A KIDDERMINSTER musician who composed the soundtrack to an American documentary film has received international recognition after his score was nominated for an Emmy Award.

New York-based artist Ian Hatton created the music for "Bard In The Backcountry", which follows the journey of 10 actors who perform Shakespeare in over 60 rural American towns.

The 53-year-old has seen his score nominated for best Original Music in the Northwest region’s sound category, while the film itself is also up for the Cultural Documentary award.

He said: "I had a text from the director to tell me that I had been nominated, which was unbelievable.

"I did not think it was real. It was quite a day. I went straight out and had a pint to celebrate!

"This is the first nomination I have received for my scores.

"It is just nice when you get approval from the industry. All of my friends are supportive but it is nice to get this recognition, so I’m thrilled."

The film has been shown regionally in America across the Northwest and was broadcast on national TV channel, World, on Sunday, May 15, ahead of the Emmy Award night in Seattle on June 4.

He added: "The film is based in Montana, telling the story of a company that sends a team of young actors out performing Shakespeare in the park every year.

"They have been doing it for over 40 years, training the actors and teaching them how to build the sets.

"I wrote the music for the film. It is all acoustic – based on old English folk, but with a twist."

Mr Hatton was previously a guitarist in 1980s hard-rock band Bonham, performing alongside Jason Bonham – son of Led Zeppelin drummer, John – where their debut album was certified gold.

He also played in local bands Melvin's Marauders and Weapon Of Peace, and has performed with Paul Rodgers And Company and Robert Plant’s Honeydrippers.

He said: "I grew up in Kidderminster. Working in Sean Dee Music, I was so lucky meeting and playing with all the local musicians, and playing in bands including Bonham, The Marauders, and The Honeydrippers.

"We formed Bonham in 1988 and that is really what brought me out here to America as we did really well in the States.

"I came out here in 1996 and all I was interested in doing was playing in bands.

"But I started doing more production work for other bands and that eventually got me into the film and TV work which I really enjoy as it gives me so much more freedom to create."