Dream Productions ventures deeper into the enchanting universe of Disney Pixar’s Inside Out, bridging the narrative between the original film and its sequel, Inside Out 2. This series marks Pixar’s inaugural animated venture for television, transporting viewers once again into the imaginative world of Riley, but this time focusing on the fascinating dynamics of dream creation. The plot revolves around Paula Persimmon (voiced by Paula Pell), a dream director who collaborates with daydream director Xeni (voiced by Richard Ayoade) to rejuvenate her struggling career.
In their review, ScreenRant commended Dream Productions for upholding the creative standards established by the previous Inside Out films. A significant aspect of this achievement is the series’ musical composition. Renowned composer Nami Melumad, who has closely collaborated with the original Inside Out composer Michael Giacchino, crafted a distinctive musical identity for the show that draws from diverse musical genres and eras. Melumad is also celebrated for her contributions to Thor: Love and Thunder and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.
In an interview with ScreenRant, Melumad shared insights into her experience joining Dream Productions and the creative aspirations for her score. She elaborated on the exciting musical opportunities the series presented and hinted at what fans can look forward to in the upcoming season three of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.
Nami Melumad Reflects on Joining Dream Productions & the World of Inside Out
“It Feels Like A Great Honor To Continue A Legacy”
ScreenRant: Having collaborated with Michael Giacchino on several projects, including Thor: Love and Thunder, what was your experience like stepping into the musical realm he established for this series?
Nami Melumad: It didn’t feel overwhelming. It’s truly an honor to carry on this legacy. However, Dream Productions is uniquely its own project. The showrunner, Mike Jones, aimed for a distinctly different musical feel, reflecting the Hollywood studio setting within Riley’s mind. We sought to create a fun, vibrant score that diverges from the original score of Inside Out. We even experimented with reinterpreting the Inside Out theme in the style of late ’60s and early ’70s soul/funk, but ultimately decided it wasn’t quite right.
ScreenRant: Considering its timeline relative to Inside Out 2, did you find yourself influenced by the sequel’s development during your work on this series?
Nami Melumad: That’s an interesting point. Some ideas from Dream Productions actually contributed to Inside Out 2. For instance, the brainstorming concept we developed here transitioned directly into elements featured in the sequel.
ScreenRant: Did this overlap lead to discussions with Andrea Datzman, the composer for Inside Out 2?
Nami Melumad: While we did exchange our experiences, our conversations didn’t delve deeply into linking our musical themes; they were more casual and friendly.
Melumad Details Her Musical Approach to Dream Productions
The Broad Nature of the Show Allowed for Diverse Musical Exploration
ScreenRant: How did you decide on the blend of ’60s and ’70s musical influences for the score?
Nami Melumad: The setting of a Hollywood studio suggested a jazzy and vibrant sound, but we emphasized fun, energy, and rhythm. Each character has multiple facets, and as the series is presented in a mockumentary style, it features a rich tapestry of stories. This complexity necessitated a diverse range of musical instrumentation. We embraced a soundscape that incorporated rock, jazz, and orchestral elements, with the B3 organ at the forefront of our composition.
Highlighting the B3’s versatility, Melumad noted its ability to convey a wide array of emotions—from spunky and bold to warm and inviting. This unique choice distinguishes the score, as the instrument is rarely featured prominently. Mike, the showrunner, initially suggested the B3, and together we envisioned its emotional capacity, particularly for the series’ climactic moments.
Nami Melumad: Scoring for a mockumentary presented interesting challenges. Unlike shows such as Parks and Recreation, which often use minimal music, this series required a careful balance of comedic, dramatic, and romantic musical elements. It involved meticulous planning and precise timing to ensure musical transitions complemented the comedic beats.
Melumad emphasized the necessity to adapt her musical responses to various moods within the series, ranging from nightmarish sequences to comedic scenarios—making the work diverse and intriguing. The inclusion of unexpected elements, such as an ’80s style rock song, showcased the adventurous spirit of the score.
Dream Productions Felt Like A Feature Film—And Might Have Been One
“I Really Love That They Chose To Keep It As A Show”
ScreenRant: With only four episodes, which is comparable to the duration of the full Inside Out films, did you find this experience more aligned with television or feature film work? How did it shape your approach as a composer?
Nami Melumad: That’s an insightful question. It certainly felt more like a feature film, as we approached scoring with that mentality. Unlike other projects where we score episodes individually, we dedicated an entire week to record the score for all episodes. This allowed for a cohesive sound that resonates throughout the series.
She noted how the structure of the show led to minimal repetition within cues, typical of feature films but not usually seen in TV shows. The decision to maintain a continuous thematic development added to the storytelling depth of the episodes, which paired well with both comedic and dramatic moments.
Nami Melumad: Initially, there were considerations for Dream Productions to be presented as a feature, but the episodic structure ultimately enhanced the comedic timing and engagement.
There Will Not Be A Musical Episode in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 3
But “There Will Be Surprises”
ScreenRant: As the composer for Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, what can fans expect from the upcoming season three? Are there plans for another musical episode?
Nami Melumad: There won’t be a musical episode this time, but I can assure you it’s my favorite season yet. I hold Star Trek to high standards and thoroughly enjoyed working on this season, which showcases a variety of musical genres. While it won’t include any musical episodes, expect some surprises along the way, as we explored new ensemble pairings.
About Dream Productions
Dream Productions takes place in the imaginative space between the original Inside Out and its sequel, exploring uncharted territories of Riley’s psyche. This groundbreaking Pixar series narrates the journey of Paula Persimmon, a dream director seeking to rejuvenate her career alongside daydream director Xeni. The talented cast includes Paula Pell, Richard Ayoade, Maya Rudolph, Ally Maki, and Kensington Tallman.
Stream Dream Productions now on Disney+.
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