Welcome to Best in Fest, where host Leslie LaPage sits down with Abby Savell, owner of LA Percussion Rentals & Recording, one of Hollywood's most unique resources for film composers, music supervisors, and sound designers. From blockbuster films to independent productions, Abby's collection of rare percussion instruments helps create the unforgettable sounds audiences hear in their favorite movies.
In this fascinating conversation, Abby shares how she and her late husband built LA Percussion from a small instrument rental business into one of the industry's premier destinations for composers seeking distinctive sounds. She explains why percussion is one of the most powerful storytelling tools in cinema and how a single instrument can completely transform the emotional impact of a scene.
The discussion also explores legendary percussionist Emil Richards, whose groundbreaking work introduced exotic percussion into Hollywood film scores, forever changing the sound of modern cinema. Abby explains how his influence continues to inspire composers today and how LA Percussion is helping carry that legacy forward by giving filmmakers access to hundreds of unique instruments and on-site recording opportunities.
In this episode:
How film composers create memorable movie soundtracks
The role of percussion in cinematic storytelling
The Hollywood legend who changed film music forever
Why rare instruments create unforgettable movie moments
How independent filmmakers can achieve blockbuster-quality sound
Recording custom percussion for films, television, and games
Behind-the-scenes stories from productions including The Office, Super Bowl commercials, and major feature films
How Abby transformed personal tragedy into a bold new business direction
Why collaboration between composers and musicians leads to better storytelling
How acoustic instruments continue to thrive in an AI and digital music world
Advice for filmmakers looking to elevate their sound design on any budget
Whether you're a filmmaker, composer, producer, editor, sound designer, or simply fascinated by the craft behind movie magic, this episode offers a rare look inside one of Hollywood's most specialized creative industries.
Subscribe to Best in Fest for more conversations with filmmakers, composers, producers, actors, festival founders, and entertainment professionals shaping the future of film.
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