Meaning: This quote by Mike Figgis, a renowned director, provides insight into the creative process of composing music for films. Figgis is emphasizing the importance of collecting and retaining musical ideas or sketches that he believes could be valuable in the future. He highlights the significance of investing time in these musical sketches for each film, as it enhances his repertoire and provides him with a broader range of material to draw from in his work.

In the realm of film music, composers often face the challenge of creating original and evocative pieces that effectively enhance the visual storytelling without overpowering it. Figgis' quote sheds light on the deliberate and meticulous approach he takes towards musical composition for his films. By holding onto these musical sketches, he is essentially building a repository of creative material that enables him to access a diverse array of musical ideas when working on a new project.

Figgis' emphasis on the accumulation of musical sketches underscores the idea that creativity is not always a spontaneous burst of inspiration, but rather a result of continuous exploration, experimentation, and refinement. Much like a painter who fills sketchbooks with preliminary drawings before embarking on a masterpiece, Figgis seems to advocate for the value of nurturing and preserving musical ideas as a vital part of the creative process.

Moreover, the quote speaks to the notion that creative work is a cumulative process. Each musical sketch that Figgis retains adds to his creative reservoir, enriching the depth and breadth of his musical vocabulary. This approach allows him to build a substantial wellspring of musical material, which he can then adapt, expand, or repurpose to suit the specific thematic and emotional requirements of his films.

Figgis' statement also reflects the practical wisdom of a seasoned artist. It suggests that by investing time and effort in developing musical sketches for each film, he is not only enriching his own creative resources but also ensuring that he has a wealth of material to draw upon when collaborating with filmmakers and producers. This preparation can be invaluable in the fast-paced and often unpredictable world of film production, where having a diverse musical palette readily available can streamline the creative process and lead to more nuanced and effective results.

In conclusion, Mike Figgis' quote provides a glimpse into the thoughtful and methodical approach he takes towards composing music for his films. It underscores the value of accumulating and preserving musical sketches as a means of continually expanding one's creative arsenal. By doing so, Figgis ensures that he has a rich reservoir of musical material to draw upon, enhancing his ability to craft evocative and resonant scores that complement and elevate the cinematic experience.