew members, and industry leaders exploring the craft, business, and reality of modern filmmaking.

What does it really take to forge a career in action cinema from the ground up?In Episode 50 of FILM NOTES, I sit down with Nicole Grace—a Kiwi powerhouse based in Sydney, Australia—who just landed the lead role in LOVE MACE, the explosive new project from legendary stunt coordinator and director Igor Breakenback, support it on Kickstarter NOW!Even though Nicole and I had never met prior to this recording, our shared network made this conversation feel like catching up with an old friend. Together, we dive deep into the grit behind the glamour: her athletic background as a gymnast, her time as a personal trainer, her transition into the high-stakes world of stunt work and action acting, and how her strategic background in marketing helped her navigate the hard road to breaking through in the industry.It’s a spirited, transparent talk on resilience, physical skills, and the hustle required to own your lane in modern independent film.See more of my work: shaneborza.com/mediaSupport the Show: links.shaneborza.com/supportExplore the newly updated 2026 worldwide print and digital editions of FILM NOTES and THE FILM NOTES WORKBOOK at shaneborza.com/media.#FilmNotes #IndieFilmmaking #ActionCinema #Stunts #LoveMace #NicoleGrace #IgorBreakenback #ActorHustle #FilmProduction

What does the raw evolution of a filmmaker actually look like before the awards, the features, and the masterclasses?

In Episode 49 of FILM NOTES, I’m pulling back the curtain and interviewing myself to break down the foundational trial-by-fire era of my creative journey. I’m sharing the rare, behind-the-scenes videos, photos, and slideshows from my very first 5 productions in film school.

We look at the early mistakes, the sudden pivots on set, and the critical layout frameworks that laid the groundwork for everything to come—pulling raw data straight from my personal archives.

Access the Masterclass:

Watch Episode 49: links.shaneborza.com/filmnotes49

See more of my work: shaneborza.com/media

Support the Show: links.shaneborza.com/support

Explore the newly updated 2026 worldwide print and digital editions of FILM NOTES and THE FILM NOTES WORKBOOK at shaneborza.com/media.

#FilmNotes #IndieFilmmaking #DirectorLife #FilmSchool #CreativeProcess #FilmProduction #Mastery