Hollywood Studio Symphony

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The Hollywood Studio Symphony is the credited name of the symphony orchestra behind many major soundtracks, including The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Spider-Man 2, and Lost (TV series). Although the name "Hollywood Studio Symphony" may lead listeners to think that it is a conventional symphony orchestra like the London Symphony Orchestra, the actual members of the ensemble are contracted individually and differ from soundtrack to soundtrack. A partial listing of the specific orchestra rosters used for some of the films recorded with the Hollywood Studio Symphony name is available online.

Note, the Hollywood Studio Symphony bears no relation to the similarly named Hollywood Symphony Orchestra, which is more akin to a traditional orchestra with a set roster.

[edit] Background

Often in soundtracks, the individual members of the orchestra that performs the actual score are not credited (with some exceptions being the "orchestra leader" or concertmaster). Usually, only the "orchestra contracter" is credited.

The use of the "Hollywood Studio Symphony" name is part of a 2002 contract negotiated between the American Federation of Musicians and the Association of Motion Picture & Television Producers to provide an incentive for soundtracks to be recorded with Los Angeles musicians instead of foreign musicians and recording venues (often in London and Prague) who were cheaper. In the new contract, the AFM musicians agreed to lower their record rates in exchange for individual credits to all the musicians that perform the score as well as recognition for the local community venture. Thus, the "Hollywood Studio Symphony" name is given to the entire ensemble in addition to the individual musican credits as a way to brand the LA effort.