Conversations with Frank Dormani

Today we’d like to introduce you to Frank Dormani

Hi Frank, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
From a young age, I was drawn toward music and film. My musical journey truly began in elementary school, where I learned to play the euphonium in concert band under the guidance of an inspiring teacher, with whom I still stay in touch after 14 years. My passion for orchestral music and film scoring grew in middle school, leading me to pursue trumpet performance at an arts-focused school in Brooklyn, New York.

After a my middle school years, I was accepted into the prestigious music program at Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School in Manhattan. There, I immersed myself in music like never before, continuing my trumpet studies in an orchestral setting while deepening my understanding of music theory and composition. My goal was clear: to compose endlessly and ultimately become a film composer.
During college, I connected with aspiring filmmakers, collaborating with them on and scoring their films. This led to my first feature film, a significant milestone in my career. As I honed in on my craft, I found opportunities to work within the indie horror genre, eager to establish my name in this industry. After continuously building my portfolio, I was given the opportunity to begin working as an additional music writer for composer David Bateman, which has been a highly rewarding experience for me.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There are always obstacles across anything business path, whether or not your audience acknowledges them. Being an artist, you don’t reach that point where you feel you’ve done enough and are satisfied with your accomplishments. I always want to keep progressing and achieving different goals because I am just so driven by my aspirations and the art of leaving a musical legacy. I certainly am proud of what I have accomplished in my career, I just love what I do and want to continue doing it forever.

Some of my biggest hurdles have been finding a balance between life and work and figuring out how to stand out in a saturated market. I’ve come to embrace the saying, “Nothing worth having comes easy.”

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a music composer for film and television, creating original music to accompanies a film’s action and emotion. In early 2023, I began working with accomplished film composer David Bateman as an additional music writer. Since then, I have collaborated on a plethora of films with David, many of which are thrillers airing on Lifetime and Lifetime Movie Network. Additionally, I’ve worked on romantic comedies and Christmas movies that have premiered on Hulu, Peacock, and other platforms. Each day, I am grateful to pursue my passion for music, and I take pride in never giving up on my dreams. Growing up watching Lifetime thrillers on weeknights, working on these projects feels like a full-circle moment for me.

In addition to my work in television, I often score indie horror films. I recently completed a project titled “NEW FEARS EVE,” a slasher film set on New Year’s Eve. I particularly enjoyed composing for this film, as I was able to explore one of my favorite styles: orchestral horror. I am proud of my score for this movie, which is currently in the festival circuit and slated for release in 2025. I am also working on several other indie features that have been both fun and exciting.

In addition to freelance work, I am the composer and co-founder of a short horror film company called Buried Hatchet Productions. My brother Vincent Dormani founded Buried Hatchet Productions in 2017 while he was only 14 years old. My brother had been making his own movies ever since he could hold a camera. He began taking it seriously at a young age and decided to build his brand. All of our films are shot on location in Raleigh. You can find them on YouTube via https://www.youtube.com/@BuriedHatchetProductions.

What I am most proud of is my dedication, dependability, and commitment to advancing my skills as a composer and musician.

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I operate from my home studio in a suburb of Raleigh. Family is very important to me, and I enjoy a happy life with my fiancé and our two corgis. To learn more about me and my creative process, feel free to visit my Instagram, website, or YouTube channel.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.frankdormani.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frankscoresmovies/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@FrankDormani
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5TTbpGfAjOZDRv2bxPFRzR?si=NsoFyV1yRWqN4bZrBKQMSg