Killer Tracks, a leading production music company, has rebranded as Universal Production Music. The new name strengthens alignment with parent company Universal Music Group. In addition, the rebrand highlights Universal Production Music’s premier global offerings including a catalog of unprecedented quality and depth, international talent, flexibility in licensing, leading-edge technologies, and personalized client support and expertise.
“The new brand reaffirms our commitment to creating an unparalleled musical experience made better and simpler with leading technologies,” said president Michael Sammis. “Universal Music’s brand is globally synonymous with musical excellence and the newly rebranded Universal Production Music is proud to carry that torch as the global leader in production music.”
As part of its rebrand and commitment to technology/innovation, Universal Production Music has launched a new website in the U.S. Using the new theme “Find Your Anthem,” the site provides intuitive new tools for searching, sharing and collaborating, all of which are designed to help users discover unique tracks to tell their stories and make their projects stand out. New features include a “My Account” section that allows users to control access, download tracks, manage licenses and pay invoices.
Drawing on a roster of talent that includes today’s hottest composers, producers and artists, the library currently releases more than 30 albums of original music each month. It also offers more than 150 curated playlists organized by theme.
“Customers will gain faster access to tracks, simplified licensing and more great music,” noted VP of repertoire Carl Peel. “At the same time, they can still speak directly with our music search specialists for help in finding that perfect track and building playlists. Our licensing experts will continue to provide guidance with questions related to rights and usage.”
The company began rebranding its global libraries under the Universal Production Music brand in 2018. Together with the newly rebranded US company, the global brand now boasts offices in more than 30 countries.
“We look forward to working closely with our colleagues in the U.S. to share insights into emerging musical trends, develop innovative services and pursue co-production ventures,” said Jane Carter, managing director of Universal Production Music, UK. “Most importantly, our customers will enjoy an even wider selection of premium music to bring their projects to life.”
“Heretic” and “Maria” Set As Red Carpet Premieres At AFI Fest
The American Film Institute (AFI) has announced that Heretic, the psychological thriller starring Hugh Grant, and Maria, based on the life of opera singer Maria Callas starring Angelina Jolie, will round out the Red Carpet Premieres section at this year’s AFI Fest. The Heretic Gala Screening will take place on Thursday, October 24, and the Maria Gala Screening will be held on Saturday, October 26. The complete Red Carpet Premieres section includes the world premieres of Music By John Williams, Robert Zemeckis’ Here, Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl and Clint Eastwood’s Juror #2. All Red Carpet Premieres will take place at the historic TCL Chinese Theatre. The full lineup for AFI Fest 2024 will be unveiled on October 1.
“At the heart of AFI Fest is an unwavering dedication to celebrating the best in global cinema--together,” said Bob Gazzale, AFI president and CEO. “We look forward to uniting artists and audiences once again to be inspired by the art form in a powerful sense of community.”
Heretic follows two young missionaries (Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East) who are forced to prove their faith when they knock on the wrong door and are greeted by a diabolical Mr. Reed (portrayed by Grant), becoming ensnared in his deadly game of cat-and-mouse. The film is directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods and produced by Stacey Sher, Beck, Woods, Julia Glausi and Jeanette Volturno. The film will be released nationwide by A24 on November 8.
Directed by Pablo Larraín, Maria presents a tumultuous and beautiful depiction of one of the world’s most renowned artists and reimagines the legendary soprano in her final days in Paris, as Callas (Jolie)... Read More