Behind the Score: Creating the Music for Real Thick Glasses

Real Thick Glasses is more than just a short film—it's a heartfelt exploration of hyper myopia and the experiences of those who live with extremely thick lenses. When I was tasked with composing the score for this film, I knew I needed to create something that was both unique and deeply connected to the film's themes. In this blog post, I want to take you behind the scenes of my creative process and share how I brought the story to life through music.

Crafting a Unique Sound with Glasses

From the outset, I knew I wanted to do something original with this score. The film opens with a voiceover, introducing us to the world of Real Thick Glasses, and I thought, what better way to draw the audience in than by incorporating sounds that directly relate to the subject matter?

Photo by Jakub Zerdzicki

To achieve this, I started sampling sounds from glasses—yes, spectacles. I wanted to build a percussive bed that would be subtle but unmistakably tied to the film’s theme. I recorded a variety of sounds: glasses cases opening and closing, glasses being dropped onto tables, the arms of glasses snapping shut, and even just the gentle rattle of glasses in their cases. These samples became the rhythmic foundation of the score, popping up at key moments throughout the film.

By weaving these sounds into the music, I was able to create a sonic environment that feels both familiar and slightly unusual—just like the world seen through thick lenses. These auditory cues serve as a subconscious reminder of the film's central theme, making the music an integral part of the storytelling.

Minimalism with Purpose

The story told in Real Thick Glasses is deeply personal and carries an important message. I wanted to ensure that the music didn’t overshadow that message. To do this, I adopted a minimalistic approach to the score. I relied on simple pads to create texture and used piano to add movement without overwhelming the narrative.

The pads provide a sonic backdrop, creating an atmosphere that supports the dialogue and visuals without drawing too much attention to itself. This allowed the audience to focus on the stories being shared, while the piano added just enough emotional depth to guide the viewer through the film’s emotional landscape.

For me, the reflective moments in the film are where the score really shines. By leaving space in the music, I was able to let these moments breathe, allowing the audience to fully connect with the experiences being shared on screen.

Introducing Michael’s Character

One of the standout moments in the film is when we meet Michael, a fascinating character with a rich collection of glasses, music, and magazines. His eclectic personality called for a slight shift in the score. To reflect his unique character, I introduced some jazzier elements into the music. This underscoring added a bit of flair and character to his scenes, giving the audience a sense of Michael’s depth and quirkiness.

Image courtesy of Together TV

However, as the conversation with Michael deepened—especially when he shared his personal experiences with thick lenses—I returned to the emotional piano themes. This transition helped underscore the weight of his story, allowing the music to support the emotional arc without overpowering it.

Bringing the Story to Life Through Music

Scoring Real Thick Glasses was both a challenge and a rewarding experience. By using sounds directly related to the subject matter, maintaining a minimalistic approach, and adapting the score to the personalities of the characters, I was able to create a musical narrative that complements the film’s story in a unique way.

I hope this glimpse into the creative process behind the music gives you a deeper understanding of how the score was crafted. If you’d like to see more behind-the-scenes content or have any questions about the process, feel free to reach out! And if you haven’t already, be sure to check out Real Thick Glasses and experience the film’s powerful story for yourself.