Matt Yzereef (b. 1989) is currently studying music at Laurentian University, specializing in jazz performance, theory, and composition. His previous accomplishments include secondary school awards in music and English, and an entrance scholarship for high academic standing.

---

“Composing music for this film was a great experience. Because of the films’ intense subject matter, composing for this film proved to be quite a challenge. Writer/director Derek Newman was fantastic to work with.

He provided many fresh ideas when directing each music sequence. A thanks to SACY, all people involved with this film and to Derek Newman for including me in this project. His continued dedication in helping affected youth is inspiring." - Matt Yzereef


Q1: Where do you find inspiration to compose music?

Matt: Pretty much everywhere. If I have an idea in my head for a piece I’ll usually write it down and wait for another idea, combine the two, and hopefully stitch together a piece of music that I’m satisfied with.

Q2: How did you go about composing the music for this documentary?

Matt: It was relatively easy composing for this documentary because I had some ideas lying around and the film pretty much stuck them all together. We had to do a lot of cutting because of the actual duration of each section, but other than that I thought each piece was perfect for where they were put in the film.

Q3: Hardest sequence to compose?

Matt: I found the little atmospheric sections were much more difficult to compose than the longer ones, actually. In order to make them sound appropriate I had to do alot of note omitting, but still had to maintain the dramatic effect.

Q4: Which sequence is the most impactful for you?

Matt: The beginning sequence with the credits is definitely the most impactful for me. I’ve never actually been able to hear my pieces outside my own playing and hearing it played as the introduction of the film was definitely exciting.

Q5: Is there a particular sequence that you think will open the public’s eye?

Matt: Hopefully there isn’t a sequence where their eyes aren’t open. By the end of the film the public should be conscientious about the effects of sexual assault.