What words of wisdom or advice would you offer to people who want to work in the industry as a composer?
My biggest piece of advice is to become a storyteller first and a composer second. Great film music isn’t just about writing beautiful melodies. It’s about understanding character, emotion, pacing, editing, and why a scene works in the first place.
I’d also say be patient. This career is a marathon, not a sprint. Keep writing, keep learning, collaborate with as many filmmakers as you can, and don’t be afraid to start small. Every project teaches you something, and you never know which opportunity will open the next door.
Is there a huge difference with the genres? Actors often say comedy can be a little more difficult. Does it feel that way composing something dramatic versus having to compose something for comedy or horror?
Every genre presents a different challenge. Horror asks you to create fear and tension. Drama asks you to move people emotionally. Comedy is unique because your timing has to be incredibly precise. Sometimes the funniest thing you can do is play a scene completely seriously, and other times you need to subtly remind the audience that they’re in on the joke.
With Scary Movie, the challenge was constantly finding that balance. We wanted the music to feel like it belonged in a real thriller or horror film while still serving the comedy. That’s a surprisingly delicate line to walk, but it’s also what made the project so much fun.
Did anyone inspire you growing up?
Absolutely. Like so many composers, I grew up listening to John Williams, Danny Elfman, Alan Silvestri, Jerry Goldsmith, and many others. Their music sparked my imagination and made me realize that music could tell stories just as powerfully as dialogue or visuals.
Growing up in Israel also exposed me to a wide range of musical traditions, and I think that combination of classical film scores and diverse cultural influences helped shape my own musical voice.
What are you working on next?
I’m fortunate to have a few exciting projects in development, including one that I’m currently scoring that I can’t talk about just yet, but I’m very excited to share when the time is right.
More than anything, I’m looking forward to continuing to challenge myself with new stories and new genres. Every project teaches me something different, and that’s one of the things I love most about this career. Right now, I’m incredibly grateful for everything that’s happened with Scary Movie, and I’m excited to see where the next chapter leads.
