Kevin Kiner, Deana Kiner, Sean Kiner - The Art of Scoring for Animation SDCC 2024

Kevin Kiner, Deana Kiner, and Sean Kiner are a family of acclaimed composers celebrated for their dynamic collaborations on diverse film and television projects, most notably within the Star Wars universe. Their collective talent and distinct perspectives have consistently produced memorable and impactful scores that resonate with audiences worldwide.

The Kiners’ contributions to the Star Wars franchise have garnered widespread acclaim, with fans praising their ability to capture the essence of the series while infusing their own creative flair. Their distinctive musical voice has become an integral part of the Star Wars experience, enriching the emotional depth and narrative impact of the stories.

Kevin Kiner, Deana Kiner, and Sean Kiner at San Diego Comic-Con

The trio recently participated in the “The Character of Music: The Art of Scoring for Animation” panel. This engaging discussion delved into the unique challenges and creative opportunities that arise when composing music for animated projects. The Kiners joined a distinguished lineup of renowned composers, sharing their insights and experiences. They spoke alongside those who have scored popular animated films and series, such as Star Wars, Blush, Barbie Mysteries, Gremlins, and X-Men ’97. Moderated by White Bear PR’s Chandler Poling and co-presented by BMI and White Bear PR, the panel provided a valuable platform for exploring the artistry and technical intricacies of scoring for animation.

Throughout our interview with them, the trio discussed how they approach each project by focusing on the story and characters. And how they draw inspiration from them to create memorable themes. They emphasize the importance of collaboration and experimentation in their creative process. Often seeking feedback from each other and Dave Filoni, the director of many Star Wars animated series. And always doing what they can to stay true to George Luca’s wishes, while honoring the work of original composer John Williams.

George Lucas did not want us to use a lot of John’s themes. We could use them in certain places, but only when we had permission. And I thought that was really effective, because then all of a sudden, when you use this force theme, it becomes an extremely powerful moment in the show. And so as we’ve gone on year by year, I mean we’ve done hundreds and hundreds of episodes. So the score grew along with the show. And as the show has become different, as Star Wars has grown, the music has grown too. And it’s just organic within the property. – Kevin Kiner

Passion For Star Wars evident in their Work

The family’s passion for Star Wars is evident in their work. They strive to maintain the essence of the franchise while pushing boundaries and exploring new musical territories.

It’s definitely felt like there has been a lot of progress. I don’t know if that’s just because of how like there’s been progress, like, Ahsoka going from animated, to then live action and things. But being able to experiment for this long, with the genre that John Williams created has led us to some really interesting places. And it really has been like a journey. We’ve covered so much ground. And, you know, it’s been so cool to see how much eclectic energy Star Wars can bear. It can bear a lot. It really always surprises me. – Sean Kiner

The Kiner Family’s deep appreciation for fans

They have a deep appreciation for the fans and acknowledge their role in making the music feel real and tangible.

I will say that the fans really make it more tangible. Like when all of a sudden it’s like, “Oh, this is real and real people actually watch this”. I was just stuck in my hole for six months, like in the dark, you know, writing, like watching the scene over and over again until it becomes meaningless or whatever. But watching a fan get really excited to see us, it feels crazy, but it makes it feel real all a sudden. – Deana Kiner

The Kiner family’s dedication to their craft and their love for Star Wars has resulted in a rich and diverse musical landscape. One that deeply resonates with fans. Additionally, it contributes to the ongoing success of the franchise. Their work is a testament to the power of collaboration, creativity, and the enduring appeal of Star Wars.