AceShowbiz - Los Angeles-based composer Mark Smythe, recognized for his work in film and television music, passed away on May 9 at the age of 53 after collapsing during a hike on Mt. Wilson in Los Angeles.

Mark Smythe was a respected and cherished figure within the composing community, known not only for his musical talents but also for his leadership and mentorship roles. In addition to his creative output, he served as the chief operating officer of the Society of Composers and Lyricists (SCL) from 2018 to 2021, following an earlier position as the organization’s Los Angeles administrator.

His contributions extended beyond the professional realm, with many colleagues and students remembering him for his warmth and generosity. Ashley Irwin, president of the SCL, expressed the community’s deep shock and sorrow, emphasizing the impact Smythe had on those around him. Irwin highlighted Smythe’s characteristic sense of humor and infectious laugh, noting how his presence brightened any room. He was known for making everyone feel welcome, whether longtime members or newcomers, often greeting people with his signature phrase, “I'm all the better for seeing your smiling face.”

Mark Smythe was originally from New Zealand, later moving to Australia before settling in Los Angeles in 2013 to further pursue his career in film and concert composition. His work earned notable recognition, including nominations for prestigious honors such as the Society of Composers and Lyricists Award and the World Soundtrack Award in 2023 for his score on the film The Reef: Stalked. Additionally, he received three Hollywood Music in Media Award nominations for his scores on the films Unfallen, Flying South, and The Things She Did. Among his accolades, he won the Australian Screen Industry Network award for Best Composer in 2012 for his score on Daddy’s Little Girl.

The Australian music rights organization APRA AMCOS paid tribute to Smythe on social media, noting that he became a member in 2004 and worked in their Melbourne office as a client and legal liaison for four years in the early 2000s before relocating to Los Angeles. APRA AMCOS CEO Dean Ormston remembered Smythe as a positive spirit who brought enthusiasm and dedication to his work both in the office and in his music, calling his passing a significant loss to the screen composing and musical communities.

At the time of his death, Smythe was actively involved in education, teaching media composition at California State University, Northridge. He also held the position of Department Head of Composing for Visual Media at the Los Angeles College of Music. His role as an educator left a lasting impression on many composers who had the opportunity to learn from him, with Irwin noting that Smythe was remembered not only for his teaching prowess but also for his personal belief in his students’ potential.

Beyond film and television, Smythe was engaged in composing choral works and had collaborated on multiple projects with the LA Choral Lab, showcasing the breadth of his musical talents across different formats.

Mark Smythe is survived by his sister, Kate Ward-Smythe.

The loss of Smythe resonates deeply across the film music and academic communities as they remember his significant contributions and the warmth he shared with those around him. His work and spirit continue to inspire many within the industry.