The Track Star Podcast Emily Bear (Moana 2), Jerskin Fendrix (Poor Things) & RZA Talk Composing For Movies
Oct 29, 2025
Join Emily Bear, the youngest Grammy winner recognized for scoring Moana 2, and Jerskin Fendrix, an Academy Award nominee for Poor Things, as they delve into the art of film scoring. Discover Emily's journey from Disney Imagineering to crafting unforgettable themes and how directors influence music. Jerskin reveals his unique research-driven process and discusses iconic movie themes. They explore the emotional resonance of scores and the difference between traditional albums and film soundtracks, offering insights into what makes music connect with audiences.
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Early Start Led To First Feature
- Emily Bear started playing piano as a child and wrote orchestral pieces early on.
- Her first full feature score was at 18 for the Netflix film Doggone after a director took a chance on her.
Melody Repetition Makes Themes Stick
- Alan Menken recycles song motifs throughout a Disney film to make melodies unavoidable.
- That repetition makes audiences leave humming themes long after the movie ends.
Match Your Start Time To The Project
- Start scoring at different stages: from script to locked picture depending on the project.
- Write themes early if music is central, otherwise compose after editing for precise cues.
