Award-winning Hollywood composer brings expertise to Jeddah

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Simon Franglen delivered a masterclass on Scoring a Hollywood Blockbuster at AMC cinema in Stars Avenue Mall. (Supplied)
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Updated 21 October 2024
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Award-winning Hollywood composer brings expertise to Jeddah

  • Simon Franglen’s Red Sea Labs masterclass is part of eight-day program for sound professionals
  • Franglen demonstrated the intricate work involved in composing for film, using a clip from Avatar: The Way of Water to showcase the significant role of a score

JEDDAH: Award-winning composer Simon Franglen delivered a masterclass on “Scoring a Hollywood Blockbuster” on Sunday at AMC cinema in Stars Avenue Mall.

The event was part of the Music and Sound Program being hosted by Red Sea Labs, a flagship initiative of the Red Sea Film Foundation.

Renowned for composing soundtracks for some of Hollywood’s most iconic films, including “Avatar: The Way of Water,” which stands as the third-highest-grossing film of all time, Franglen offered attendees a behind-the-scenes glimpse into his career and his approach to film scoring.

He demonstrated the intricate work involved in composing for film, using a clip from “Avatar: The Way of Water” to showcase the significant role of a score.

Franglen emphasized the importance of respecting dialogue and sound effects, asserting that composers must collaborate with these elements instead of working in opposition to them.

Reflecting on his experience teaching in Jeddah, Franglen noted how the cultural context enhanced his approach.

“I’m connecting with composers from across Africa and Asia, and the beauty of music is that it transcends boundaries,” he said. “I encourage each composer to draw inspiration from their unique backgrounds, which shapes their style. Music is a universal language; I appreciate sounds from Mali, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, China, and beyond, just as much as I do from my own roots.

“That’s the true joy of being a composer: embracing the diversity of music without geographical constraints.”

When discussing collaborating with directors, Franglen explained his role as a composer: “When I have a director who has a clear vision, my job is to fulfill that vision while infusing my own creativity into the project.

“They hire me to bring a unique perspective to the score. It’s essential for me to allow the film to breathe musically, ultimately striving to enhance the film and deliver a score that elevates the overall experience. This collaborative process with the director is crucial.”

Franglen also highlighted the emotional power of music in film. He recounted a specific moment in “Avatar: The Way of Water” involving a song by central character Neytiri.

“The first time she sings, it conveys happiness, but during her second performance, the tone shifts to sadness. Even though it’s the same song, my goal is to adjust the musical backdrop to reflect her emotional journey, allowing the audience to grasp the pain and sorrow beneath the surface.

“By the end of the film, when (the film’s protagonist) Jake speaks to his deceased son, I want the music to evoke that deep sense of loss and pathos, and I believe I was able to achieve that.”

Addressing the growing influence of artificial intelligence in the music industry, Franglen expressed his concerns.

“We must accept that AI will likely replace many lower-level music roles — that’s an undeniable reality. The challenge is that while AI can generate countless variations, the majority of them may lack quality. This will result in a homogenization of music, dulling its vibrancy and making it more monotonous.

“My real concern is that as AI systems proliferate, human creativity may become bland and uninspired, which would be a significant loss for the art form.”

The masterclass is part of an extensive eight-day workshop designed to enhance the skills of composers and sound design professionals through hands-on training and expert mentorship.

Led by industry experts, the program aims to equip both aspiring and established talents in film scoring from the Arab world, Asia, and Africa.

Running until Oct. 26, the program will feature a series of practical workshops and enriching lectures delivered by specialists in film scoring and sound design for cinema.

This initiative reflects the Red Sea Film Foundation’s ongoing commitment to nurturing talent across diverse sectors in Saudi Arabia, providing comprehensive support from development to final production and distribution.

Red Sea Labs is bridging the talent gap with a program that combines theoretical knowledge with practical application. Composers have the opportunity to immediately apply what they have learned and receive feedback from on-site tutors.


‘Taste of Saudi Culture’ to delight London foodies

Guests will be welcomed with premium coffee — a timeless symbol of Saudi hospitality. (File photo/X: @MOCCulinary)
Updated 7 sec ago
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‘Taste of Saudi Culture’ to delight London foodies

  • From jareesh to rose-infused ice cream, the Kingdom serves up flavor, tradition, hospitality

RIYADH: For the third year in a row, Saudi Arabia’s Culinary Arts Commission will participate in the Taste of London food festival, held in Regent’s Park from June 18 to 22.

