Using music to tell stories with John Powell

Full video available exclusively on https://mwtm.org/jp-third-date

Sneak peek from John Powell's Inside the Track series, in which he shows how he wrote the soundtrack for DreamWorks ‘How To Train A Dragon‘.


Join us at Guillaume Tell Studios in Paris for our first series with John Powell. The renowned film composer describes how he typically embarks on a new project, referring to his work on the movie ‘How to Train Your Dragon’. Following a discussion about finding inspiration, his influences, and a modern workflow, he introduces the multi-track session of the film cue ‘Third Date’. Taking you through various parts of the record, he elaborates on the composition process, storyline vs. music, arrangement techniques, structure, contrast, samples vs. live recordings, optimal instrument ranges, and other musical aspects. He also comments on his work from more technical and emotional perspectives, discussing topics such as his studio setup, pre-mixing, tracking, distortion, ghostwriting, self-criticism, obsessing over details, seeking help, and the benefits of collaboration.