Disney Taps Haim Mazar and Grace Fisher for Lilo & Scratch Score
The composers blend Hawaiian instrumentation with orchestral arrangements for the new animated short film.
1New Musical Collaboration
Composers Haim Mazar and Grace Fisher have been selected to score Disney’s upcoming animated short, Lilo & Scratch. The project will debut in theaters ahead of the feature film Hexed. This short introduces a mischievous cat named Scratch into the ohana, creating chaotic scenarios that challenge Stitch’s patience and responsibility.
2Orchestral and Cultural Fusion
The musical score features a unique blend of a nine-piece Hawaiian ensemble alongside a 70-piece symphony orchestra. Mazar and Fisher developed an original theme specifically designed to bridge these two distinct musical worlds. This cohesive sound aims to reflect both the tropical setting and the grand cinematic scale of Disney animation.
3Grace Fisher’s Artistic Journey
Grace Fisher’s involvement marks a milestone in her professional career as a composer. After contracting Acute Flaccid Myelitis at age 17, which left her paralyzed, she adapted her creative process. She now composes using specialized adaptive technology, allowing her to continue her lifelong passion for music despite significant physical health challenges.
4Mentorship and Creative Partnership
Haim Mazar, who previously composed the score for the animated short Versa, serves as a mentor to Fisher. Their partnership grew from a shared enthusiasm for storytelling through music. Mazar praised Fisher’s unique voice and instincts, noting that their collaboration pushed the creative boundaries of the project’s original musical theme.
5Advocacy for Inclusive Arts
Fisher is a vocal advocate for accessibility and inclusion within the creative arts industry. She actively works to create opportunities for individuals of all abilities to engage in creative expression. Her participation in this Disney project highlights the importance of adaptive technology in enabling professional success for disabled artists in Hollywood.
6Production and Creative Leadership
The short film Lilo & Scratch is written and directed by Fawn Veerasunthorn and Malcon Pierce. Nathan Curtis, known for his work on Zootopia+, serves as the producer. Jared Bush, the chief creative officer for Disney Animation, provides executive oversight, ensuring the project aligns with the studio’s broader creative and narrative goals.
7Technical Composition Approach
The composers focused on creating a versatile theme that could be tailored to different instrumentation styles. By balancing the intimate sounds of the Hawaiian ensemble with the power of a 70-piece orchestra, they aimed to capture the film's chaotic energy. Mazar conducted the recording sessions to ensure the final sound remained balanced.
8Legacy of Disney Animation
This project continues Disney’s tradition of pairing high-quality animation with sophisticated musical scores. By integrating new talent like Fisher alongside experienced composers like Mazar, the studio maintains its commitment to innovation. The short serves as a narrative expansion of the beloved Lilo & Stitch universe, appealing to both new and legacy audiences.
Original article: Variety – Music — Disney Taps Haim Mazar and Grace Fisher for Lilo & Scratch Score