Through its “Taste of Saudi Culture” pavilion, the commission promotes cultural exchange, showcases the richness of Saudi culinary heritage, and highlights the Kingdom’s culinary excellence.

Guests will be welcomed with premium coffee — a timeless symbol of Saudi hospitality. (File photo/X: @MOCCulinary)

The pavilion will feature immersive activities celebrating the diversity of Saudi cuisine, including live cooking demonstrations by skilled Saudi chefs.

Visitors will have a rare chance to sample a variety of iconic traditional dishes, each with its own story and flavor — such as the national dish jareesh, the slow-cooked haneeth, and the savory street favorite mutabbaq.

HIGHLIGHT

Visitors will have a rare chance to sample a variety of iconic traditional dishes, each with its own story and flavor — such as the national dish jareesh, the slow-cooked haneeth, and the savory street favorite mutabbaq.

Beyond food, the pavilion will include interactive cultural elements reflecting Saudi heritage, such as traditional henna art and colorful Asiri rose headbands.

Guests will be welcomed with premium dates and Saudi coffee — timeless symbols of Saudi hospitality, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Handcrafted ice cream infused with traditional Saudi ingredients like dates, Taif rose, and Jazan mango will also be served, offering authentic flavors with a modern twist.

A variety of refreshing cold drinks made from local ingredients will complement the experience, the SPA added.

A boutique section will feature signature Saudi products like maamoul (date-filled cookies) and unique Saudi coffee, blending retail, culture, and taste into an immersive journey.

This participation underscores the commission’s ongoing commitment to celebrating the depth of Saudi culinary arts and sharing the Kingdom’s vibrant food culture with global audiences.

 


Saudi crown prince discusses Israeli attack on Iran with British, Turkish leaders

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. (File)
Updated 37 min 1 sec ago
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Saudi crown prince discusses Israeli attack on Iran with British, Turkish leaders

  • Prince Mohammed and Starmer discussed latest developments in the region and the importance of resolving disputes through diplomatic means

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman discussed the repercussions of Israel’s military operations against Iran with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer during a phone call on Saturday.

The call comes a day after Israel launched a blistering surprise attack on Iranian nuclear and military sites, killing a number of top generals. The two countries continued to trade blows on Saturday.

Prince Mohammed and Starmer discussed the latest developments in the region and the importance of exerting all efforts to de-escalate and resolve disputes through diplomatic means, Saudi Press Agency reported.

Later on Saturday, Prince Mohammed spoke with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The two leaders reviewed developments in the region following Israeli strikes on Iran, SPA said. 


Saudi FM receives German counterpart in Riyadh

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan receives his German counterpart Johann Wadephul in Riyadh on Saturday. (SPA)
Updated 14 June 2025
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Saudi FM receives German counterpart in Riyadh

  • During the meeting, the officials reviewed relations between their countries and ways to strengthen and develop them in various fields

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received his German counterpart Johann Wadephul in Riyadh on Saturday. 

During the meeting, the officials reviewed relations between their countries and ways to strengthen and develop them in various fields.

They also discussed regional and international developments and their implications on the security and stability of the region.


Saudi FM, US envoy to Syria discuss latest developments during phone call

Updated 14 June 2025
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Saudi FM, US envoy to Syria discuss latest developments during phone call

RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan received a phone call from US Special Envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack on Saturday, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

During the call, both diplomats discussed discussed measures to support the Syrian people on both humanitarian and economic levels.

Their talks also focused on the latest regional and international updates.


Saudi Arabia arrests 9,639 illegals in one week

Updated 14 June 2025
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Saudi Arabia arrests 9,639 illegals in one week

RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested 9,639 people in one week for breaching residency, work, and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

Of those, 5,625 were arrested for residency violations, 2,797 for attempting to cross the border illegally, and 1,217 for labor-related offenses.

The Ministry of Interior said that anyone found facilitating illegal entry into the Kingdom — including providing transportation or shelter — could face up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to SR1 million ($266,000), and the confiscation of vehicles and property.

Suspected violations can be reported by calling 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, or 999 and 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.