logo
episode-header-image
Nov 2016
32m 51s

Episode 17: Director David Yates Talks A...

Edith Bowman
About this episode

When you're invited to direct a movie adaptation involving one of the most-loved literary creations the world has ever known, you can be pretty certain you won't get a second chance if you mess it up.

Thankfully, that's not a fate that befell David Yates. Not only did David take charge of the last four Harry Potter films, he was also asked to make JK Rowling's official spin-off Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them, which has been greeted with hugely positive reviews.

With the budgets attached to the Potter franchise, it is of course possible to secure the services of the best composers in the world. David has taken full advantage of this privilege, variously employing Nicholas Hooper, Alexandre Desplat and James Newton Howard. He also collaborated with Rupert Gregson-WIlliams on The Legend Of Tarzan.

You'll hear plenty of their work throughout the conversation, as well as that of John Williams - who provided scores for the first three Potters. We also find out a little bit about his earlier work, and get a blast of Mongolian throat music, which he used to great effect in his BAFTA nominated short film, Rank.

Up next
Jul 7
524: Alexandre Desplat On The Music Of Jurassic Park Rebirth
We're back with the second of our Jurassic Park Rebirth specials to kick off your week. We released Edith's chat with director Gareth Edwards a little earlier. Now it's the turn of his composer Alexandre Desplat, who of course had to contend with the legacy of all the wonderful m ... Show More
25m 47s
Jul 7
523: Gareth Edwards on The Music Of Jurassic World Rebirth
It's another two show week here on Soundtracking, as first director Gareth Edwards and then composer Alexandre Desplat join us to discuss their work on Jurassic World: Rebirth. In this first of the interviews, Gareth gives us the inside line on how he got the gig, cast members pe ... Show More
30m 19s
Jun 30
522: Composer Antonio Sanchez On The Music Of The Studio & Birdman
King Of The Drums, Antonio Sanchez, joins us to discuss his work on Apple TV+ hit, The Studio, and his seminal, groundbreaking score for Birdman. He is an absolute delight, and fascinating in his exploration of his process. 
45m 46s
Recommended Episodes
Nov 2022
Harry Potter: The Movie
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, the first big-screen adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s best-selling book series, had its premiere in London's Leicester Square on November 4th, 2001. Among the glittering guest list were Sting, Cliff Richard, and the Duchess of York, but Baby ... Show More
12m 5s
Mar 2021
505: Seven Harry Potter Fan Films That Expand The Story in Brilliant Ways
The MuggleCasters recently appeared on Evanna Lynch’s ChickPeeps podcast, where we nerded out on Harry Potter - check it out! We remember Harry Potter fandom icon Nigel Taylor (Vladimir Snape) Grab the popcorn, candy and soda and hide it inside Laura's huge purse, because this we ... Show More
1h 6m
Oct 2021
A Comparison of Harry Potter Soundtracks - John Williams and Alexandre Desplat
This is a DEEP DIVE into the soundtracks of the Harry Potter films, and particularly The Philosopher's Stone, and The Deathly Hallows. I want to explore why these films sound so different from each other, what stylistic elements each composer favours, and the impact that these st ... Show More
59m 9s
Oct 2023
629: 'Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire' Movie Commentary Track!
As we prepare to launch our Goblet of Fire Chapter-by-Chapter series, we're excited to finally do a movie commentary track for the fourth Harry Potter movie! Join the MuggleCasters as they watch and discuss Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. You will need to bring your own copy ... Show More
2h 33m
Jan 2021
498: Harry Potter's 'Midnight Sun': The Companion Stories We Want Written
News: With a new appointment at Warner Brothers, could a Harry Potter television show be in our future? (Note: This episode was recorded before The Hollywood Reporter reported on January 25 that a live-action Harry Potter series is officially in development, but our news discussi ... Show More
59m 17s
Aug 2020
#479: The Best Chapters of the ENTIRE Harry Potter Series
20 Years Ago: Dan, Emma and Rupert were announced to play Harry, Ron and Hermione Sorcerer's Stone surpasses $1 billion at the box office as theaters reopen in China Fantastic Beasts 3 set to resume filming in September -- will the movie's release date be delayed? Main Discussion ... Show More
1h 7m
Jul 2021
520: The Most Shocking Moments in Fandom History, Part 2: Encyclopedia Flip Flop, More Wizarding Schools, Fantastic Beasts
We continue our discussion on the most shocking moments in Harry Potter fandom history, with some stories you'll remember -- and others you probably forgot! In 2012, Micah discovered that JKR had announced she was actively working on a Harry Potter Encyclopedia, but it was quickl ... Show More
1h 11m
Apr 2021
509: What We'd Change About The Harry Potter Books and Movies
Main Discussion: What Would We Change About The Harry Potter Books & Movies? A couple of Mary GrandPre's book covers should've taken a different direction! It's Philosopher's Stone, NOT Sorcerer's Stone! Get with it, America! What's Buggin' Micah returns as he Americanizes the ot ... Show More
1h 23m
May 2021
Hans Zimmer Scores
Hans Zimmer is one of the most celebrated and successful film composers of all time. He has scored more than 150 movies including Gladiator, Hannibal, Sherlock Holmes, The Last Samurai, the Thin Red Line, and many more. He won an Academy Award for Lion King and has earned 10 othe ... Show More
50m 50s
Jul 2023
Hans Zimmer - Summer Staff Picks
Our staff picks continue at “Here’s The Thing,” where throughout the summer, members of our team select their favorite interviews from the archives. This week, we revisit Alec’s 2021 interview with Hans Zimmer, one of the most celebrated and successful film composers of all time. ... Show More
51m 23s