I am a composer and sound designer specialising in cinematic scores for global projects across France, China, and the US. My workflow at Barely Surviving Production is built on technical precision and clear communication; I provide upfront creative references to lock in the musical direction early, ensuring a fast turnaround and a final mix that meets industry loudness standards (like -23 LUFS). I operate with a transparent, two-instalment pricing structure—one to commencement and one upon delivery—to ensure a predictable timeline and dedicated resources. Every project is quoted based on its specific scale and usage needs, including two rounds of revisions to guarantee the audio perfectly aligns with the visual narrative. This approach allows me to deliver professional-grade scores that respect both the creative vision and the production budget.…

Joshua Li

5.0 (1 review)

I am a composer and sound designer specialising in cinematic scores for global projects across France, China, and the US. My workflow at Barely Surviving Production is built on technical precision and clear communication; I provide upfront creative references to lock in the musical direction early, ensuring a fast turnaround and a final mix that meets industry loudness standards (like -23 LUFS). I operate with a transparent, two-instalment pricing structure—one to commencement and one upon delivery—to ensure a predictable timeline and dedicated resources. Every project is quoted based on its specific scale and usage needs, including two rounds of revisions to guarantee the audio perfectly aligns with the visual narrative. This approach allows me to deliver professional-grade scores that respect both the creative vision and the production budget.…

Available to hire

I am a composer and sound designer specialising in cinematic scores for global projects across France, China, and the US. My workflow at Barely Surviving Production is built on technical precision and clear communication; I provide upfront creative references to lock in the musical direction early, ensuring a fast turnaround and a final mix that meets industry loudness standards (like -23 LUFS).

I operate with a transparent, two-instalment pricing structure—one to commencement and one upon delivery—to ensure a predictable timeline and dedicated resources. Every project is quoted based on its specific scale and usage needs, including two rounds of revisions to guarantee the audio perfectly aligns with the visual narrative. This approach allows me to deliver professional-grade scores that respect both the creative vision and the production budget.

