Celebrated Composers Bear McCreary, Paul Leonard-Morgan, Charles Humenry and Marius de Vries Join ASCAP Panel at SXSW 2026 on Redefining Cinema Through Film Composition

NEW YORK, March5, 2026 - The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), the original innovators in performing rights, advocacy and service for music creators, is set to host the panel "How SXSW Film Composers Are Redefining Cinema" on March 15 from 4:00 - 5:00 PM at SXSW in Austin. Moderated by acclaimed composer Bear McCreary (Battlestar Galactica, The Walking Dead), the panel will feature other leading ASCAP composers with films premiering at SXSW: Paul Leonard-Morgan (world premiere film Pretty Lethal), Charles Humenry (world premiere film Downbeat) and Marius de Vries (Texas premiere film The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist) in conversation as they explore the new tools, strategies and trends that are reshaping the world of film composition.

How SXSW Film Composers Are Redefining Cinema: Featuring Bear McCreary

Sunday, March 15 from 4:00 - 5:00 PM

Omni Downtown - Mansfield AB

700 San Jacinto Blvd at 8th Street

Austin, TX

In addition to the discussion, panel attendees will witness a cue-by-cue breakdown, as each composer showcases clips from their films at SXSW and favorite musical moments. Afterward, select attendees can meet with composers for advice, guidance and feedback on their work.

Platinum or Film & TV Badges are required to attend.

For more information on this panel, visit: https://www.ascap.com/sxsw26.

About ASCAP

The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) is a membership association of more than 1.1 million songwriters, composers and music publishers, and represents some of the world's most talented music creators. Founded and governed by songwriters, composers and publishers, it returns nearly 90 cents of every dollar collected to its members as royalties and has the lowest overhead rate of any U.S. PRO. ASCAP licenses a repertory of over 20 million musical works to hundreds of thousands of businesses that use music, including streaming services, cable television, radio and satellite radio and brick and mortar businesses such as retail stores, hotels, clubs, restaurants and bars. ASCAP collects the licensing fees and identifies, matches, processes and pays royalties to its members for trillions of performances every year. The ASCAP blanket license offers an efficient solution for businesses to legally perform ASCAP music while respecting the right of songwriters and composers to be paid fairly. ASCAP puts music creators first, advocating for their rights and the value of music on Capitol Hill, driving innovation that moves the industry forward, building community and providing the resources and support that creators need to succeed in their careers. Learn more and stay in touch at www.ascap.com, on Xand Instagram@ASCAP and on Facebook.

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