David Newman

David Newman

Born:March 11, 1954

Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, USA

Known For:Sound

Biography

David Newman, born on March 11, 1954, is a highly esteemed American composer and conductor renowned for his exceptional work in film scores. With a career that has flourished over nearly four decades, Newman has left an indelible mark on the world of cinema with his musical compositions. Hailing from a family deeply rooted in the music industry, he is the son of Martha Louise and the legendary Hollywood composer Alfred Newman. Interestingly, David is part of a musical dynasty, being the brother of Thomas Newman and the cousin of Randy Newman, both celebrated composers in their own right.

Newman's musical prowess extends beyond the realms of film, as he is also a skilled violinist and a sought-after concert conductor. His passion for music was nurtured during his time at the University of Southern California, where he honed his craft and laid the foundation for his illustrious career. Throughout his journey in the world of music, Newman has showcased a remarkable ability to evoke emotions and enhance storytelling through his compositions, making him a vital collaborator for filmmakers seeking to elevate their projects.

The depth and breadth of Newman's work are truly impressive, with his music having graced the soundtracks of nearly 100 feature films. His distinctive style and keen understanding of cinematic storytelling have earned him a reputation as a versatile and innovative composer. Each score crafted by Newman is a testament to his creativity and ability to tailor his music to suit the unique narrative of every film he works on.

Beyond his contributions to the world of cinema, David Newman's talent as a conductor has garnered him widespread acclaim in the realm of classical music. His ability to lead orchestras with precision and passion has made him a respected figure in the world of musical performance. Newman's dedication to his craft and his unwavering commitment to excellence have solidified his status as a true master of his art.

In addition to his professional achievements, Newman's personal journey is one marked by a deep love and appreciation for music. His lifelong dedication to his craft is evident in the beauty and complexity of his compositions, which continue to captivate audiences around the world. As a visionary artist and a trailblazer in the world of film scoring, David Newman's legacy is one that will endure for generations to come.

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David Newman

Filmography

Acting

Music by John Williams

Music by John Williams

Self - Film Composer / Conductor

2024

His unforgettable scores are an essential part of some of the most beloved movies of our time, over a career that spans decades. See and hear maestro John Williams' own story, with insights from filmmakers, musicians, and others he has inspired, complete with rare behind-the-scenes looks at the making of movie history.
Never Surrender: A Galaxy Quest Documentary

Never Surrender: A Galaxy Quest Documentary

Self

2019

A feature-length documentary about the film Galaxy Quest and its legacy, celebrating its milestone 20th anniversary.

Production

Ice Age

Ice Age

Conductor

2002

With the impending ice age almost upon them, a mismatched trio of prehistoric critters – Manny the woolly mammoth, Diego the saber-toothed tiger and Sid the giant sloth – find an orphaned infant and decide to return it to its human parents. Along the way, the unlikely allies become friends but, when enemies attack, their quest takes on far nobler aims.
Matilda

Matilda

Original Music Composer

1996

Matilda Wormwood is an exquisite and intelligent little girl. Unfortunately, her parents, Harry and Zinnia misunderstand her because they think she is so different. As time passes, she finally starts school and has a kind teacher, loyal friends, and a sadistic headmistress. As she gets fed up with the constant cruelty, she begins to realize that she has a gift of telekinetic powers. After some days of practice, she suddenly turns the tables to stand up to Harry and Zinnia and outwit the headmistress.
Norbit

Norbit

Original Music Composer

2007

A mild-mannered guy who is engaged to a monstrous woman meets the woman of his dreams, and schemes to find a way to be with her.
Scooby-Doo

Scooby-Doo

Conductor

2002

When the Mystery Inc. gang is invited to Spooky Island, a popular amusement park, they soon discover that the attractions aren't the only things that are spooky. Strange things are happening, and it's up to Scooby, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma to uncover the truth behind the mysterious happenings.
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days

How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days

Original Music Composer

2003

It's the battle of wills, as Andie needs to prove she can dump a guy in 10 days, whereas Ben needs to prove he can win a girl in 10 days. Now, the clock is ticking—and the wildly entertaining comedy smash is off and running in this irresistible tale of sex, lies and outrageous romantic fireworks!
Life or Something Like It

Life or Something Like It

Original Music Composer

2002

A reporter Lanie Kerrigan interviews a psychic homeless man for a fluff piece about a football game's score. Instead he tells her that her life has no meaning and is going to end in just a few days, which sparks her to action, trying to change the pattern of her life...
Anastasia

