We’ve worked on a number of projects for season one and two of HBO’s His Dark Materials, from behind the scenes segments to promos and more. However, for this one we delivered a classic blockbuster-style mix, which is short yet punchy. This feel is perfectly suited for the cinematic scale and ambition of the show, and we wanted to emphasize that through our final mix of HBO’s expertly crafted music and design.

The trailer begins with a low percussive rumble, as two children shelter from a storm. We hear the clink of their cups as they propose a toast. Then a burst of strings signifies a change in pace, with the the shiny sweep of a drawn sword adding to the drama. Symphonic strings rise and fall between clips of dialogue, before we hear the throaty roar of polar bears fighting. The string stabs increase in intensity as the trailer draws to a close, with further roars and the shriek of an eagle accentuating the tension. A final splash of strings rings out as the title of the show and the HBO logo fade out.

NETWORK: HBO
SOUND DESIGN/MIX: Defacto Sound