Mike Shinoda Scoring Film “The Raid”

For a long time, I have been wanting to score a film. In order for it to work, it would have to have a great story, stunning visuals, and the timing would have to work out in a way that didn’t distract from all the things I want to do with Linkin Park.

I’m really excited to have finally found the right project. The movie is called The Raid. Its intense martial arts choreography, amazing cinematography, and great story have been inspiring all kinds of new music. I’m excited for all of you to see—and hear—this film.

mikeshinoda.com

This is the trailer. There is some violence in it, so beware!

Update: There is also a press release about this:

Culver City, CA (September 9, 2011) – Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions (SPWA) has teamed-up with LINKIN PARK’s Mike Shinoda to create an entirely new musical score for the ultra-intense action picture THE RAID, starring break-out martial arts sensation Iko Uwais (Merantau) and Joe Taslim (Rasa).

This collaboration will mark Shinoda’s first feature score.

“This film is wall-to-wall action, and one of the most exciting pictures of the year. Dropping a brand new score by Mike Shinoda on it will be like adding a whole new main character to a picture that’s already cranked to 11!,” said Dan Primozic, who negotiated the agreement on behalf of SPWA.

Adds Shinoda, “The intense visuals and compelling story of THE RAID have made this an exciting first venture into scoring for me. I’m thrilled for Linkin Park fans to see–and hear–this film.”

The high-adrenaline film produced by PT. Merantau Films and XYZ Films and directed by Gareth Evans (Merantau) enjoyed its North American debut last night at the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival’s “Midnight Madness” screening, but included the original score as yet untouched by Shinoda’s sonic stylings.

Director Gareth Evans said, “It’s an incredibly exciting opportunity for us to collaborate with such talent on the score for the film. I can’t wait to see what new angle they will take to enhance the impact of the film.”

Nate Bolotin of XYZ Films commented, “Working with a talented musician like Mike Shinoda is a dream scenario because his vision and sound are a perfect compliment to the intense energy and emotion of THE RAID. Gareth and our collective teams are thrilled to be able to fuse these extraordinary elements together.”

SPWA has U.S. rights and Celluloid Nightmares is the worldwide sales agent for the film.

SYNOPSIS: In the heart of Jakarta lies a rundown apart­ment infested with druggies and drifters. It’s ruled by a ruthless drug lord who uses the tenement to shelter his junkie customers, pushers, enforcers and brutal killers. The apartment block is considered untouch­able by even the bravest of police—until one early morning when, cloaked under dawn’s dark­ness, an elite SWAT team, led by officer Rama (Uwais), raids the peril-filled structure. As Rama’s squad races between the maze of rooms and floors, encountering a barrage of gunfire, machetes, and ruthless hand-to-hand combat around every corner, the stakes get higher and higher building to an explosive crescendo and an ultimate battle…”