GARRY McDONALD studied classical composition and orchestration at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music before moving to the U.S.A. in 1980 where he completed Graduate Diploma studies in Film Composing and Conducting at the Dick Grove Music Academy in Los Angeles. This followed earlier experience as a jazz/rock music performer in Sydney, Melbourne and Southeast Asia.
LAWRENCE STONE achieved national success during the late 70's and early 80's as one of Australia's foremost pop and rock music composer/performers, appearing with his bands on many national music TV programs. During this time he won numerous instrumental and songwriting awards. Coupled with his expertise in the fields of electronic music and sound engineering, this has caused Laurie to be long recognised as one of Australia's most experienced and successful music producers of that era.
In the mid-80's, having worked together on several classical and rock album projects, McDonald and Stone "joined forces" to direct their combined musical talents towards a common goal - as an internationally recognised film composing team. Their diverse backgrounds offer the film-maker a virtually unlimited choice of musical styles and production techniques, from computer-generated (midi) to full orchestral and choral soundtracks. The composers have worked on productions ranging from Feature Movies to TV Series, Documentaries and Cartoons. Consequently, they are able to work comfortably and efficiently within widely varying creative and budgetary guidelines.
In addition to writing and orchestrating the music score, all elements of music production (such as contracting and payroll of musicians, studio co-ordination, clearances, etc.) can be carried out by the composers' own company and publisher - The Music Department - further reducing administration costs to the producer. It is also important to note that, should the production logistics dictate that music scoring takes place in Sydney or Melbourne for example, McDonald and Stone are experienced and equally at home recording in scoring studios located in these cities. The composers work regularly with large groups of musicians from The Queensland, Sydney and Melbourne Orchestras, as well as an eclectic pool of contemporary and ethnic musicians and singers. Both composers and The Music Department publishing company are members of APRA.
Garry McDonald and Laurie Stone reside with their families in Brisbane, Queensland, in close proximity to the Warner Roadshow Studio. However they are frequent visitors to the southern states, as well as the U.S., Canada and the U.K., as their diverse work commitments dictate.
