SHR6E032F~25105083TUC Project Viability Study: ENHANCES Project Sound Track

by

Alister Tucker 25105083

SHR6E032F~001 Project Viability Study: ENHANCES PROJECT SOUND TRACK

1. Introduction and Proposed Project

Introduction

I will be working with the ENHANCES (Enhancing Ecosystem Services) project.

This is a project led by Durham University, that is funded by GCBC (Global Centre on Biodiversity for Climate), and is part of the UK’s International Development Funding.

Tropical mangrove forest


The project is about coastal protection using mangrove forests in Suriname and Guyana.

It includes:

  • collecting environmental data
  • developing new technologies (satellite tools to monitor coastal change)
  • sharing results through a board game designed to promote discussion and concensus about coastal protection strategies

Proposed Project

ENHANCES would like to produce a 10-minute educational film for all ages, on the importance of mangroves in the coastal areas

The film will include:

  • an introduction to different mangroves species (black, red and white)
  • why mangroves are important to local communities
  • how deforested systems lose their functions, leading to erosion, loss of land and loss of livelihoods
  • a comparison of natural systems with hard-sea defenses (such as sea-walls, dykes)


A Brazilian student will produce the visual part of the film and the final product.

I have been asked to collaborate with the ENHANCES project team to produce a soundtrack for the 10 minute film.

Goals

My goals are:

  • to produce a soundtrack for the film, which can be used in the film introduction and credits, but also as a standalone music piece, which can be marketed.
  • some background music which includes different moods to go with visuals in the film
  • I would like the music to include local sounds and cultural vibes.

Personnel – Direct/Indirect

Who will I be directly working with?

Loic Ronsse

Loic is an undergraduate Geography student based in Brazil at the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG)

He has produced several films including: A Paisagem Biocultural da Serra da Moeda (sponsored by the State Secretariat for Culture and Tourism). The film shows the effects of mining and development on the forests of Brazil.

Dr. Isabella Bovolo

Dr. Bovolo is the ENHANCES project lead, and is based at Durham University

Dr. Zane Havens

Zane is a project research associate for communications and outreach, and is based at Heriot Watt University, in Edinburgh

Prof. Sieuwnath Naipal

Prof. Naipal is a Professor in Hydrology based at the Anton de Kom University of Suriname. He is the local project lead in Suriname.

Who will I be indirectly working with?

I will also be working indirectly with all of the wider, multi-disciplinary ENHANCES project team.

2. Methodology and Rationale

Methodology and Rationale

Project Brief:

  • I need to make the soundtrack for the 10-minute film
  • I have scope to be creative and apply initiative to the music-creation process
  • I will meet regularly with the ENHANCES team online and in person to understand the project scope and audience for the film
  • I will collaborate closely with Loic, who will be making the film content, to understand the film storyboard and the intended moods at each point in the timeline
  • I will compose the music to the feel of the film and local cultural vibes
  • The music will be finalized according to film visuals and editing

My Vision for the project outputs:

  • One standalone track: this will be a catchy, lively and uplifting track using reggae music. It will be used for the introduction & credits and also marketed separately. It will include lyrics, composed by myself, to educate the local communities on best practice. The track will be around 2.5 to 3 minutes.
  • A separate instrumental track with different moods will be used to go with images of drone flyovers, degraded forests, wildlife, environment etc. The track will be around 3 minutes and will include a series of individual tracks so that these can be used flexibly.
  • AThe music will be tailored to local Caribbean influences, working well with my own strengths as a reggae artist. It will use cultural connections between Suriname & Guyana and involve different local instruments, such as drums, pipes, shakers and sounds eg waves, wind and birds sound (taken from the projects’ sound recorders).

How will I make the music track(s)?

Facilities:

I have a home studio which is sound-treated and suitably equipped with equipment to record voice and live instruments and to create electronic music, as well as mixing and mastering. As an alternative, I have access to Leeds Conservatoire recording studios. In both contexts, I have access to Control Room, a collaborative space for the production and mixing community.

How I will build the tracks:

  • Tracks: I will build original tracks using the Logics DAW
  • I will record live (individual) instruments played by myself/other musicians (friends)
  • I will write & record lyrics to the brief of ENHANCES
  • I will mix and balance the music, then master according to film visuals as a demo
  • I will provide the music in a suitable format after discussions with Loic and the team

3. Market Analysis

Market Analysis

Reggae music potential:
Reggae holds a unique position in global “world music” market. It is listed as the 10th most listened genre (out of 500) according to IFPI’s Engaging with Music Report 2022. It has a significant cultural and political impact, especially in Caribbean, but also USA, Japan, Germany and Europe. There are emerging markets in Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East. According to Luminate’s 2024 Report, reggae music accounts for
19% of monthly listeners among Gen Z and 30% of monthly listeners among Millennials. Therefore, reggaue music should connect with all audiences young and old.

