JEDDAH: Award-winning composer Simon Franglen delivered a masterclass on “Scoring a Hollywood Blockbuster” on Sunday at AMC cinema in Stars Avenue Mall.
The event was part of the Music and Sound Program being hosted by Red Sea Labs, a flagship initiative of the Red Sea Film Foundation.
Renowned for composing soundtracks for some of Hollywood’s most iconic films, including “Avatar: The Way of Water,” which stands as the third-highest-grossing film of all time, Franglen offered attendees a behind-the-scenes glimpse into his career and his approach to film scoring.
He demonstrated the intricate work involved in composing for film, using a clip from “Avatar: The Way of Water” to showcase the significant role of a score.
Franglen emphasized the importance of respecting dialogue and sound effects, asserting that composers must collaborate with these elements instead of working in opposition to them.
Reflecting on his experience teaching in Jeddah, Franglen noted how the cultural context enhanced his approach.
“I’m connecting with composers from across Africa and Asia, and the beauty of music is that it transcends boundaries,” he said. “I encourage each composer to draw inspiration from their unique backgrounds, which shapes their style. Music is a universal language; I appreciate sounds from Mali, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, China, and beyond, just as much as I do from my own roots.
“That’s the true joy of being a composer: embracing the diversity of music without geographical constraints.”
When discussing collaborating with directors, Franglen explained his role as a composer: “When I have a director who has a clear vision, my job is to fulfill that vision while infusing my own creativity into the project.
“They hire me to bring a unique perspective to the score. It’s essential for me to allow the film to breathe musically, ultimately striving to enhance the film and deliver a score that elevates the overall experience. This collaborative process with the director is crucial.”
Franglen also highlighted the emotional power of music in film. He recounted a specific moment in “Avatar: The Way of Water” involving a song by central character Neytiri.
“The first time she sings, it conveys happiness, but during her second performance, the tone shifts to sadness. Even though it’s the same song, my goal is to adjust the musical backdrop to reflect her emotional journey, allowing the audience to grasp the pain and sorrow beneath the surface.
“By the end of the film, when (the film’s protagonist) Jake speaks to his deceased son, I want the music to evoke that deep sense of loss and pathos, and I believe I was able to achieve that.”
Addressing the growing influence of artificial intelligence in the music industry, Franglen expressed his concerns.
“We must accept that AI will likely replace many lower-level music roles — that’s an undeniable reality. The challenge is that while AI can generate countless variations, the majority of them may lack quality. This will result in a homogenization of music, dulling its vibrancy and making it more monotonous.
“My real concern is that as AI systems proliferate, human creativity may become bland and uninspired, which would be a significant loss for the art form.”
The masterclass is part of an extensive eight-day workshop designed to enhance the skills of composers and sound design professionals through hands-on training and expert mentorship.
Led by industry experts, the program aims to equip both aspiring and established talents in film scoring from the Arab world, Asia, and Africa.
Running until Oct. 26, the program will feature a series of practical workshops and enriching lectures delivered by specialists in film scoring and sound design for cinema.
This initiative reflects the Red Sea Film Foundation’s ongoing commitment to nurturing talent across diverse sectors in Saudi Arabia, providing comprehensive support from development to final production and distribution.
Red Sea Labs is bridging the talent gap with a program that combines theoretical knowledge with practical application. Composers have the opportunity to immediately apply what they have learned and receive feedback from on-site tutors.
