“There is no point focusing on doubt.”
Brooks Leibee is a media composer for TV, film, and interactive media, currently working out of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. He describes his role as “virtually building assets that go into another digital process” and is excited by the growing creative community in the region. Originally a filmmaker, he discovered his love for composition during college and now collaborates with local musicians and studios. Leibee defines success as “being happy doing what you’re doing” and believes strongly in the value of creative work in the digital age.
About
Brooks Leibee is a media composer for TV, film, and interactive media, including games. Based in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, this is his first year venturing into the field full-time. As one of the few composers in the area, Leibee says the role is niche and the community small, but close-knit. Myrtle Beach’s scene is mostly commercial (ads and promos) but narrative filmmaking is slowly gaining ground, particularly inland South Carolina.
Leibee defines success as simply being happy doing the work. Starting out, he worried about location, resources, and industry connections, but says the flexibility of his job now makes it possible to score a Hollywood film from a home built studio. His favorite project so far was a gothic horror short film he scored last year. It featured a cello choir of local musicians from Calabash, NC, and was recorded at Sunset Beach Recording a highlight of regional artistry and collaboration.
Leibee says he “lives in his calendar” and likes to do what is called spotting session, where he and the filmmakers decide how music should support the story. Each project, whether film or interactive, has its own unique rhythm. Leibee, who works from home, sees work-life balance as fluid. For him, it’s about making sure to step outside, reset, and take care of himself. “As long as it works for you,” he says, “you’ll find the balance.”
