Horror maestros Charles Bernstein, Harry Manfredini, Tyler Bates, Laura Karpman, Richard Band and Maurizio Guarini participated in an autograph signing and panel
On Saturday July 11th, BMI and Krakower Poling PR presented their annual panel on film & TV music titled ‘The Character of Music: Classic Horror Special Edition’ at the San Diego Convention Center during Comic-Con International. Panelists included Charles Bernstein (Nightmare on Elm Street), Harry Manfredini (Friday the 13th), Tyler Bates (Dawn of the Dead), Laura Karpman (Carrie), Richard Band (Re-Animator) and Maurizio Guarini of the band Goblin (Suspiria).
Prior to the panel, fans of horror and music were able to meet and greet the panelists during a special autograph signing in the Sails Pavilion where lines formed to receive their Comic-Con Exclusive poster. A steady stream of eager fans, young and old were able to interact and take photos with the panelists. “I’ve always wanted to meet Charles Bernstein,” one attendee said. “His scores mean so much to me – thank you for putting this together.” Another attendee confessed enthusiastically to Harry Manfredini, “It’s such a pleasure to meet you. Your music gives me nightmares.”
Later that evening, after the sun set, co-moderators Anne Cecere of BMI and Chandler Poling of Krakower Poling PR lead an engaging panel kicked off by a bloody-fun introduction by actor Douglas Tait (Jason in Freddy vs. Jason), complete with Freddy Krueger’s severed head. The panel discussion touched base on thematic music in horror films and how certain sounds cause chills. Each panelist discussed their writing process, their interactions with acclaimed directors, and the creative force that drives them to produce such stunning, iconic music. Charles Bernstein summed up the experience best by stating, “Comic-Con isn’t just a pop culture convention. It’s a celebration of the imagination. We are all here celebrating together and that’s really something special.”
Afterwards, fans rushed the stage to chat with the panelists. Each audience member received a Comic-Con Exclusive poster, which the composers kindly signed after the panel. One attendee stated that, “This was the best music panel I attended the entire convention. The others don’t compare.” Two women, a mother and a daughter, approached the moderators saying, “Thank you for putting a woman on the panel. It was great to hear from Laura Karpman. My daughter wants to be a composer and it’s inspiring to see a woman on one of these panels.”