IFTA award winner John McPhillips is a much sought-after Film and Television Composer who has scored over a hundred and fifty half hours of television drama and comedy. His work spans numerous genres and musical styles and this versatility and understanding of a film or show’s thematic substance is what enables his scores to provide the heart and wit necessary to propel their story. His recent work includes BBC/RTE gothic drama series "Blackshore" (2024) and three seasons of RTE's hit noir thriller "Smother" (2021) starring Dervla Kirwan for which he was nominated for an IFTA.
His feature film credits include "Spin the Bottle" for which he won an Irish Film & Television Award in 2003 (Best Music in Film) and John Butler's films "Handsome Devil" (2016) and Papi Chulo (2018) starring Matt Bomer. In 2012 he scored the Academy Award nominated short film, "Pentecost" directed by Peter McDonald and previously wrote music for the Academy Award shortlisted "The Terms" (2000).
He spent several years working extensively scoring several animation series alongside Simpson's veteran Bill Schultz, during which time he learned the challenges of creating a stylistically-diverse musical palette while delivering to strict production deadlines in Los Angeles. “Hero:108” (Cartoon Network) is an animated cartoon that ran for two seasons (52 episodes x 26 mins) and broadcasts in over 100 countries.
John has also scored comedy/drama namely two seasons of both RTE’s “Finding Joy” (2018) starring Amy Huberman and “Trivia” (2011) starring David Pearse. A classically-trained pianist and guitar player, John graduated from University College Dublin where he played in various bands before starting to compose for picture. He is a founding member of the Screen Composers Guild of Ireland and speaks Italian fluently.
"John knows exactly how music speaks; all the things it can say, and the incredible range of ways it can say it. Great musicians abound, but John is a rare breed of composer; one who gets character and story, and who reads scripts deeply. Unlike many, he can discuss ideas in terms of references or in terms of mood and feeling, and he understands instinctively when to be melodic, when to to be spare and add atmosphere - and (how rare is this!) when not to speak at all."
John Butler - Writer/Director (The Outlaws, Handsome Devil, Papi Chulo)
“John McPhillips has scored a significant amount of our work over the last ten years and moves effortlessly between serious drama, comedy and everything in between. He understands story intuitively and writes really great tunes.”
Rob Walpole - Producer at Treasure Entertainment (Smother, Flora & Son, Viva)
“I've had the pleasure of working with John on a number of projects over the past few years, including three seasons of the hit tv-drama Smother, and most recently on the first season of the six-part crime thriller Blackshore. John's work has always been superb, and has played a huge part in creating the unique identity of these very different shows. Through his music, John is able to tap into the invisible parts of the work, exploring the emotions and moods of the characters. His approach is always balanced by function, and he constantly works to support the overall vision and story. As well as being incredibly talented, and creative, John is also hugely organised, reliable, and a wonderful collaborator. The process has always been great fun. John's good nature and positive energy always shines through, and makes the work a pleasure.”
Daithí Keane - Writer/Director (Blackshore, Smother, An Klondike )