Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Derrick Werlé . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Derrick , thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

I am an orchestrator for film and TV. Recently, I have been working on projects for opera and classical concert music. An orchestrator’s job is to transform a composer’s music, which can be written on a keyboard into orchestral music. For example, when a composer has a melody in mind but lacks instrumentation or harmony skills, the orchestrator steps in and turns the simple idea into an orchestral piece using various instruments.
One meaningful project I have encountered as an orchestrator was working on the movie ‘Dunkirk’ directed by Chris Nolan. ‘Dunkirk’ is a film about the brave soldiers who defended the evacuation of the allies during World War II while being encircled by the Nazis. This project holds personal significance for me because my grandfather, Henri Werlé, was one of the 40 thousand French soldiers left behind on the beach of Dunkirk. He was captured by the Nazis and imprisoned in Arnoldsweiler, Düren, Germany. Working on the soundtrack of ‘Dunkirk’ was a way for me to honor his heroic actions. Despite being recaptured twice while attempting to escape from forced labor, he eventually succeeded on his third attempt with the help of a Belgian family and La Résistance, making his way back to Paris on foot.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am Derrick Werlé, a French orchestrator and composer.  My journey began with my first piano lesson at a young age where I quickly learned to read music with ease. Over the years, I studied at various conservatoires in France and Scotland before pursuing a Master’s and PhD of Music at The University of California, Los Angeles. It was there that I realized my style was cinematic and decided to pursue a career in film music. I am able to master all orchestral instruments and ethnic instruments in orchestration, combined with my sensitivities in music of different styles, has allowed me to create impactful music that resonates with audiences worldwide.

I have worked on the soundtrack of several blockbuster movies such as, Kung Fu Panda 3, Boss Baby, and “Dunkirk” directed by Chris Nolan. I also collaborated on major projects with world-class art venues such as the Venice Film Festival for Director Tomas Koolhaas for his documentary “REM”. In February 2023, I orchestrated a Sound Installation Exhibition called “Distanced Together”  at The Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art for several weeks. I am currently orchestrating an opera called “Siddhartha” based on a book of the same name by Herman Hesse.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is to wake up everyday and feel happy the entire day while doing the work you love and be able to make a living from it. There is nothing better than doing the work you love. You will be able to witness your own growth as an artist and to be able to express yourself and share your perspective with others. However it is important to note that being an artist is a job that requires hard work, patience and tenacity. Despite the challenges, the ability to do what you love and make a living from it is a truly rewarding experience.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I wish I had the self-confidence I have now earlier. Self-doubt and feeling like we’re not good enough can hinder our creative journey. However, there are ways to improve your creative self-confidence. Here are some tips:

– Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. We’re all human, and mistakes help us grow. Don’t dwell on your mistakes; instead, learn from them and improve yourself.
– Recognize your worth. Self-doubt can hold back your creativity. Trust yourself and your abilities. This doesn’t mean that you should not take any advice from other people or ignore criticism. On the contrary, being open to suggestions helps you improve.
– Surround yourself with supportive people. We all have fallen on our creative journey from time to time, and in those moments of need, surrounding yourself with people who love you and support you will help you stand up again.

– Celebrate your successes. Recognize and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they may seem. Being an artist or musician is not the end, but a lifelong commitment, thus rejoy and celebrate all your successes.
– Step out of your comfort zone. Trying new things can help you grow and build confidence. Not only can it help build confidence, but also stimulate your creativity. I still remember that Rostropovich, the great cellist once told me in a master class that we musicians are often focus on our instrument or practice our skills, but it is the times that when you read a book, or see a painting or take a walk in a forest that give you the most inspiration in your creative mind.

– Take care of yourself. Taking care of yourself physically and mentally can help you feel more confident and ready to tackle creative challenges. As a musician, very often we neglect what our bodies need. I remember I could practice 9-10 hours a day on the piano without taking breaks. I now realize that it is a mistake. Especially I wish I had practiced more sports and physical exercises earlier in my life. There are other aspects of lifes that would actually help our creativity even though it seems like it has nothing to do with it. Physical exercise plays such an important role in our well being. If your body feels good, then you feel good too.

Building self-confidence is a skill that can be developed over time. Don’t let self-doubt hold you back from your creative potential.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://derrickwerle.wixsite.com/werle
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dewerle/
• Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8556806/