Heitor Pereira scores Despicable Me 3

Earlier this year, composer Heitor Pereira recorded his score to Despicable Me 3, the latest film in the popular Illumination Entertainment/Universal Pictures animated series. Directed by Pierre Coffin and Kyle Balda, the film’s score was recorded at Warner Bros. and we’re thrilled to bring our readers our photos from the strings and woodwinds session we attended!

Conductor Nick Glennie-Smith and the orchestra record a cue for Despicable Me 3

Despicable Me 3 was conducted by Nick Glennie-Smith, who conducted the strings and woodwinds during the day (when we visited), and brass at night.

Violinists Bruce Dukov and Katia Popov perform on Despicable Me 3

The cello section

The woodwind section on Despicable Me 3

In the booth, composer Heitor Pereira was joined by orchestrators Jonathan Beard, Edward Trybek and Henri Wilkison, giving feedback to Glennie-Smith out on the stage. Scoring mixers Greg Hayes and Noah Snyder, music editor Slamm Andrews were also on hand. Co-director Pierre Coffin sat with Pereira, giving notes as the session progressed.

Director Pierre Coffin and composer Heitor Pereira share a laugh

Orchestrator Jonathan Beard and composer Heitor Pereira go over a cue as director Pierre Coffin watches the session and scoring mixer Greg Hayes (turned) talks with the rest of the music team

Scoring mixer Greg Hayes enjoys composer Heitor Pereira's (left) score to director Pierre Coffin's Despicable Me 3

Despicable Me 3 is now playing in theaters, and a score album is available from Back Lot Music