Tag: Trent Reznor

Chad Stahelski’s action-packed directorial style, best known for his work on the John Wick series, is making headlines again with The Professionals, a new collaboration between his company 87Eleven and Lionsgate. As Hollywood gears up for this thrilling new production, one vital element of its success will undoubtedly be the sync music—those perfectly timed tracks that elevate a film from gripping to unforgettable.

Sync music, or synchronized music, refers to the songs, instrumental tracks, or soundscapes carefully selected to fit specific scenes in films, TV shows, or commercials. The right sync music can define a film’s tone, draw viewers deeper into its story, and even propel certain tracks to mainstream popularity. For a director like Stahelski, whose films are marked by intense action sequences, emotional undercurrents, and stylized visuals, the selection of music is key to creating an immersive experience for audiences.

So, what kind of music would be ideal for The Professionals? Let’s dive into some potential musical styles and genres that could help enhance the film’s dramatic intensity and breathtaking action sequences.

1. Electronic Beats: Capturing High-Stakes Action

One of the standout elements in Stahelski’s John Wick series was the music, which relied heavily on dark, pulsating electronic tracks to build tension and match the film’s stylized action. For The Professionals, we can expect high-octane chase sequences, meticulously choreographed fight scenes, and moments of nail-biting suspense. Electronic music, with its precise beats and synth-driven atmosphere, is perfect for amplifying such intensity.

Artists like The Glitch Mob, Gesaffelstein, and Carpenter Brut could provide the perfect soundscape for fast-paced scenes. Their music blends aggressive rhythms with an ominous, futuristic vibe—ideal for action sequences that demand both adrenaline and mood-setting depth. Additionally, popular electronic music producers like Deadmau5 and Zeds Dead could contribute tracks that serve as pulse-quickening accompaniments for shootouts or stunts, a signature of Stahelski’s previous works.

2. Rock Anthems: The Power of Grit and Determination

Stahelski has a knack for blending action with moments of pure emotional grit, where his protagonists push through overwhelming odds. For these moments, rock anthems could serve as powerful accompaniments, bringing both energy and raw emotion to the table.

Classic tracks from bands like Led Zeppelin or Black Sabbath would be fantastic choices for building tension and adding layers of rebellious energy to the film’s high-stakes scenarios. Songs like “Immigrant Song” or “War Pigs” could underscore scenes where characters charge headfirst into battle or overcome seemingly impossible challenges. For a more modern rock sound, groups like Royal Blood or Arctic Monkeys could offer tracks that blend gritty guitar riffs with a hard-hitting rhythm, enhancing the film’s atmosphere of relentless determination.

Stahelski’s fans have come to expect powerful, deeply atmospheric sequences—think of Keanu Reeves fighting his way through throngs of enemies in dimly lit nightclubs. Rock tracks with a raw edge can complement these moments, driving the narrative forward while giving audiences a heightened emotional connection to the unfolding drama.

3. Orchestral Scores: Elevating Emotional Storytelling

While action dominates many of Stahelski’s films, there’s always an undercurrent of emotional depth that makes his work stand out. For The Professionals, an orchestral score would be the perfect tool to highlight these dramatic beats. Cinematic orchestration has long been the backbone of powerful storytelling, bringing in sweeping strings, haunting piano melodies, and dynamic brass sections that pull at the heartstrings.

Composers like Hans Zimmer, Lorne Balfe, or Ludwig Göransson could create orchestral pieces that accompany the movie’s quieter moments, offering a respite from the action and emphasizing the personal stakes of the characters involved. Zimmer’s use of thundering drums, delicate piano, and large-scale strings has been known to enhance everything from superhero movies (The Dark Knight) to war dramas (Dunkirk). His style, with its balance of grandeur and subtlety, could be a natural fit for Stahelski’s latest film.

Another excellent choice would be Jóhann Jóhannsson‘s style—minimalist, eerie, and emotional. His work in films like Sicario shows how a subdued, orchestral score can heighten the tension of a scene while also providing an emotional foundation. Given that The Professionals is likely to contain a mix of tension-filled drama and action, such musical compositions could give the film added emotional depth.

4. Hip-Hop: Bridging Modern Action with Urban Culture

Hip-hop has long been associated with urban action films, providing gritty, powerful beats and lyrics that reflect the struggle, hustle, and rebellion of modern protagonists. For The Professionals, which will likely center around expert mercenaries or hardened heroes taking on dangerous missions, hip-hop tracks could add a layer of cool confidence and swagger to the characters and their actions.

Artists like Run the Jewels, A$AP Rocky, or Kendrick Lamar could deliver songs that match the intensity of the film’s action scenes while adding a contemporary edge to the overall feel of the movie. These artists bring a certain boldness and defiance to their music, traits that often resonate with characters facing overwhelming odds in films. Tracks like “Legend Has It” by Run the Jewels or “HUMBLE.” by Kendrick Lamar would seamlessly fit into scenes of characters preparing for battle or executing complex, high-risk plans.

With the right placement, hip-hop can complement modern action sequences by adding layers of rhythm, culture, and attitude to scenes. It’s not just about the beat; it’s about creating an entire mood that feels contemporary and edgy.

5. Ambient and Experimental: Setting the Mood

Beyond the action, The Professionals will need music that can build anticipation and create a haunting or mysterious atmosphere. This is where ambient and experimental music can shine. Artists like Brian Eno, Trent Reznor, and Jon Hopkins create soundscapes that are as much about feeling as they are about melody.

For moments in the film that focus on suspense or character introspection, ambient music can be invaluable. The slow build of tension through dissonant notes or atmospheric tones can keep audiences on edge, heightening the stakes of a scene without overwhelming it with sound. Imagine a silent, tense moment where a character is tracking their enemy—ambient music can serve as the perfect undercurrent, hinting at what’s to come.

Experimental tracks, on the other hand, can make moments feel unpredictable, adding a chaotic energy or disorienting effect that fits well with the unexpected twists and turns of an action thriller.

Conclusion: The Power of Music in The Professionals

As The Professionals brings together the high-octane action that Chad Stahelski is known for with gripping, emotional storytelling, the role of sync music will be critical to the film’s overall impact. Whether it’s the pulse-pounding beats of electronic music, the raw energy of rock, or the subtle emotional pull of orchestral scores, the right musical choices can transform the viewing experience, making every scene unforgettable.

Finding the perfect sync music is an art form in itself, and for a director like Stahelski—who thrives on creating visually stunning and emotionally charged action sequences—the music will be an integral part of The Professionals‘ success.