Jeff Beal scores Rob Reiner’s Shock and Awe

Last year, Emmy-winning composer Jeff Beal recorded music for the new political drama from director Rob Reiner, Shock and Awe. Like with his score for House of Cards, scoring took place at his home in Agoura Hills, CA, where Beal conducted a 28-piece string ensemble. ScoringSessions.com is thrilled to bring our readers a look at the session!

Jeff Beal conducts the strings on his score to Shock and Awe

Recording for Shock and Awe took place at the Beal’s home studio, where he has set up a performance/recording space in his living room. Beal runs the session from his digital podium, recording it directly into Logic.

Composer Jeff Beal about to record a take for Shock and Awe

Cellists Dennis Karmazyn and David Lowe

Jeff Beal conducts

Concertmaster Mark Robertson

One drawback to recording in your living room is that there’s no "red light" to indicate when Beal is actually recording, as was made clear when director Rob Reiner arrived in the middle of a cue!

Director Rob Reiner arrives at the recording session at composer Jeff Beal's home

Director Rob Reiner (front) gives feedback as producer Michele Reiner, music editor Christopher Brooks and film music agent Laura Engel watch

Music editor Christopher Brooks

The musicians have a moment of levity as Rob Reiner tells them a joke

Jeff Beal conducts as director Rob Reiner watches

Shock and Awe is now in a limited theatrical release, and also available on iTunes. A soundtrack album is available from Varese Sarabande.