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In between Netflix’s Damsel, MGM’s The Beekeeper, Universal’s Argylle and Sony’s Madame
Web there has been an abundance of movies keeping action junkies happy this year. Another
new title worth paying attention to is R. Ellis Frazier’s Day Labor. The description, provided by
Freestyle Digital Media reads: A Latino American veteran who seeks work as a day laborer in
order to keep his family afloat. A regular day turns into a deadly game of survival when he is
mistakenly dropped off at a private ranch in El Paso, Texas to be hunted for sport. No good
action film would be complete without a pulsing score to match, with Day Labor being no
different. Chris Bezold, whom is a frequent collaborator with R. Ellis Frazier, provided original
compositions for the film, which he describes as “highly thematic.” You can hear Chris’ full Day
Labor score on digital outlets now.
Check out our exclusive interview with composer Chris Bezold below!
What action film score would say is the most memorable?
For me, I really enjoyed Lorne Balfe’s score to MI: 6 Fallout. Another mention would be John
William’s iconic Indiana Jones (of course!) and also the great Bernard Herrmann’s North by
Northwest (though I know this may be more classified mystery vs action).
What was the first thing you did when you started working on the music for Day Labor?
First thing was I started to collect a palette of sounds and instrumentation. This process
provided a lot of initial inspiration in addition to the guidance from the Director and Producers.
At what point were you brought on to the film? Does it help to start early in pre-
production or does it not matter?
I was brought in after production wrapped, though I was informed about the opportunity prior to
this. It does help to start earlier, the more time to start thinking about the score the better in my
opinion. The only time it may not make such a difference, is if the time length is extended
beyond six months. After this much time you almost have to start from scratch with all the time
that passed from initial inspiration to actual creation of the work.
Did you collaborate with any other musicians on the Day Labor score?
Yes! I collaborated with my longtime friend and bass player Chad Gutterud. Chad has a very
unique sound and style with his bass, and the different phrases he created sparked lots of
creative direction for the score.
You have worked with director R. Ellis Frazier on a lot of films. Is your collaboration on
each of his films different? Or at the point, does he give you the freedom to experiment
more?
At this point he really gives me a lot of freedom to experiment. Even during our first film, he
gave a lot of space for me to experiment. We start off with a conversation, discuss ideas and
what he wants the audience to feel, and then he lets me go and so far it’s been a very
successful partnership.
In your opinion, what makes R. Ellis Frazier a good filmmaker?
Frazier’s ability to tell a story, and to really empower the people around him makes him a great
filmmaker in my opinion. Frazier has the vision, but then he does a great job leading his team
and giving them the creative freedom to do what they do best and execute his vision.
You are releasing your score album alongside the film. Do you have a favorite track on
there?
I’m a big fan of the Main Title track, it really composes the full range of sounds and emotions
you hear throughout the rest of the score.
You have worked on a lot of action films. How does your work on this one differ from
your others?
I always try to do something different, what makes this score different is the collaborative work
with bassist Chad Gutterud. Chad’s bass is a unique sound you won’t find in any of my past
work. However, I hope you’ll hear more of it in future work!
What are you most proud of when it comes to your score for Day Labor?
I’m most proud of how the score does include some classic action and suspense sounds, but
also includes a nice mix of other elements and emotional tones you might not normally expect to
hear in an action movie.
Is there another type of film you would be interested in working on one day? Horror?
Romantic comedy?
Absolutely! I’d love to have the opportunity to work on drama, romantic comedy, or adventure.
Thanks, Chris for an amazing interview!!! Day Labor is now available on VOD & Digital Platforms!
