How Netflix's 'Glamorous' Composer Uses Music to Celebrate Diversity and Inclusion
Composer Joy Ngiaw breaks down how she celebrated the new generation of storytelling in Netflix's series 'Glamorous.'
As a film composer, nothing is more fulfilling than knowing that your music has contributed to culturally relevant content that celebrates diversity and inclusion. Scoring for Netflix/CBS's TV show Glamorous allowed me to be a part of a production that wholeheartedly embraces a diverse array of fresh perspectives in a deeply meaningful way.
Glamorous is an incredibly special show that follows the journey of a gender-non-confirming individual pursuing their dreams. It delves into themes of gender identity and inclusion, and what makes this show truly exceptional is that it explores a wide range of LGBTQ+ experiences--each character gets their own storyline, their own space to exist and breathe.
As a composer, it was the perfect canvas for me to create music that captures the essence of these characters, delving into the complexities of human emotions and relationships. Whether it involved characters finding their own identity amidst complicated family dynamics, work relationships, or love interests--I had the privilege to write music that humanizes these relatable experiences. The opportunity to contribute to a series that aimed to break barriers, redefine traditional narratives and challenge societal norms excited me tremendously.
As a newly elected executive board member of the Composer Diversity Collective, I can't stress enough how crucial it is to find your community as an artist or creative. I believe in the power of coming together and uniting for a cause. Challenge yourself to embrace diverse perspectives and explore stories that shine a light on the richness of the human experience.
Seeing ourselves or our culture depicted on the screen brings validation and recognition, reinforcing the idea that our stories and experiences are truly valuable and deserving of representation. Likewise, seeing someone else's culture reflected on screen fosters empathy and understanding, allowing us to appreciate the uniqueness that all cultures bring to the table. That’s the beauty of life, isn’t it? We're all wonderfully unique and multifaceted. I feel extremely lucky that as a film composer, I get to use my art as a medium to support stories that showcase such a wealth of perspectives.
As an artist, I truly believe in the power of storytelling to connect people, bridge gaps, and promote empathy. Scoring Glamorous has been a profound experience, fueling my passion to seek out culturally relevant content that gives a voice to underrepresented communities. As I continue my composing journey, I'm determined to pour the same deep and heartfelt essence and passion into each score. My goal as an artist is to help contribute to meaningful stories that embrace the beauty of diversity and inspire positive change worldwide.
Read full Op-Ed: No Film School
