Three-Time Emmy-Nominated Composer David Schwartz Scores Amy Poehler’s Documentary "Lucy and Desi"

Sundance 2022 has been so exciting this year. One of the films that showcased was "LUCY AND DESI" which is Amy Poehler’s documentary debut. "Lucy and Desi" is scored by three-time Emmy-nominated composer David Schwartz. The documentary had its world premiere on January 22nd, at Sundance Film Festival!

Official Synopsis: One day in 1940, two budding stars met for the first time in the RKO Pictures commissary, unaware that together they would change the face of pop culture. After surviving a tumultuous upbringing, a teenage Lucille Ball left her family for New York City, where she first found success as a model before moving to Hollywood to begin working in movies. Hailing from Santiago de Cuba, Desi Arnaz was a paid musician by 16 and quickly broke out as a multitalented entertainer. The two would go on to consistently challenge the status quo in entertainment both in front of and behind the camera.

David Schwartz is currently scoring season 2 of Peacock’s comedy series Rutherford Falls, starring co-creator Ed Helms (with Michael Schur and Sierra Teller Ornelas). His music can also be heard on Michael Schur’s NBC comedy series The Good Place; Fox/Netflix’s Arrested Development, created by Mitchell Hurwitz, for which he received an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Music Composition For A Series; HBO’s Deadwood, for which he received an Emmy nomination for his main title theme; CBS’s Wolf Lake, produced by Alex Ganza, which resulted in an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Main Title Theme Music; and Northern Exposure, co-created by Joshua Brand and John Falsey, for which he earned a Grammy nomination for his main theme; and more.

Heart of Hollywood Magazine readers, please enjoy our interview!

What inspired you to become a composer?

David: I was always inspired to be a musician, I’m sure that started with seeing The Beatles and Ed Sullivan and getting into bands, etc. It wasn’t until much later that I was asked to do a small film by my friend DJ Webster. That movie never saw the light of day, but it made me realize I wanted to become a composer.

How did you get involved with scoring Amy Poehler’s documentary debut, Lucy and Desi?

David: I like to say it was “acting.” I’d actually played the part of a glorified extra in Amy’s movie Wine Country. The same producer who asked me to do that asked me if I would be interested in working on Amy’s Lucy & Desi documentary.

How does it feel to have the documentary showcase at the Sundance Film Festival?

David: It’s very exciting to have a film you’re working on the premiere at Sundance. We were hoping we’d actually be there. While it was definitely the right call to make the festival virtual, it was still very exciting.

What do you want audiences to take away from the project?

David: That Lucy & Desi were real people. That the love they had for each other was very deep, even after their divorce, until the end of their lives. They also were responsible for some of the greatest innovations in television. Finally, I hope some of the audience walks away whistling some of the themes from the score!

What do you enjoy most about the work that you do?

David: I still get excited every time I start a new project. Each one has a new set of musical challenges.

What are you currently working on?

David: Thanks for asking, I am currently working on Season 2 of Rutherford Falls on the Peacock Network. It’s a fantastic show!

Any advice for aspiring composers?

David: Say yes to everything, especially at the beginning of your career.

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