32 – Scoring Avatar: Fire and Ash with Simon Franglen

In this episode of Sync Music Matters, I’m joined by composer and music producer Simon Franglen for a fascinating conversation spanning pop production and film score.

Simon reflects on his early career writing jingles and programming the Synclavier for Trevor Horn, an experience that placed him at the intersection of music and emerging technology. That foundation led to high-level session gigs working on music for artists including Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, and Celine Dion – culminating in his role producing “My Heart Will Go On” for Titanic.

His transition into film scoring began with Dances With Wolves, working alongside John Barry and then Alan Sylvestri and James Horner. Experience that shaped his approach to melody and storytelling. We discuss how those lessons continue to inform his work today.

The conversation then turns to Simon’s latest project, Avatar: Fire and Ash, where he recorded new themes and created original musical instruments to help define the film’s sonic world. With a piano in the room, Simon plays excerpts from the score, offering rare insight into his creative process.

Simon talks about the film’s songs including “Dream as One” by Miley Cyrus and “The Future and The Past” sung by Zoë Saldaña and how they support the narrative.

We also explore the decline of strong thematic composition in modern cinema and why Hollywood has shifted away from it.

Finally, Simon offers his perspective on AI and the music industry, addressing both the risks and the enduring importance of human creativity.

Listen to the Avatar: Fire and Ash Score on Spotify