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Language

English
Fluent
Chinese
Fluent

Work Experience

Composer / Sfx artist at Eye
August 1, 2005 - November 23, 2025
Composer and sound effects artist for Eye (UK) projects across film and animation.
Composer at Choose to Win
November 1, 2005 - November 23, 2025
Original music composition for Choose to Win (UK) productions.
Composer at RUUP Production – Triple Ex & The Dickmatist
March 1, 2005 - November 23, 2025
Music composition for RUUP Production projects including Triple Ex & The Dickmatist.
Composer at WTA Animation – Whispers [ Part 2 ]
November 1, 2025 - November 1, 2025
Composed music for Whispers Part 2 (AU).
Composer at Serious Funny Productions Ltd - B Movie
February 1, 2025 - February 1, 2025
Music composition for B Movie projects.
Composer at Morph Workshop
April 1, 2024 - April 1, 2024
Wind Goes On soundtrack and sound design (Hong Kong).
Composer at Rubika
June 1, 2024 - June 1, 2024
Chacun sa Bulle soundtrack for France project.
Composer / Sfx artist at Whisper in The Woods
March 1, 2024 - March 1, 2024
Soundtrack and SFX for Hong Kong project Whisper in The Woods.
Composer at Going Mutts
June 1, 2023 - June 1, 2023
Music composition for Going Mutts (US).
Composer at Pipe Dream
April 1, 2023 - April 1, 2023
Music composition for Pipe Dream (Philippines).
Composer at White
June 1, 2022 - June 1, 2022
Music composition for White (Hong Kong).
Composer at In a Funk
May 1, 2022 - May 1, 2022
Music composition for In a Funk (Australia).
Composer at Sheepwool Creations - Mega Snow
April 1, 2022 - April 1, 2022
Music composition for Mega Snow (Hong Kong).
Composer at Brick Out - By The Sea
April 1, 2022 - April 1, 2022
Music composition for By The Sea (Hong Kong).
Composer at Studio Kaiko
May 1, 2021 - May 1, 2021
The Autumn Wind Tune soundtrack (Hong Kong).
Composer at Brick Out - Paper Saga
December 1, 2021 - December 1, 2021
Music composition for Paper Saga (Hong Kong).
Composer at Borous and the Barbary Star
July 1, 2025 - November 23, 2025
Music composition for Borous and the Barbary Star (AU).
Composer at Skelecool
September 1, 2025 - November 23, 2025
Music composition for Skelecool (AU).
Composer at Hatchy Rampage
October 1, 2025 - November 23, 2025
Music composition for Hatchy Rampage (AU).
Composer at Piece of Shxxt!
January 1, 2026 - Present
Composer for Piece of Shxxt! (US).
SFX Artist / Post at Borous and the Barbary Star (AU)
November 1, 2025 - Present
SFX artist / post-production work.
Composer at Pharos Trailer (US)
March 1, 2026 - Present
Composer for Pharos Trailer project.
SFX Artist / Post at Borous and the Barbary Star (AU)
July 1, 2025 - Present
SFX work for Barbary Star.
Sound Director at WT ANima Bon – Whispers [Part 2] (AU)
March 1, 2025 - Present
Sound direction for Whispers Part 2.
Composer at RUUP Production – Triple Ex & The Dickma Bst (US)
July 1, 2025 - November 1, 2025
Composer for Triple Ex & The Dickmaster/BST.
Composer at Serious Funny Productions Ltd - B Movie (London)
May 1, 2023 - February 28, 2025
Composer for B Movie.
Composer at Morph Workshop - Wind Goes On (Hong Kong)
September 1, 2023 - April 30, 2024
Composer for Wind Goes On.
Composer at Rubika - Chacun sa Bulle (France)
April 1, 2024 - June 30, 2024
Composer for Chacun sa Bulle.
Composer / SFX Artist at Whisper In The Woods (Hong Kong)
November 1, 2023 - March 31, 2024
Composer and SFX for Whisper In The Woods.
Composer at Going Mu Es (United States)
March 1, 2023 - June 30, 2023
Composer for Going Mues.
Composer at Pipe Dream (Philippines)
January 1, 2023 - April 30, 2023
Composer for Pipe Dream.
Composer / SFX Artist at White (Hong Kong)
January 1, 2022 - June 30, 2022
Composer and SFX work for White.
Composer at In a Funk (Australia)
March 1, 2022 - May 31, 2022
Composer for In a Funk.
Composer / SFX Artist at Sheepwool Creations - Mega Snow (Hong Kong)
November 1, 2021 - April 30, 2022
Composer and SFX for Mega Snow.
Composer / SFX Artist at Brick Out - By The Sea (Hong Kong)
July 1, 2021 - April 30, 2022
Composer and SFX for Brick Out - By The Sea.
Composer / SFX Artist at Studio Kaiko - The Autumn Wind Tune (Hong Kong)
October 1, 2020 - May 31, 2021
Composer and SFX for The Autumn Wind Tune.
Composer / SFX Artist at Brick Out - Paper Saga (Hong Kong)
August 1, 2021 - December 31, 2021
Composer and SFX for Paper Saga.

Education

Bachelor of Songwriting at JMC Academy
September 7, 2019 - July 22, 2022
Best Produced Track in Cassette Award (2021, 2022)
Higher Diploma of Digital Music and Media at Hong Kong Design Institute
September 2, 2019 - June 17, 2021
Participate in different projects as musical director, composer and session musician, including drama, recording session and composing
Higher Diploma at Hong Kong Design Institute
September 20, 2017 - June 20, 2019
Bachelor of Song Writing at JMC Academy, Melbourne
June 1, 2020 - September 1, 2022
Higher Diploma of Digital Music and Media at Hong Kong Design Institute
September 1, 2017 - June 1, 2019
Bachelor of Song Writing at JMC Academy, Melbourne
June 1, 2020 - September 1, 2022

