Michael Giacchino scores War for the Planet of the Apes
Posted on July 14, 2017 by Dan Goldwasser
Earlier this spring, Oscar-winning composer Michael Giacchino recorded his score to War for the Planet of the Apes, the third film in the rebooted sci-fi trilogy. Directed by Matt Reeves, Giacchino’s score was recorded at the Newman Scoring Stage at 20th Century Fox, and we are excited to bring our readers exclusive photos from the sessions!
Conductor Tim Simonec and the Hollywood Studio Symphony record Michael Giacchino’s score to War for the Planet of the Apes
Director Matt Reeves talks with composer Michael Giacchino at the podium
Giacchino’s score to War for the Planet of the Apes was conducted by orchestrator Tim Simonec, as well as Marshall Bowen, and performed by a 90-piece ensemble of the Hollywood Studio Symphony.
Conductor Marshall Bowen records a cue with the orchestra
The strings perform on War for the Planet of the Apes
The French horns
The cellos perform
The low brass section
The trumpet section: Dave Washburn and Jon Lewis
Mark Gasbarro performs on piano
As is befitting an Apes film, there was a large percussion section, including famed percussionist Emil Richards, who has performed on every Apes film, starting with the original Goldsmith one in 1968!
Don Williams on timpani
The percussion section
Percussionist Emil Richards performs on vibraphone
Additionally, a 60-person choir was used to create some otherworldly vocal effects, as well as add another emotional layer to the thematic score.
The choir performs on War for the Planet of the Apes
At a pick-up date, the orchestra recorded original music for the final trailer for the film, but it was sadly unused in the end.
Conductor Marshall Bowen and the orchestra record a trailer for War for the Planet of the Apes (sadly unused)
In the booth, composer Michael Giacchino was joined by orchestrator Jeff Kryka, director Matt Reeves, scoring mixer Joel Iwataki, music editor Paul Apelgren, assistant music editor Warren Brown, and ProTools recordist Vinni Cirilli.
The music team on War for the Planet of the Apes: orchestrator Jeff Kryka, director Matt Reeves, composer Michael Giacchino, scoring mixer Joel Iwataki, and ProTools recordist Vinni Cirilli (back row)
Director Matt Reeves and composer Michael Giacchino watch the choir record
Orchestrator Jeff Kryka works on a cue
Assistant music editor Warren Brown and music editor Paul Apelgren discuss a cue
Music editor Paul Apelgren talks with ProTools recordist Vinni Cirilli about a cue
Composer Michael Giacchino goes over a cue with music editor Paul Apelgren
War for the Planet of the Apes is now playing in theaters, and a score album is available from Sony Masterworks
You've only seen 23 images - click here for 47 more scoring session images for this project!