LOS ANGELES (Top40 Charts/ CineMedia Promotions) Composer
Craig Safan was surprised last month with the presentation of the Basil Poledouris Award For A Film
Music Legend while conducting his music at the International Film
Music Festival of the Province of Córdoba on Thursday, July 24, 2014. The presentation was made before a special encore featuring the premiere of The REMO WILLIAMS OVERTURE, conducted by Safan.
At the festival, which took place in Córdoba Spain from July 23-27th, Safan gave a lecture to students of the workshop program, was interviewed as part of a Q&A panel for festival attendees, and signed autographs. He surprised the guests with news that his scores for both THE LAST STARFIGHTER and REMO WILLIAMS will be re-released by Intrada Records later this year. Upcoming releases also include a double vinyl version of WARNING SIGN to be released by Invada Records.
"I was about to go back out on stage and conduct the encore when suddenly everything stopped and it was announced that I was to be given the Poledouris Award. I was totally surprised and deeply moved by the reception I was given by the audience and the film music fans. It was truly one of the happiest moments in my life... even if it's a little weird being a 'legend'!"
Craig Safan has composed the music for over thirty feature films including MR. WRONG, STAND AND DELIVER, MAJOR PAYNE, NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET IV, REMO WILLIAMS, and THE LAST STARFIGHTER. For the small screen,
Craig is best known for his work as the composer for the series CHEERS for which he was awarded eight ASCAP Top TV awards, as well as for his music for LIFE GOES ON, which earned Safan an EMMY nomination.
Craig is a graduate of Brandeis University and was the recipient of both the Senior Prize in
Drama and the Senior Prize in Music. He was also the recipient of the
Thomas J. Watson Fellowship, which allowed him to independently pursue his music in London after graduation.
Craig has given seminars or spoken at The American Film Institute, USC Film School, ASCAP Film
Music Workshop, Berklee College of Music, and UC
Santa Barbara.
Safan is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, where he sits on the
Music Executive Committee of the Academy. For many years he was part of the President's Art Council at Brandeis University.
Craig also serves on the Selection Committee for the
Thomas J. Watson Foundation Fellowship in New York City.
Craig and his wife,
Linda Safan, are actively involved in Disability Rights issues and were recently awarded a Certificate of Commendation by mayor Anthony Vallaraigosa of Los Angeles as well as by County Supervisor Mark Ridley
Thomas for their work in founding the Circle Of Friends, a nonprofit organization that pairs disabled and non-disabled students throughout California and other states.
"I again want to thank the International Film
Music Festival for inviting me to be part of an amazing week of music. The Basil Poledouris Award for a Film
Music Legend was an unexpected honor."
