Sarah Schachner AMA: Behind the Music of PREDATOR, PREY & Iconic Games
Film and video game composer Sarah Schachner—known for Predator: Badlands (in theaters now), Prey, and franchises like Assassin’s Creed and Call of Duty—hosted a revealing Reddit AMA. Fans asked about her scoring techniques, career journey, and upcoming projects. Here are the highlights.
From Video Games to Blockbuster Films
Schachner’s transition from games (Assassin’s Creed Origins, Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare) to films (Prey, Predator: Badlands) wasn’t just luck. She credits her interactive scoring experience:
“Games train you to think non-linearly. In Assassin’s Creed, music adapts to player actions—that flexibility helped me build tension in Predator.”
Key differences? Films demand fixed emotional arcs, while games require modular, reactive tracks.
How Prey Fused Tradition with Sci-Fi
The Prey (2022) score blended Comanche instrumentation (flutes, drums) with synths to mirror the Predator’s clash with 18th-century warriors. Schachner shared:
- Collaboration: Worked with Native American musicians for authenticity.
- Innovation: Recorded eerie waterphone sounds in her backyard for the Predator’s alien vibe.
“It was about honoring history while sounding futuristic.”
Inside Predator: Badlands’ Primal Score
Schachner avoided copying Alan Silvestri’s iconic 1987 Predator theme. Instead:
- Soundscape: Used jungle-like percussion, breath textures, and deep bass.
- Legacy Nods: The Predator’s motif appears subtly—”a shadow in the music.”
“Pressure pushes you to innovate. You can’t just rehash the past.”
Schachner’s Advice for Aspiring Composers
- Build Your Portfolio: Score student films or indie games—no project is too small.
- Network Genuinely: Focus on relationships, not just job opportunities.
- Stay Versatile: Master multiple styles (orchestral, electronic, hybrid).
“Rejection is part of the journey. Let it fuel your growth.”
What’s Next?
Schachner teased a “sci-fi franchise” project but stayed secretive. Her final tip?
“Stay curious. The best ideas come from lifelong learning.”
Catch Predator: Badlands in theaters now, and stream her Prey score.
