John McPhillips
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.