Contents
26 Cues from the 82:28 Film Score: RETROGRADE, Directed by Christopher Kulikowski.
RETROGRADE
April 2004
A Note From The Director
The reality of getting a film into production is nothing short of a miracle and collaboration, an
integral part of the filmmaking process, can be a dream come true or a nightmare to endure. If you
are lucky, your partnerships can bring your vision to a point far beyond your wildest expectations.
However, if you are unlucky, the pitfalls can drive one to almost complete despair. My experience
with "Retrograde," in truth, was a bit of both. I had the pleasure of working with many fine artists
and technicians, but I was also challenged by a never-ending battle of time constraints, tight
budgets and multiple Òcreative perspectives.Ó Yet, despite these challenges and at times,
disappointments, my experience on "Retrograde" was truly unforgettable. The friendships and creative
magic that was forged during the production will stay with me for many years to come.
Through the process, several stood steadfast at my side. One such person was my friend, Stephen
Melillo. All of StephenÕs music, regardless of the genre or medium, is pure cinema and one does not
need moving pictures to have the story told. For Retrograde, his score is both delicate and fiercely
charged. I cannot thank him enough for the mountains he has climbed and conquered to deliver a
wondrous, musical, 84 minute soundtrack and in a miraculous, death defying seven days! I am truly
blessed to have Stephen not only as an artist collaborator, but as a friend.
Godspeed,
Christopher Kulikowski
April 2004

A Message from Christopher Kulikowski, Writer & Director during the 7 days!
"Stephen, Over the last hour or so, I've been reviewing the cues once again with a fresh ear...
all I can say... AMAZING!!!! Where does this stuff come from?! This is your best film score to
date!!!! I am so proud and thrilled by your work.... You've really knocked my socks off!!! Talk to
you soon and a million thanks!!!! Love," -Christopher
"Stephen, The music for Retrograde is incredible, beautiful, and special. I canÕt stop listening to it! I am so proud of you!!!"
-Tom Walsh, EnterAktion Studios, Sound City Center Stage
Chris... It's GREAT and I thank you very much for those immensely kind words! So warped was my sense of time... I thought it was ELEVEN days!
I'll need to show you a DVD of what was happening during the writing! It was made even more intense by being in the middle of PATHETIC Hurricane Re-Construction work! 8 - ) ! Good Training! SLM
"Dear
Mr Melillo, Thanks for your great, lyric, powerful musical
eloquence ... it's quite elysian! You've owned with your works
a new musical dimension ... a light never seen before! Thanks
and best regards from Germany, Osnarück!"
Jens Schröer
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