User:RyanTimm/sandbox
Doug Timm (Composer)
[edit]Doug Timm
 | |
|---|---|
| Born | June 14, 1960 |
| Died | July 21, 1989 (aged 29) |
| Occupation(s) | Composer, Music Producer, Orchestrator, songwriter |
| Years active | 1984–1989 |
Douglas Vernon Timm (June 14, 1960 – July 21, 1989) was an American composer and conductor best known for his many music scores, both in television and motion picture films. In a career which was cut short by a tragic event, he composed music for a variety of both television productions as well as motion pictures. His most popular works include music production and music scores to Nightflyers, Terror in the Aisles, as well as many TV series such as Designing Women, Dolphin Cove, The New Mike Hammer, and Simon and Simon.
Early life
[edit]Douglas Vernon Timm was born in Chicago, Illinois the son of Wilma (née Hackleman) and Vernon Timm. He grew up in a typical midwest middle class family of five. Doug also had two younger brothers, Jeff and Ryan.
It was in the 3rd grade that Timm was introduced to music at St. John's Lutheran School and went on to play trumpet and coronet for the school band. He quickly accelerated in the band and went on to take private lessons outside of school. As his passion and love for the trumpet grew, so to, did his reputation for playing the instrument to the highest level grow. Not only did he play during Sunday morning services at St. John's, but other churches in the area also requested that he play at theirs as well. As far as Doug was concerned, the more playing time the better. Doug never had to be reminded to practice his instrument. He loved playing every chance he had.
Upon attending High School at Luther High School North, Doug played trumpet, as well as learned to write and compose music, which he conducted via the school Orchestra and Jazz bands. Timm also played in the Orchestra, Marching, and Jazz bands. After being private tutored for a period of time, the tutor approached Doug's mom and said that he couldn't teach Doug any longer, because Doug was better than he was.
His prodigious talent and passion for music was noticed by anyone who had the opportunity to hear him play and after graduation from High School, Doug was awarded a full scholarship to the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston Ma. where he majored in film score.
Shortly after graduating from Berklee, Doug moved to Houston Texas and opened a recording studio where he wrote, composed, produced and arranged music for a variety of projects including local advertising agencies. It was the start of Doug ultimate dream of starting Timm Music Productions out of Sundance Studios in Houston Texas. It was there where he worked with local advertising agencies on smaller music productions- specifically for television commercials. Doug and his work were noticed and consequently won many Telly Awards for such advertisements for such organizations as Foleys Department store, Continental Airlines, ....
It wasn't long thereafter that Doug had the calling to move to where the pinnacle of music composing was known to occur- Hollywood California, and consequently moved to Beverly Hills in 1988 where he worked on various TV series projects as well as cut his teeth on motion picture projects.
Career
[edit]Timm wrote, scored, and composed the theme songs, trailer music or other music for more than 50 films, TV shows or commercials in his short career, including Nightflyers,Terror in the Aisles,Night of the Creeps,Winners Take All,Designing Women,The Man Who Fell to Earth, Killer Party,Dolphin Cove,Simon and Simon,Dirty Dozen,and the trailer music used in such advertising campaigns as Foley's 2-day kid sale, Safeway, and Continental Airlines
Soundtracks
[edit]In October of 2010, twenty one years after Doug's death, out of respect and extraordinary recognition of Doug's talents, Varèse Sarabande released the soundtrack to Nightflyers, in which only 1000 copies were produced. The CD sold out in less than 2 weeks.
Timm's score for Nightflyers was described by Daniel Schweiger as "his musical testament, one that would embody a much-beloved time among genre fans for the dawning and ever-evolving style of completely synthesized soundtracks". Schweiger also went on to say that "few composers represented the wondrous possibilities of science fiction, especially given Doug's ability to make this entertaining , flawed, and often ingenious film seem as grandly mysterious as the galaxy this haunted ship was exploring. It's music that sings with promise and enthusiasm, a movie very much about the soul that can be put into a machine."
Acclaimed composer John Beal stated "Doug had his own voice, immediately at the outset of his career start. He was very fresh and didn't copy anyone else in what he was doing. Musically, its hard to say what he would have accomplished in the industry, because Doug was just starting to explode as he explored a lot of different music. But I know he would have been successful. He was bright, sensitive, talented and a dear friend."
Horror Sci-Fi and Suspense
[edit]Doug successfully worked on a large number of Horror and Suspense thrillers as he developed his talent in the industry. This may have had something to do with the fact that in the late 70's and early 80's, horror and suspense movies were trending. Growing up listening to music from Star-Trek, Midnight Express, Alien set the stage for Doug's creative music writing path.
TV Shows
[edit]Before having the opportunity to get involved with movie projects, Doug worked on a number of TV shows. Some of which included Designing Women, Simon and Simon , and Our Family Honor to name a few.
Awards
[edit]Over the course of his career, Doug won several Telly Awards, for his work in television commercials for such organizations as Foley's department store, Safeway, Continental Airlines, ....
In the early 90's, in memory and recognition for Doug's extraordinary talent, energy, ethics and commitment to helping others reflect honorably, he was honored with having the Doug Timm Award named after him from the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston Ma. This award is given to senior class man and women for recognition of outstanding achievement in the area of film scoring.
Death
[edit]Doug Timm died after a tragic event at his home in Beverly Hills California during a robbery on July 21, 1989.[1]
Filmography
[edit]
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References
[edit]External links
[edit]- Doug Timm at IMDb
- RyanTimm/sandbox at IMDb
- RyanTimm/sandbox at IMDb
- {{imdb title|id=0092222
Fangoria Magazine article by Daniel Schweiger-"Music to His Fears" [2]
Category:1960 births
Category:People from Chicago Illinois
Category:American film score composers
Category:Berklee College of Music alumni
Category:1989 deaths
- ^ "Suspect Arrested in Fatal Stabbing of TV Composer" LA Times, 29 July 1989
- ^ [1] Fangoria Magazine Feb. 2011