My own marketability:
I am marketable because of my clear diction in the reggae genera. I have proven capabilities in my own original reggae music production and style, as proven by my portfolio of music available on all streaming platforms including Spotify, under my artist name Jah Glory

I was commissioned and delivered a music track for the Open University COBRA project in 2014, worth £2000. I delivered the project successfully, showing that I have the capability to produce the required outputs under this role.


Your Market/Target Audience

Target audience

The target audience includes:

  • The ENHANCES project partners
  • Local communities in Suriname and Guyana
  • The National Governments of Suriname and Guyana
  • Local and International NGOs eg Conservation International
  • Students
  • General public

Market and Exposure:
The film will be shown widely including:

  • in educational centers in Suriname
  • to university students
  • on various internet sites
  • The tracks will also be used during project events eg
  • project Conferences
  • during the launching of the board game

4. Costs and Budgeting

Hypothetical Budget

PurposeDetailsCost
Trip to Suriname (if needed)paid for by ENHANCES project£1500
Studio Time£20/hour (approx 3-5 hours)£ 100
Music Commission* £2000 (my time including music production)
* £100/session (session musicians x 2)		£2000
£200
Total£3800

However, the actual costs for this production are zero as materials and labour will be provided free of charge.

Potential Funding

No funding is needed, but if necessary, some funding is available through the ENHANCES project.

5. Inspiration and Influences

Inspiration and Influences

Personal influences:

I am an independent music song-writer, composer and performer of reggae music. I wrote and performed music for the Twelve Tribes of Israel, a Rastafarian movement which produced many great reggae artists, eg Bob Marley, Dennis Brown and Burning Spears. I was further inspired after winning the hearts of the members who are very critical to mediocre reggae music.

Personal inspiration:
I like working with people. I wanted a project where I could work with and enhance my skills and felt this project suited by capacity.

I was further inspired to work on the project as I am familiar with both the Guyana and Suriname coastal areas and the local cultures, as Guyana is my birth place. Additionally, I have always been a strong advocate for environmental and coastal protection and liked the goals of this project.

6. Contingency/Risk Assessment

Contingency/Risk Assessment

There are only a few areas of risk within this project, and these can be easily dealt with:

  • I haven’t worked with Loic before BUT I have been assured of his professionality and I get on well with the rest of the ENHANCES project team
  • The funding to send Loic to Suriname to collect new footage is currently being sought, HOWEVER if funding is not available, then Loic will work with the project team to assemble existing footage
  • If the final film production is not finished on time, THEN the music will be delivered anyway, ready for inclusion.

7. Potential for Development

Potential for Development

The commission will:

  • Showcase my work and ability to a wide audience
  • Show I can work successfully with others to deliver a brief
  • Help other future commissions
  • Enhance my skills and knowledge of music production and the use of sounds of nature as percussion in my productions
  • benefit wider society as it is part of important project

In addition, in terms of legal rights, the Music Publishing Rights will be shared 50:50 between myself and the project, allowing any profits to be shared equally.

8. Evaluation Viability

Evaluation Viability

The Project is: Viable

  • The ENHANCES project is in full swing, and ends July 2026, which fits in well with my project timeline.
  • I know the cultural and geographical aspects of Guyana and Suriname and the project
  • I have met with some of the team before and the team is aware of my previous work
  • Discussions are ongoing to develop ideas and for me to understand film content and to ensure timely delivery
  • The music can be created for project use under all circumstances

9. Bibliography

Bibliography

(note all webpages accessed 6/11/2025)

Appendix

Timetable

DateActionsStatus
October 2025* understand the assignment and its requirementsComplete
November 2025* contact the ENHANCES project lead
* discuss outputs and needs		Complete
December 2025* collaborate with Loic and team to
exchange ideas and previous works
* start recording demos with ideas to show at project meetings for discussion
* finalize the film storyboard		In progress
January 2025* Loic (and myself?) may travel to Suriname to gather footage and ideas
* start making the tracks
February 2025* revise the tracks as needed
March 2025* present my final work to the team
* The film will be produced
April 2025*Final project production deadline (29 Apr)
May 2025* The film will be showcased by ENHANCES project at a conference in Suriname