How to Make an Audience Feel Something: Music for Television with William Philipson

How do great filmmakers make audiences feel something?

Music is one of the most powerful tools in screen storytelling, yet it's often one of the last things filmmakers think about.

Join award-winning composer and music editor William Philipson for a conversation about how music shapes emotion, builds tension, deepens character and helps audiences connect with stories on screen.

Moderated by Hamish Oliver from UC School of Creative and Digital Arts, William will draw on his experience composing more than 400 episodes of Shortland Street, as well as feature films, short films and independent productions. William will share practical insights into how filmmakers and composers can work together to create stronger, more impactful stories.

Whether you're a director, producer, writer, editor, composer, student or screen industry professional, you'll leave with a deeper understanding of how music influences audience experience and how to use it more effectively in your own work.

The evening includes a moderated discussion, audience Q&A and networking.

William Philipson:

William Philipson is a Wellington-based composer and music editor whose work spans television, film, ballet, and concert music. Since 2023, he has been the composer for Shortland Street, one of New Zealand’s most popular television dramas, where he has scored more than 400 episodes.

His screen credits include the feature films High Tide Don’t Hide and Dead (which he co-composed with Tom McLeod, and James Eringer), as well as numerous short films and television productions. He received the National Best Music Award at the New Zealand 48 Hour Film Festival in 2024. Beyond screen music, he was commissioned by the Royal New Zealand Ballet to compose the score for Dazzlehands, which premiered in 2024 and returned for a further seasons in 2025 and 2026. His orchestral work House of the Faun was commissioned by Orchestra Wellington while his choral work Etaoin for Solo Soprano & Choir won the open category of Compose Aotearoa! 2024.

Alongside his work as a composer, William has worked as a music editor on productions including the television series Bust Up (2026) and One Lane Bridge (2021-2022), and the feature documentary Helen Kelly Together (2020).