Harry Gregson-Williams: A Composer's Journey in Film (Interview)

An interview with Harry Gregson-Williams, composer of the music for films like The Chronicles of Narnia, Kingdom of Heaven, The Last Duel, the Shrek films, The Equalizer, and most recently Gladiator 2. We discuss his work alongside legendary directors like Ridley Scott and Tony Scott, coming up in Hollywood under the mentorship of Hans Zimmer, look back at some landmark moments along his journey, and take a look behind the curtain at the opening battle scene from Gladiator 2.

Special thank you to Harry for his time and his assistant Alexis Bragga.

0:00 Reflecting
2:03 The Chronicles of Narnia
10:40 Working with Musicians
14:53 Kingdom of Heaven
18:35 Meeting Ridley Scott
20:00 Recording Sessions
26:26 The Hans Zimmer Years
37:36 Collaborating with Filmmakers
43:08 Choral Writing
46:56 Vocals on Gladiator II
50:17 Behind the Score: Gladiator II
58:52 It Takes an Army
01:00:33 Mark Whaney Attitude
01:01:52 Advice
01:03:48 Finding Happiness

[JadonHarperMusic]

A monumental interview, easily one of the greatest living composers of our time.

[lukaszsalomonbryla]

The man, the myth, the legend One and only Harry Gregson-Williams !!! Thank you Harry for your passion and commitment. The world wouldn't be the same without your music❤❤❤

[NicolasWaldvogel]

What a composer! To me, it’s still crazy how underrated he is after such an illustrious career and the quality of his work. To me, HGW is on the same level as Hans Zimmer and Thomas Newman. One of the greats of the modern generation of composers.

Thanks Ashton especially for highlighting the Narnia score as I do think it’s his best and most profound work. Like he himself says it, there was something truly special and deeper about that work. Kingdom of Heaven also rocks!

[avpcreative]

And she said "Narnia" 🥹❤
Harry you are fooking musical genius! Because your music made the narnia more colourfull and adventurous in all plots.

Please please please Mr. HARRY GREGSON-WILLIAMS return in Shrek 5 🥹

[JonKovach]

His music is so beautiful and inspiring. Thanks Harry for sharing with us.

[sarahp]

Such a fantastic interview! He’s been my favourite composer since I first watched Narnia

[liudmillagalperin]

Amazing ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ thank you ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[nazarhadidian]

An absolute genius Harry Gregson-Williams, thank you Sir!

[leeward]

One of the best film composer interviews I've seen. A good deep dive. Well done Ashton! Could you do some more?

[mas]

Fantastic interview on both sides. Harry is such a wonderful guy.

[bbulostouzard]

Incredible! An absolute privilege to be able to hear this interview. And what a fantastic interviewer, too!

[robfel]

Ashton, your storytelling and edit/music is way beond your age. Kudos my friend captivating us for a whole hour. Greetings from 💛💙💛💙 Sweden 💙💛💙💛

[raminali]

Harry Gregson-Williams is one of the world's greatest film composers!

[beatrixpluhar]

☺Thanks you so much 👍✌I love this music 🎶What a fantastic interview 🌹 Awesome job 🥂🍫🍰

[RadoslawRozbicki]

One of the best interviews I've ever seen. 🙂 Great job, congratulations to you gentlemen Ashton Gleckman and Harry Gregson-Williams! 👏👏👏

[hlupekkk]

I love this man and his music. Had an opportunity to shake his hand once in Prague. Thank you Ashton for that great interview.

[ericheiberg]

Absolutely one of the best composer interviews EVER !! .... great job Ashton, you asked so many of the things that I wanted to know, and skipped the stupid Hollywood reporter type stuff... thank you-- big time !!!

[synchrotones]

Wonderful interview Ashton and Harry. Thank you!

[scottjmccray]

Harry is one of my favorite people... his ability to take a movie where it needs to go through his score is so profound. The journey across Mars in the Martian still brings me to tears every time!!!!

[jand.k.]

Awesome, Ashton. I'm glad to see that your dedication to scoring and your willingness to share your knowledge and enthusiasm on this platform has allowed you to meet some of the greats.