Rupert Gregson-Williams scores You Don’t Mess with the Zohan
Posted on April 20, 2008 by Dan Goldwasser
Rupert Gregson-Williams recently recorded his score to the upcoming Adam Sandler comedy, You Don’t Mess With the Zohan. Directed by Dennis Dugan and written by Judd Apatow, Adam Sandler and Robert Smigel, the film stars Sandler as an elite Israeli Mossad agent who fakes his death and leaves Israel to pursue his dream of being a hair stylist – but his Palestinian rival follows him to New York City.

Blake Neely conducts the Hollywood Studio Symphony

Composer Rupert Gregson-Williams with scoring mixer Nick Wollage and stage recordist Adam Michalak
Gregson-Williams’ music features an Israeli-styled theme and exciting rhythmic action, as well as emotional beats. Recorded at the Sony Scoring Stage, Blake Neely conducted a 62-piece ensemble of the Hollywood Studio Symphony performing the score, which was orchestrated by Alastair King.

The celli section on You Don’t Mess with the Zohan

Woodwinds on Zohan

Concertmaster Bruce Dukov plays as Julie Gigante watches
In the control room, Nick Wollage handled score mixing duties, making sure the pre-recorded elements – which featured guitar, ethnic woodwinds, Klezmer clarinet and percussion – blended nicely with the orchestra. Music supervisor Brooks Arthur and associate music supervisor Betsy Hammer oversaw the sessions, and provided feedback when required. Gregson-Williams was also supported by Chris Willis, Matthew Margeson and Christian Davis in the booth.

Chris Willis gives feedback to Rupert Gregson-Williams as Nick Wollage listens in

Matthew Margeson watches as Nick Wollage, Christian Davis and Kevin Globerman work on ProTools
You Don’t Mess With the Zohan will be released by Columbia Pictures on June 6, 2008.

Blake Neely conducts You Don’t Mess with the Zohan
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