Film & TV Scoring
Original scores written for the story you’re telling.
I’m Ike Nichols — a Chicago-based film composer and music producer. I write original scores for indie films, documentaries, short-form work, and TV. My job is to listen carefully to what your project is reaching for, and build the music that helps it land.
What I do
Indie features and shorts
Television and streaming
Branded campaigns, trailers, and commercial content
Pickup and additional scoring work
Recent work
An Electric Sleep (Comune Productions) — Award-winning sci-fi feature film.
The Last Night in Bogota — Best Short Film, International New York Film Festival. Score features intimate piano, Latino aesthetics, and experimental string arranging.
Ivory and Gold — Short film score blending Hollywood orchestral sounds with hip-hop beats, in collaboration with rising artists from the Chicago rap scene.
NFL Female Flag Football Theme — Official theme song for the NFL’s female flag football initiative.
How working together usually goes
First conversation. We talk through the project — where it’s at, what it needs, what you’re hearing in your head. No commitment required.
Spotting and direction. We watch the cut together (or I review your materials) and map out where music lives and what it should do.
Themes first, then cues. I write the emotional anchors first so you can hear the direction before I score the whole film.
Revisions built in. Every project includes revision rounds. Getting it right matters more than getting it done fast.
Delivery and mix. Final stems and mixed files delivered in whatever format your post team needs.
About the studio
My studio is in Chicago. I can record single instruments live — piano, guitar, strings, and more — or build the entire score in-the-box and deliver broadcast-ready stems. I work remotely with directors and producers worldwide. Most projects are handled fully remote with no problem.
Common questions
When should I bring you in? Earlier is better. If you can bring me in during picture edit, we can design music that shapes the cut. But I also do late-stage scoring when the picture is locked — either way works.
What styles do you work in? A wide range. Orchestral, neo-soul, hip-hop-influenced, experimental, ambient, and hybrid. I follow the story, not a genre.
Can we work together remotely? Yes. Most of my projects are fully remote. I collaborate with directors and producers across the US and internationally.
What do you charge? Rates vary by project scope, length, and timeline. Reach out with your project details and I’ll give you a clear picture of what it looks like.
Let’s build the score for your project.
Whether you’re in pre-production or about to lock picture, I’d love to hear about your project. Drop me a line and let’s figure out if we’re a good fit.