Film scores are often created late in production, competing with sound design. But on Ultraman: Rising, Emmy-winning composer Scot Stafford took a different path. In this talk, he walks through the creative process - from early 8-bit synth experiments to a rare collaboration with Skywalker Sound legend Randy Thom - crafting a score that integrates seamlessly with sound design. By composing early and recording in full Atmos, Ultraman achieved a sonic world where music and sound don’t just coexist - they elevate each other.

This approach didn’t start with Ultraman, nor did it end there. For 15 years, Stafford has applied the same thinking beyond film - prototyping how music interacts with new technology. From real-time brainwave visualization to AI-driven voice models and surgical soundscapes, his work continues to break down barriers between music, sound, and science. This talk explores what happens when composers embrace new tools and disciplines to redefine what sound can do.