Posted by Join host Olivia Lyle (@olivialyle1) for an exclusive conversation with composers Anastasia Listopadova and Vikrant Muthusamy. Both alumni of the USC Screen Scoring program, they attended the 7th Annual Independent Shorts Awards at Regal LA Live, Los Angeles, as guests to celebrate fellow filmmakers and share their recent work. Interview recorded by Kyle Reed (@thekylereed).
A Creative Duo from USC
Listopadova and Muthusamy met while studying at the University of Southern California’s renowned Screen Scoring program. Since then, they have continued to collaborate, bringing together their complementary talents in composing for film. Both describe attending festivals as an important way to stay inspired and connected, learning from the stories that directors and filmmakers are telling on screen.
Perpetual Perfection — A Story of Struggle and Triumph
The duo recently completed the score for Perpetual Perfection, a feature-length drama directed by Kaleb Manske. The film follows a ballerina determined to break into the New York ballet world, tracing her struggles, resilience, and eventual triumph. While careful not to reveal too much, they described it as an emotional journey that concludes on a hopeful note. Perpetual Perfection is currently beginning its own festival run, with the team eager to see it reach audiences on the big screen.
Guests at the Annual Awards
Although not competing this year, Listopadova and Muthusamy enjoyed the opportunity to experience the wide variety of films presented at the Independent Shorts Awards. For them, being part of a festival community is not only about celebrating finished work but also about finding inspiration and connection for the projects yet to come.
Enjoy the interview below.
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