Currently studying film composition at WAAPA, Lizzie first fell in love with writing music when she was around seven years old. Originally aspiring to become a performer, an experience performing piano in front of an audience made her realise she could create her own music rather than simply play someone else’s. That moment sparked a passion that has continued to grow ever since.
Her love for film composition became even clearer after watching Dune (2021). Walking out of the cinema with a huge grin, Lizzie knew that creating music for film was exactly what she wanted to pursue.
Since then, she has worked on a range of projects, including the student film Messy, which explored a teenage girl’s struggles with her mental health. The project gave Lizzie an opportunity to experiment with an intense piano score and experience how music can help communicate a story’s emotions.
For Lizzie, becoming a composer involves plenty of practice, from writing music every day to developing her ear and learning how to create memorable melodies. She believes a great soundtrack is one that stays with you long after you leave the cinema.
One project she is particularly proud of is The Puppets of the High Seas, a film that took nine months to score and involved composing around 45 minutes of music. The process challenged her to understand and convey the director’s emotional vision, even when it differed from her own interpretation.
Looking ahead, Lizzie has some big dreams. Her ultimate goal is to work in Hollywood as a female film composer, with a particular love for fantasy projects involving dragons. She also has an exciting three-month internship in America coming up, where she hopes to learn from experienced industry professionals and continue developing her craft.
The opportunity came after Lizzie approached a composer she met at a concert and asked if he would consider mentoring her. Recognising the importance of guidance and experience, she took the initiative to put herself out there — and it paid off.
Her advice to other young people hoping to work in film or music? Take every opportunity you can. Lizzie encourages aspiring creatives to put their names forward, embrace opportunities that could help them grow and not be afraid to pursue ambitious goals.
With a passion for storytelling, a growing body of work and an exciting opportunity ahead, Lizzie Bliss is certainly one to watch.
🎙️ Keep an eye out for more Youth Radio interviews celebrating the young creatives making their mark across WA!
