Welcome to the third in our series of Q&As to let you get to know the cast and crew of Once Bitten… a little better. This week meet the man behind everything sound on Once Bitten… Thurston Thomson.
What is your favourite colour?
Tangerine – colour of the mighty Dundee United.
What was the first music composition you ever wrote and how old were you?
I’ve been writing music as long as I can remember. I had a fictitious band called The Grapes in primary school and insisted on ‘performing’ my music to all of my relatives whenever possible.
Who is your role model or inspiration?
I find it hard to pinpoint a role model.. It’s an unusual concept to base your life around someone else’s. However, I am inspired by many people, too many to list. Two that stand out are Bruce Springsteen, both for his outstanding musical career & prolonged pursuit of social justice, and Harper Lee, again for her stance on social justice and equality.
When did you know you wanted to be a sound engineer / composer?
I gave up on my football career around the age of 10 after failing to get into the school team & accepting that I would never take Scotland to the World Cup. From there music was the only career for me.
What one essential thing do you always have with you on set?
A banana.
What is your favourite biscuit?
Abernethy/shortbread. Playing up the Scottish stereotype.
Name a film which always makes you happy?
Jurassic Park. Of course.
Name a film which always makes you cry?
To Kill a Mockingbird/Casablanca.
Tea or coffee?
Coffee, although my Chinese friend is trying to influence that.
What was the best part of working on Once Bitten…?
It’s hard to pinpoint one thing that I loved, everything was so great. The location and set were both brilliant, as well as the entire cast & crew. However, the sheer amount of food supplied perhaps tops off what was such a great experience.
What sucked the most about working on Once Bitten…?
The worst thing was that it only took 3 days to film! I would have loved to hang out with everyone for much longer.
What are you working on now / next?
I’m currently sat in a bar in LA during a break from filming a documentary about a pilot trying to find love around the world using Tinder. Go figure.
Any advice for aspiring sound engineers / composers?
Do what you love as long as you can, the career will fall in place.
Thank you to Thurston for sharing his answers with us. Look out for another revealing cast & crew Q&A next week!