Qualifications

ABRSM
July 30, 2010 - July 30, 2013
Grade 3 ABRSM
Songwriting - Bachelor Degree
July 30, 2019 - July 30, 2022
Graduated from JMC Academy
New Chitose Airport International Animation Festival Award / Kids Award (Wind Goes On)
January 1, 2024 - March 14, 2026
Taipei International Golden Short Film Awards (Wind Goes On)
January 1, 2024 - March 14, 2026
Golden Awards – Hong Kong Animation Support Program (Wind Goes On)
January 1, 2024 - March 14, 2026
Merit Awards – Hong Kong Animation Support Program (By The Sea)
January 1, 2023 - March 14, 2026
Best Produced Track – JMC Academy Case Ee Award (Dismal Scent)
January 1, 2022 - March 14, 2026
Merit Awards – Hong Kong Animation Support Program (Paper Saga)
January 1, 2023 - March 14, 2026
Best Produced Track – JMC Academy Case Ee Award (72 V.2)
January 1, 2021 - March 14, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Non-Profit Organization, Computers & Electronics, Professional Services, Software & Internet, Education, Other
    uniE608 Case Study: Finding Jade "Curiosity Build" Audio Benchmark
    Project Goal： Create a mysterious, "Discovery-Driven" sonic engine for the Finding Jade campaign to benchmark how investigative audio can drive viewer curiosity and "scroll-stop" engagement. Creative Strategy: -The "Curiosity Engine": A rhythmic, ticking clock-like pulse using plucked strings (pizzicato) and delicate metallic pings. -Aesthetic Tone: Intimate, inquisitive, and slightly "detective-noir" to pull the audience into the search. -Building the Mystery: Layering subtle synth swells and "shimmer" textures that resolve into a clear, bright "Found" musical cue. Performance Benchmarks (KPIs): -Intrigue Factor: Measuring how "question-posing" audio (unresolved chords) keeps viewers watching until the reveal. -Narrative Clarity: Ensuring the sound design guides the eye to key visual clues without overwhelming the voiceover. -Sonic Branding: Establishing a repeatable "Search & Find" audio motif for future campaign episodes. The Result: A "Discovery Standard" audio toolkit that proves "less-is-more" sound design is the most effective way to build narrative tension and reward viewer attention.…
    uniE608 Case Study: BWS Summer "Fun Build" Audio Benchmark
    Project Goal: Develop a high-energy, "Summer Vibes" sonic engine for BWS to benchmark how seasonal audio can drive brand excitement and immediate "thirst" appeal. Creative Strategy: -The "Summer Engine": A rhythmic, uptempo percussive bed using organic "clinking" glass, ice cracks, and liquid pours. -Aesthetic Tone: Bright, breezy, and lo-fi to match the relaxed Australian summer lifestyle. -Building Tension: Upward-pitching synths and fast-paced "pop-top" sound effects to create anticipation before a product reveal. Performance Benchmarks (KPIs): -Sensory Trigger: High-fidelity "Refreshment" sounds (fizz, crack, pour) that provoke an immediate physical craving. -Vibe Consistency: Ensuring the audio feels like a "BWS Summer" regardless of the specific product or offer shown. -Ad Recall: Using a catchy, melodic "tail-end" hook to leave the viewer with a positive brand association. The Result: A "Summer Standard" audio toolkit that proves lifestyle-driven sound design is the most effective way to capture the seasonal retail mood.…
    uniE608 Case Study: Sumsub "Humorous Build" Audio Benchmark
    Project Goal: Develop a comedic, high-energy audio identity for the Sumsub "Humorous Build" campaign, balancing technical precision with lighthearted, engaging sound design. Creative Strategy: -Comedic Pacing: Using rhythmic "mismatch" sounds (e.g., epic orchestral swells for tiny tasks) to drive the humor. -Human Element: Incorporating organic sounds—snaps, whistles, or exaggerated "oops" effects—to make the brand feel approachable. -The "Build" Engine: A fast-paced, percussive bed that mimics the speed and efficiency of the Sumsub platform. Performance Benchmarks (KPIs): -Punchline Clarity: Ensuring sound effects emphasize the visual jokes without burying the dialogue. -Audience Engagement: Measuring "scroll-stop" effectiveness through sharp, unexpected audio transitions. -Brand Sentiment: Creating a "friendly expert" tone that simplifies complex identity verification. The Result: A benchmark for "Technical Comedy," proving that B2B security tools can sound fun, fast, and human while maintaining professional authority.…
