In Part 1 of this conversation, Gabe Shadid sits down with veteran executive producer Bob Dohrmann for a deep dive into the real mechanics of filmmaking—the side audiences never see.

Known for his work on films like A Star Is Born (starring Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga) and 10 Cloverfield Lane, and the upcoming The Devil Wears Prada Sequel, Bob has built a career mastering the full lifecycle of production—from budgeting and logistics to execution.

But as he explains, being a line producer isn't just a job—it's about understanding all aspects of a production. The timelines. The risks. The costs. The decisions that can make or break a film before cameras even roll.

In this episode, Bob shares:

-What a line producer actually does (and why it's one of the most critical roles in filmmaking)

-How major films get structured from "soup to nuts"

-The hidden complexity behind budgets, schedules, and studio expectations

-His journey from the ground level to producing major studio films

-The mindset required to survive—and succeed—in Hollywood

Recorded at the legendary Village Recording Studio in Los Angeles, this is a rare, insider conversation about the business side of creativity—where art meets execution.

And don't miss the community building fun with Pumpkin Racing at the end! He calls Gabe the Darth Vader of Pumpkin Racing!

This is Part 1 of a two-part interview.

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In this episode of the Epic Score Podcast, host Gabe Shadid reveals news of his upcoming online epic music community.

Plus, he shares a crazy story of how someone tried to impersonate Epic Score. There's always something going on behind-the-scenes.

🎧 Subscribe to The Epic Score Podcast for in-depth conversations with the creators and executives shaping the sound of modern cinema.

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To reach out to us directly email: podcast@epicscore.com

In this episode of the Epic Score Podcast, Gabe Shadid sits down with composer Alex Pfeffer to talk about the journey of finding your voice in cinematic music.

From early experiments writing rough demos to discovering his own powerful epic orchestral sound, Alex shares how he pushed and took chances to achieve goals beyond being just a composer.

The conversation explores the realities of building a career in music—how composers actually meet collaborators, the importance of creative community, and how relationships still matter in an increasingly digital world.

They also dive into one of the biggest questions facing artists today: what happens to creativity in the age of AI? As technology changes the landscape of music production, composers are redefining how they connect, collaborate, and stay creatively relevant.

Whether you're an aspiring film composer, trailer music fan, or creator navigating the evolving music industry, this episode offers an honest look at the challenges and opportunities of building a career in cinematic music.

🎧 Subscribe to The Epic Score Podcast for in-depth conversations with the creators and executives shaping the sound of modern cinema.

Subscribe to Epic Score's newsletter for events and more: https://go.epicscore.com/

To reach out to us directly email: podcast@epicscore.com

In this episode of the Epic Score Podcast, host Gabe Shadid shares the story of an unexpected moment when Epic Score's music crossed into mainstream Hip-Hop. Drake released his hit song "First Person Shooter (feat. J. Cole)," and it featured a sample from the Epic Score track "Redemption".

Gabe shares a behind-the-scenes look at how trailer music can travel far beyond promo licensing to the wild world of global pop culture. "First Person Shooter" debuted at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and that was just the start of even more adventures.

🎧 Subscribe to The Epic Score Podcast for in-depth conversations with the creators and executives shaping the sound of modern cinema.

Subscribe to Epic Score's newsletter for events and more: https://go.epicscore.com/

To reach out to us directly email: podcast@epicscore.com

In this episode of the Epic Score Podcast, Gabe Shadid sits down with longtime friend and SuperBloom ad agency owner Tom Dunlap for a wide-ranging conversation about creative careers, advertising, and what it takes to sustain long-term professional growth.

Tom shares how his creative curiosity evolved into a decades-long career in marketing and agency leadership. The discussion explores creative instincts, adapting to new technology, building momentum over time, staying relevant in a changing world and the mindset required to keep moving forward in a competitive industry.

Whether you work in music, advertising, or the broader creative world, this episode offers practical perspective on following your interests, developing your skills, and playing the long game.

🎧 Subscribe to The Epic Score Podcast for in-depth conversations with the creators and executives shaping the sound of modern cinema.

Subscribe to Epic Score's newsletter for events and more: https://go.epicscore.com/

To reach out to us directly email: podcast@epicscore.com

In this episode of The Epic Score Podcast, host Gabe Shadid reflects on the importance of staying open-minded and adaptable in a rapidly changing creative landscape.

Drawing from the early days of Epic Score's launch in 2006, Gabe shares personal stories about building expertise, navigating industry shifts, and gaining perspective through experience. A thoughtful look at how deep focus and flexibility can coexist in today's fast-moving music world.

🎧 Subscribe to The Epic Score Podcast for in-depth conversations with the creators and executives shaping the sound of modern cinema.

Subscribe to Epic Score's newsletter for events and more: https://go.epicscore.com/

To reach out to us directly email: podcast@epicscore.com

In this episode of The Epic Score Podcast, host Gabe Shadid sits down with composer/sample developer Nick Phoenix, co-founder of Two Steps From Hell, and founder of Quantum Leap for a deep conversation about artistic longevity, creative discipline, and the evolution of epic music and sound sampling.

Nick shares candid insights into building a global cinematic music brand, navigating industry shifts, and maintaining independence in a rapidly changing music landscape. From the early days of trailer music and sound sampling to the challenges of becoming a rock artist, this episode explores what it truly takes to sustain a career in the creative world.

Plus, Nick shares news of some exciting upcoming epic projects.

Whether you're a composer, producer, or serious fan of cinematic music, this conversation offers rare perspective from one of the architects of the genre.

🎧 Subscribe to The Epic Score Podcast for in-depth conversations with the creators and executives shaping the sound of modern cinema.

Subscribe to Epic Score's newsletter for events and more: https://go.epicscore.com/

To reach out to us directly email: podcast@epicscore.com

In this episode of The Epic Score Podcast, host Gabe Shadid, founder of Epic Score, continues with Part 4 of the story of his journey into the world of audio and music.

Gabe opens up about the long road to creative confidence—and how believing in yourself is so important, but something many of us find difficult.

From early self-doubt that held him back, to unexpected validation from music libraries and others, Gabe shares real stories from his music career as it was slowly building with production music, tv themes and beta testing. You'll hear how external feedback, timing, and persistence slowly built momentum—even when confidence lagged behind results.

This episode is part reflection, part encouragement, and part behind-the-scenes look at what it's really like to build a career in cinematic and television music. If you're a composer, producer, or creative who's putting in the work but still questioning yourself, this conversation is a reminder to give yourself a chance—and let the work speak.

🎧 Subscribe to The Epic Score Podcast for in-depth conversations with the creators and executives shaping the sound of modern cinema.

Subscribe to Epic Score's newsletter for events and more: https://go.epicscore.com/

To reach out to us directly email: podcast@epicscore.com