**
Sarah Schachner’s Reddit AMA: A Deep Dive into Her Iconic Scores
Acclaimed composer Sarah Schachner—known for her work on Predator: Badlands (in theaters now), Prey, and hit video games like Assassin’s Creed and Call of Duty—recently hosted an AMA on r/movies, offering fans a behind-the-scenes look at her creative process. From her transition from gaming to film to the challenges of scoring a Predator movie, here’s what she revealed.
From Video Games to Blockbuster Films
Schachner’s career began in video game scoring, where she mastered the art of dynamic, adaptive music. “Games train you to think non-linearly,” she said. “In Prey, I used those skills to mirror the protagonist’s isolation—layering natural sounds like wind and wildlife to build tension.”
Her breakout in gaming (Assassin’s Creed Unity, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare) led to her first major film score: Prey (2022), a critically praised prequel that showcased her ability to blend primal intensity with emotional storytelling.
Scoring Predator: Badlands: Honoring the Legacy
Schachner faced a unique challenge with Predator: Badlands: expanding the franchise’s iconic sound while staying fresh. “The Predator’s growls and clicks are legendary, but Badlands needed its own identity,” she explained. “I balanced silence for tension with explosive action cues—sometimes less music is scarier.”
Breaking Barriers in Film Scoring
As a woman in a male-dominated field, Schachner addressed industry biases: “Early on, people assumed I was an assistant, not the composer. But the work speaks for itself.” She praised mentors like Hans Zimmer for fostering inclusivity but stressed the need for more opportunities for underrepresented voices.
Advice for Aspiring Composers
- Start small – “Score student films or indie games to build your portfolio.”
- Master tech – “Learn DAWs like Logic or Ableton—they’re as crucial as music theory.”
- Stay unique – “Don’t just imitate; find your voice.”
What’s Next?
While tight-lipped about specifics, Schachner teased “exciting projects in film and gaming.” With Predator: Badlands in theaters now, her innovative soundscapes continue to redefine modern scores.
**