    uniE608 Case Study: eBay MOA "Epic Build" Audio Benchmark
    Project Goal: Create a high-energy, premium soundscape for the eBay MOA (Motors, Outfits, Accessories) "Epic Build" campaign to serve as the quality gold standard for all future ads. Creative Strategy: -Signature Sound: Gritty, rhythmic textures (mechanical tools, engine revs, fabric snips) to mirror the "building" process. -Sonic Identity: A modern, high-impact mix that cuts through noisy social media feeds. -Versatility: Audio stems designed to scale from 6-second "Bumper" ads to long-form YouTube features. Performance Benchmarks (KPIs): -Brand Recall: Unique audio cues that make the ad instantly recognizable as eBay. -Clarity: Perfect balance between heavy sound design, background music, and voiceover. -Consistency: A unified "audio DNA" that keeps the campaign feeling cohesive across different platforms. The Result: A "Plug-and-Play" audio framework that proves high-quality sound design directly increases viewer retention and brand professionality.…
    uniE608 Case Study: Rock Re-Score Compilation & Genre Exploration
    Project Goal: Demonstrate the transformative power of Rock sub-genres by re-scoring a diverse compilation of scenes, establishing a benchmark for how different musical "DNA" alters visual storytelling. Creative Strategy: -Genre Versatility: Swapping "engines" between Classic Rock, Grunge, Indie, and Punk to test emotional shifts. -The "Rock Engine": Using driving basslines and live drum transients as the rhythmic heartbeat for every scene. -Sync Precision: Aligning heavy guitar riffs and drum fills with on-screen action to amplify "impact" and energy. Benchmarking the Exploration: -Mood Contrast: Comparing how a "Garage Rock" score creates grit vs. how "Britpop" creates a lighter, anthemic feel. -Sonic Texture: Balancing distorted electric guitars with "clean" melodic hooks to suit the scene’s intensity. -Dynamics: Testing "Quiet-Loud" transitions to drive narrative tension and release. The Result: A "Rock Master Engine" that proves a single genre can be adapted to fit any visual context—from high-octane action to gritty character moments—while maintaining a premium, "live" feel.…
    uniE608 Case Study: Horror Re-Score & Atmos Exploration
    Project Goal: Demonstrate how Horror soundscapes and non-traditional "musical engines" can transform a scene into a high-tension, psychological experience. Creative Strategy: The Horror Engine: Shifting from melodic structures to dissonant textures, using sub-bass pulses and sharp transients. Genre Exploration: -Psychological: Creepy, ambient drones and metallic scraping. -Slasher: High-intensity, rhythmic synth stabs and "heartbeat" percussion. -Supernatural: Eerie, organic whispers and reversed instrumental tails. -Atmospheric Layering: Using "silence" as an instrument to build unbearable tension before a sonic "hit." Performance Benchmarks (KPIs): -Dread Factor: Measuring how low-frequency oscillators (LFOs) induce physical unease in the listener. -Jump-Scare Precision: Testing the "attack" of stings to ensure perfect alignment with visual reveals. -Spatial Depth: Using reverb and panning to create a 360-degree sense of being "watched." The Result: A "Dark Engine" Benchmark that proves how abstract sound design and horror scoring can manipulate audience heart rates and emotional response more effectively than traditional music.…
    uniE608 Case Study: Atmospheric Re-Score & Immersive Soundscapes
    Project Goal: Explore the power of ambient textures and "invisible" musical engines to create deep emotional resonance and environmental depth in a scene. Creative Strategy: The "Vibe" Engine: Using slow-evolving pads, granular synthesis, and organic field recordings instead of traditional percussion. Genre Exploration: -Cinematic Ambient: Expansive reverb and "shimmer" textures for scale. -Dystopian/Industrial: Gritty, metallic drones and low-end mechanical hums. -Naturalistic: Blending melodic "breath" with environmental foley (wind, rain, echoes). -Subliminal Scoring: Using frequencies that sit just below the dialogue to "colour" the mood without distracting the viewer. Performance Benchmarks (KPIs): -Immersion Depth: How effectively the audio "pulls" the viewer into the physical space of the scene. -Emotional Weight: Testing how a single sustained note can change the scene from hopeful to melancholic. -Space & Texture: Measuring the use of stereo width to create a sense of vastness or claustrophobia. The Result: An "Atmospheric Benchmark" that proves how stripping away traditional melody in favour of raw texture can create a more sophisticated, "high-art" cinematic experience.…
