If you love thinking about music as world-building, emotional architecture, and invisible storytelling, this conversation is well worth your time.
In this Behind the Screen feature, Grammy-winning composer Simon Franglen breaks down his work on Avatar: Fire and Ash and shares what he learned from the late James Horner, how music defines the cultures of Pandora, and why restraint and simplicity can sometimes be more powerful than complexity.
Franglen talks about inventing and 3D-printing new instruments, evolving vocal languages for different clans, and working with James Cameron, a director who views music as a core storytelling pillar, not an afterthought. One of my favorite insights is his philosophy that if the audience starts listening to the score as music, something has gone wrong; the goal is emotional connection, not attention.
It’s a fascinating look at:
• Using themes and rhythm to shape emotional response
• Treating music as a character within the film
• Cultural consistency across sound, design, and story
• Balancing orchestral tradition with experimental textures
• Collaborating with a director who is deeply musically fluent
Watch the full video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4IbwYOD-djE
For composers: how do you think about music as emotional infrastructure rather than foregrounded performance? And when building a new world, where do you start: theme, texture, or rhythm?
December 2025 Open House Webcast
Find Your Footing on Stage 32: Join Our December Community Open House!
Monday, December 29th at 12:00 pm PT!
Every success story begins with a first step.
If you’re ready to take yours, join me, Ashley Smith, Head of Community at Stage 32, for our December Community Open House Webcast happening Monday, December 29th at 12:00 pm PT!
Free Registration: https://www.stage32.com/education/products/stage-32-s-december-community-open-house-webcast-with-ashley-smith
Whether you’re chasing representation, looking for collaborators, or simply tired of creating in isolation, this live event is your chance to show up, be seen, and start making real progress.
This isn’t just an overview — it’s your creative launchpad. You’ll walk away with practical tools, new connections, and a clear path forward, no matter your background or where you are in your career.
You’ll Learn How To:
Whether you’re a writer, filmmaker, actor, producer, composer, editor, or wear multiple creative hats — this is where your Stage 32 journey truly begins.
If you can’t attend live, don’t worry — registering ensures you’ll receive the full recording to watch anytime from anywhere.
Who’s planning to join me live for the Open House?
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