Convention - SDCC 2023 : Ninth Annual Musical Anatomy of a Superhero: Film and TV Composer Panel

By Mulder, San Diego, Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel, The Indigo Ballroom, 20 july 0203

Music has always been an important supporting character in movies; this goes to another level in the superhero film genre where the music sets a tone that helps define a character, an impending battle, or a triumphant moment.  This year’s panel continues the tradition of showcasing unreleased music and videoclips from upcoming and recently released projects. Leading Hollywood composers will explain the process and challenges of creating music behind the superhero genre, along with collaborating with the director, producers, and the franchise. The event is produced by Costa Communications and sponsored by ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC.

Laura Karpman (The Marvels, Ms. Marvel, What If…?), Christophe Beck (Agatha: Coven of Chaos, Shazam! Fury of the Gods, Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania), The Haxan Cloak (Blue Beetle), David Russo (Gotham Knights, Gotham), Christopher Lennertz (The Boys, Rogers: The Musical) and special guest moderator: Michael Giacchino (Werewolf by Night, The Batman, Spider-Man: No Way Home) were present at this panel

Michael Giacchino is a highly acclaimed composer known for his exceptional work in film, television, and video games. Born on October 10, 1967, in New Jersey, he has crafted an impressive portfolio of scores that have captivated audiences worldwide. Giacchino's music exhibits incredible versatility, effortlessly spanning a range of genres, from heartfelt melodies to thrilling action-packed compositions. He has collaborated extensively with renowned filmmakers such as J.J. Abrams and Brad Bird, creating iconic scores for movies like Up, Ratatouille, and the rebooted Star Trek series. His compositions are characterized by their emotional depth, meticulous attention to detail, and an ability to enhance the storytelling of each project he works on. Michael Giacchino's extraordinary talent has garnered him numerous accolades, including Academy Awards, Grammy Awards, and multiple nominations, solidifying his position as one of the most prominent and respected composers in the industry.

Christophe Beck is a highly skilled and versatile composer known for his exceptional contributions to the world of film and television. Born in 1972 in Montreal, Canada, Beck has established himself as a prominent figure in the industry. His music encompasses a wide range of styles, seamlessly transitioning from grand orchestral scores to intimate and nuanced compositions. Beck's work is characterized by its ability to enhance storytelling, capturing the essence of each project he takes on. He has collaborated with renowned filmmakers like Peyton Reed and the Russo brothers, crafting memorable scores for films such as "Frozen, Ant-Man, and the "Hangover" trilogy. With his innate talent for creating evocative melodies and his ability to adapt to various genres, Christophe Beck has earned critical acclaim, numerous awards, and a dedicated fan base, solidifying his reputation as one of the leading composers in the industry today.

Laura Karpman is a highly accomplished and influential composer in the world of film, television, and multimedia. Born in 1959, she has made significant contributions to the industry through her innovative and boundary-pushing compositions. Karpman's work showcases her remarkable ability to seamlessly blend diverse musical styles, incorporating elements of classical, jazz, electronic, and world music into her scores. She is known for her collaborations with renowned directors, including Steven Spielberg and Kathryn Bigelow, and has composed music for projects like Paris Can Wait, Underground and Ask Dr. Ruth. In addition to her film and television work, Karpman has also composed for video games and virtual reality experiences, displaying her adaptability and versatility across different mediums. With her unique musical vision, technical expertise, and a commitment to pushing creative boundaries, Laura Karpman has established herself as a pioneering force in the world of composition.

Christopher Lennertz is a highly accomplished and versatile composer known for his exceptional contributions to the world of film, television, and video games. Born in 1972, he has crafted a diverse and impressive portfolio of musical compositions that span a wide range of genres. Lennertz's work showcases his ability to effortlessly blend different styles, seamlessly transitioning from sweeping orchestral scores to catchy and memorable melodies. He has collaborated with renowned directors and producers, creating impactful scores for films like "Horrible Bosses, The Boss Baby, and Ride Along, as well as popular television series such as Supernatural and Marvel's Agent Carter. Lennertz's compositions are characterized by their ability to enhance storytelling, capturing the essence of each project he works on. With his exceptional talent, Lennertz has earned critical acclaim, numerous awards, and a devoted fan base, solidifying his position as a respected and influential composer in the industry.

David Russo is an award-winning composer, producer, and songwriter. David has composed the score for five seasons of the Emmy award winning hit Fox series Goptham as well as the acclaimed, highly-stylized HBOMax spinoff, Pennyworth.

The Haxan Cloak is the stage name of Bobby Krlic, a British musician, composer, and producer. He is known for creating dark and atmospheric music that blends elements of ambient, electronic, and experimental genres. The name "Haxan Cloak" is inspired by the 1922 Swedish-Danish documentary-style silent horror film "Häxan," directed by Benjamin Christensen. Bobby Krlic gained recognition in the music industry for his unique and haunting soundscapes, which often incorporate eerie textures and deep bass frequencies. His music has been used in films, TV shows, and video games, contributing to a sense of suspense and tension. Some of his notable works include his debut album "The Haxan Cloak" (2011), "Excavation" (2013), and collaborations with other artists. His sound has resonated with fans of experimental and dark electronic music and has earned him critical acclaim in various music circles.

Our media was also present at the pressroom for some roundtables :

David Russo

Christopher Lennertz

Christophe Beck and Laura Karpman

You can found the photos of the panel and of the press room in our Flickr page

Photos and video : Boris Colletier / Mulderville