    uniE608 Case Study: Groovy Re-Score & Rhythm Exploration
    Project Goal: Demonstrate how funk-driven "Groove Engines" and rhythmic pockets can inject personality, swagger, and effortless "cool" into a scene. Creative Strategy: The "Groove Engine": Centred on a "locked-in" bass and drum relationship to drive the scene's internal clock. Genre Exploration: -Classic Funk/Soul: Using wah-guitars and brass stabs for high-energy movement. -Neo-Soul/Lo-Fi: Using "behind-the-beat" drumming for a relaxed, modern vibe. -Nu-Disco/Dance: Using syncopated synth-bass to create a driving, "unbreakable" momentum. -Rhythmic Dialogue: Syncing melodic "filler" notes (claps, cowbells, or guitar chirps) to character gestures and camera cuts. Performance Benchmarks (KPIs): -Head-Nod Factor: Measuring the immediate physical engagement through consistent, infectious timing. -Pocket Precision: Testing how "dragging" or "pushing" the beat changes the character’s perceived confidence. -Sonic Brightness: Balancing crisp percussion with warm, saturated analog textures for a "premium" vintage feel. The Result: A "Groove Benchmark" that proves how syncopated, rhythm-heavy scoring can instantly elevate the charisma and pace of any visual narrative.…
    uniE608 Case Study: Chill Re-Score & Downtempo Exploration
    Project Goal: Demonstrate how laid-back "Chill Engines" and low-velocity arrangements can create a sense of calm, focus, or "effortless" style within a scene. Creative Strategy: The "Vibe" Engine: Using soft, "behind-the-beat" percussion and warm, rounded basslines to lower the scene’s heart rate. Genre Exploration: -Lo-Fi / Jazzy: Using dusty vinyl crackle, Rhodes chords, and muted trumpets. -Chillwave / Synth-Pop: Using washed-out pads and analog "dreamy" arpeggios. -Acoustic Folk-Chill: Using organic finger-plucked guitars and soft, intimate textures. -Space & Breath: Prioritising "negative space" and long tail-end reverbs to let the visuals breathe. Performance Benchmarks (KPIs): -Relaxation Response: Measuring the audio’s ability to "de-stress" a fast-paced or chaotic visual sequence. -Tonal Warmth: Testing the use of saturation and tape-warble to add a "nostalgic" or "human" feel. -Seamless Integration: Ensuring the music feels like a natural extension of the room's atmosphere rather than an overlay. The Result: A "Chill Benchmark" that proves how stripping back energy and focusing on "mellow" textures can create a more sophisticated, approachable, and high-end aesthetic.…
    uniE608 Case Study: Epic Re-Score & Grandeur Exploration
    Project Goal: Demonstrate how maximalist "Epic Engines" and orchestral power can elevate a scene to a cinematic, larger-than-life scale. Creative Strategy: The "Power" Engine: Using driving staccato strings, thunderous cinematic percussion, and bold brass fanfares. Genre Exploration: -Modern Hybrid: Blending aggressive synth-sub pulses with a live orchestral sections. -Classic Heroic: High-brass melodies and sweeping woodwinds for emotional triumph. -Dark/Gothic Epic: Deep choir chants and pipe organs for a sense of monumental weight. -Dynamic Peaks: Crafting massive "crescendos" and sudden "drops" to mirror high-stakes visual storytelling. Performance Benchmarks (KPIs): -Scale Perception: How effectively the audio expands the perceived size of the visual environment. -Emotional Impact: Measuring the "goosebump factor" through harmonic resolution and soaring melodies. -Sonic Clarity: Balancing a dense, multi-layered arrangement so that every instrument (from taiko drums to solo violins) remains distinct. The Result: An "Epic Benchmark" that proves how high-fidelity, high-drama scoring can transform a standard sequence into a memorable, "blockbuster" moment.…