Finneas Had to Learn How to Score Music for a String Quartet for ‘Disclaimer’

Oscar-Winning Composer Finneas Takes on New Challenge with AppleTV+ Series

Oscar-winning composer and award-winning songwriter Finneas is known for his work on film soundtracks, including the James Bond film “No Time to Die” and “Barbie.” However, when he was approached to score AppleTV+’s limited series “Disclaimer,” it presented a new challenge for the talented musician. Creator and director Alfonso Cuarón wanted something unique from Finneas, pushing him out of his comfort zone.

Despite his impressive resume, Finneas had never scored a TV series before. Cuarón, a fan of his work, believed he was the perfect fit for the project. During post-production, Finneas had to learn how to write music for a string quartet, a new experience for him that ultimately paid off.

“Disclaimer” stars Cate Blanchett, Kevin Kline, Sacha Baron Cohen, and Kodi Smit-McPhee. The series follows journalist Catherine Ravenscroft (Blanchett) as she becomes the subject of a novel that exposes her darkest secrets, leading to a gripping narrative that unfolds over seven episodes.

To bring his musical vision to life, Finneas enlisted composer David Campbell to help notate and orchestrate his compositions for the Attacca Quartet. Cuarón’s preference for a minimalist approach to scoring, inspired by his previous films like “Roma,” guided Finneas in creating the perfect musical backdrop for the series.

Throughout the series, Finneas crafted different musical themes to represent the characters and their relationships. From a haunting piece for a pivotal scene in Episode 7 to a cello theme for Catherine and a family suite that captures the dynamics between the characters, his music adds depth and emotion to the storytelling.

Reflecting on his experience scoring for TV, Finneas reveals that he worked on cues out of order, jumping between episodes to create a cohesive soundtrack. This non-linear approach allowed him to explore different themes and moods, resulting in a dynamic and engaging score for “Disclaimer.”

As he looks to the future, Finneas expresses a desire to continue scoring for television, embracing the creative challenges and opportunities that come with the medium. His work on “Disclaimer” showcases his versatility as a composer and solidifies his place as a rising star in the world of film and TV music.