Athlete A

Q&A with Composer

JEFF BEAL

Moderated by TIM GREIVING (Film Music Journalist)

Screening Link available upon Registration

YouTube Live Stream Q&A:

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15 – 5:30PM PT

Athlete A is a feature length documentary about the search for truth in the aftermath of one of the greatest scandals in the history of sports. In March 2016, a team of reporters from The Indianapolis Star began investigating claims of abuse in USA Gymnastics. Two years later, a doctor is behind bars, dozens of coaches have been banned and hundreds of victims are speaking out, including Maggie Nichols, dubbed “Athlete A” because she was the first to report Dr. Larry Nassar’s abuse to USAG. The film follows IndyStar reporters as they reveal the extensive cover up that allowed abuse to thrive within elite-level gymnastics, the attorney fighting the institutions that failed these athletes, and most importantly the brave whistleblowers who refuse to be silenced. A dramatic, devastating and ultimately inspiring film, Athlete A celebrates the power of truth as America searches for a new way forward in this beloved sport. PG-13 | 104min

Jeff Beal’s score for Athlete A, a 2020 Critic’s Choice winner for best sports documentary, features the artistry of The San Francisco Girls Chorus. Directed by Valerie Sainte Agathe, the choir recorded at Skywalker Sound North with engineer Leslie Ann Jones. “Incorporating the chorus was director Bonni Cohen’s suggestion, and their voices became a perfect sonic pairing for the brave female athletes speaking out,” says Beal. “These young women are wonderful musicians and added depth to the score.” He previously collaborated with director/producer team of Bonni Cohen and Jon Shenk on An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power. Documentarians trust Beal to aid their storytelling; to bring the audience in without intruding. His other feature documentary scores include Blackfish, The Biggest Little Farm, The Queen of Versailles, and The Putin Interviews, for directors including Oliver Stone, Lauren Greenfield, John Chester, and Jessica Yu.  

Beal’s eclectic film and television music has received wide acclaim and awards recognition. He’s garnered 19 Emmy nominations, including HBO’s groundbreaking series Rome and Carnivale. He’s won five statues for his work, including Netflix’s House of Cards and the USA series Monk. Beal is unique in the industry in that he composes, conducts, records, and mixes his own scores, giving his music a personal, distinctive touch. He began his career as a jazz trumpeter, releasing several solo albums in the ’80s and ’90s on Island Records and Triloka Records. His first commissioned concert works combined improvised soloists with orchestra. New York Times reviewer Steven Schneider wrote of “the richness of Beal’s musical thinking…his compositions often capture the liveliness and unpredictability of the best improvisation.” His breakout film score was for first-time director Ed Harris’ Oscar-winning Pollock. Beal continues to compose for the concert hall and screen.  Storytelling and authentically connecting with audiences provide the impetus for his wide-ranging musical creations. His most recent projects include the limited docuseries JFK, Destiny Betrayed for Oliver Stone, feature film Breaking News in Yuba County for director Tate Taylor, and the drama series Walker, premiering 2021.  

*** IMPORTANT – PLEASE READ ***

FREE for current SCL members (click HERE to check membership status).

Attendees will be emailed a Screening Link upon Registration and a Q&A YouTube Live Stream link on Friday, January 15, 10 minutes before Q&A start.

Attendees can ask questions on YouTube chat, and the SCL Host will pass them on to the Moderator. The SCL Member Code of Conduct applies to online Q&As.

---