Meet Karin Okada, composer for film and television in West Hollywood. Karin is originally from Tokyo, and has lived all her teen era in U.K., and moved to LA nine years ago.
Was there a particular reason you chose LA?
I chose LA for cinema. Over the past nine years I have taught at a University, a music production company, and composed music for film, television, theater, web series, commercials, animation, drama, a psychological thriller, and a private and corporate project. I find a great joy in creating music that impact human emotions.
What do you miss most from home?
I don’t know how many British people live in LA, but I miss British people.
What was your first impression of LA and has it changed since?
My first impression of LA came from the movie “Karate Kid”. I was living in Derby at the time and during half term I had nothing to do so I was playing piano all day or I was watching “Karate Kid” or “Gone with the Wind” which was on TV every day. I loved “Daniel- San” and “Mr. Miyagi”, but I did not know that this was a story about immigrants and a story about America.
What do you find the biggest difference is living here versus London?
I have been visiting London since I was 13 until now, but I stay there less than two weeks at a time, and I am usually crying from happiness to see my friends so what can I say? I may not really know what London is all about. I would love to move there one day and work on Hollywood projects remotely. Here in Los Angeles I work with directors in Singapore, China, Australia, Paris, Tokyo, and these remote sessions seem to go far smoother and faster but some directors can and only work locally so maybe I should start working with directors in London while I am still in LA.
Do you have a hidden gem in LA that you want to share with us?
Zankou Chicken. It’s a Lebanese chain restaurant. A nice producer brought me a chicken kebab from there one day and forced me to eat it with the white garlic paste, which to my surprise I absolutely loved. Now I go at least twice a month when I need a garlic kick in my life. I always ask for extra garlic and tabouli salad instead of cucumber. This is what real people eat in LA. You should not trust anybody who eats sushi in LA!
What would you suggest to others who are thinking about making the move here?
Bring sunscreen and write ‘British in LA’ with it on your arm. I will say hi to you when I spot you!
Lastly How Can We Find Out More About You? Are You Working On Anything At The Moment?
I just finished a commercial project in New York and now I am working on music for a Persian American film: “Over My Dead Body”. It is a love story between American Iranian Jew and American Muslim. This should go on Festival circuit on 2020. But most of all my dear childhood friend from London is coming to see me next week so I am super excited. I am taking her to a Korean spa and out for Korean food. To me, that is very LA. You can find out more about me or contact via www.karinokada.com