Anastasia

Original Music Composer

1997

Ten years after she was separated from her family, an eighteen-year-old orphan with vague memories of the past sets out to Paris in hopes of reuniting with her grandmother. She is accompanied by two con men, who intend to pass her off as the Grand Duchess Anastasia to the Dowager Empress for a reward.
The Sandlot

The Sandlot

Original Music Composer

1993

During a summer of friendship and adventure, one boy becomes a part of the gang, nine boys become a team and their leader becomes a legend by confronting the terrifying mystery beyond the right field wall.
The Cat in the Hat

The Cat in the Hat

Original Music Composer

2003

During a rainy day, and while their mother is out, Conrad and Sally, and their pet fish, are visited by the mischievous Cat in the Hat. Fun soon turns to mayhem, and the siblings must figure out how to rid themselves of the maniacal Cat.
Big Mommas: Like Father, Like Son

Big Mommas: Like Father, Like Son

Original Music Composer

2011

FBI agent Malcolm Turner and his 17-year-old son Trent go undercover at an all-girls performing arts school after Trent witnesses a murder. Posing as Big Momma and Charmaine, they must find the murderer before he finds them.
Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel

Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel

Original Music Composer

2009

Pop sensations Alvin, Simon and Theodore end up in the care of Dave Seville's twenty-something nephew Toby. The boys must put aside music super stardom to return to school, and are tasked with saving the school's music program by winning the $25,000 prize in a battle of the bands. But the Chipmunks unexpectedly meet their match in three singing chipmunks known as The Chipettes - Brittany, Eleanor and Jeanette. Romantic and musical sparks are ignited when the Chipmunks and Chipettes square off.
Girls Trip

Girls Trip

Original Music Composer

2017

Four girlfriends take a trip to New Orleans for an annual festival and, along the way, rediscover their wild sides and strengthen the bonds of sisterhood.
The Flintstones

The Flintstones

Original Music Composer

1994

Modern Stone Age family the Flintstones hit the big screen in this live-action version of the classic cartoon. Fred helps Barney adopt a child. Barney sees an opportunity to repay him when Slate Mining tests its employees to find a new executive. But no good deed goes unpunished.
West Side Story

West Side Story

Music Arranger

2021

Two youngsters from rival New York City gangs fall in love, but tensions between their respective friends build toward tragedy.
Serenity

Serenity

Conductor

2005

When the renegade crew of Serenity agrees to hide a fugitive on their ship, they find themselves in an action-packed battle between the relentless military might of a totalitarian regime who will destroy anything – or anyone – to get the girl back and the bloodthirsty creatures who roam the uncharted areas of space. But... the greatest danger of all may be on their ship.
Bedazzled

Bedazzled

Original Music Composer

2000

Elliot Richards, a socially awkward IT worker, is given seven wishes to get the girl of his dreams when he meets a very seductive Satan. The catch: his soul. Some of his wishes include being a 7 foot basketball star, a wealthy, powerful man, and a sensitive caring guy. But, as could be expected, the Devil puts her own little twist on each of his fantasies.
Heathers

Heathers

Original Music Composer

1988

A girl who halfheartedly tries to be part of the "in crowd" of her school meets a rebel who teaches her a more devious way to play social politics: by killing the popular kids.
Scooby-Doo! The Mystery Begins

Scooby-Doo! The Mystery Begins

Original Music Composer

2009

Unjustly accused of staging a spooky practical joke complete with ghosts, Daphne, Velma, Fred and Shaggy are suspended from Coolsville High. To clear their names, they team up to solve the supernatural mystery…and head straight into nonstop laughs and adventure.
Monster-in-Law

Monster-in-Law

Original Music Composer

2005

Office temp Charlotte Cantilini thinks she's found Mr. Right when she starts dating gorgeous surgeon Dr. Kevin Fields. But there's a problem standing in the way of everlasting bliss: Kevin's overbearing and controlling mother, Viola. Fearing she'll lose her son's affections forever, Viola decides to break up the happy couple by becoming the world's worst mother-in-law.
Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure

Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure

Original Music Composer

1989

Bill and Ted are high school buddies starting a band. They are also about to fail their history class—which means Ted would be sent to military school—but receive help from Rufus, a traveller from a future where their band is the foundation for a perfect society. With the use of Rufus' time machine, Bill and Ted travel to various points in history, returning with important figures to help them complete their final history presentation.
Galaxy Quest

Galaxy Quest

Orchestrator

1999

For four years, the courageous crew of the NSEA protector - "Commander Peter Quincy Taggart", "Lt. Tawny Madison and "Dr.Lazarus" - set off on a thrilling and often dangerous mission in space...and then their series was cancelled! Now, twenty years later, aliens under attack have mistaken the Galaxy Quest television transmissions for "historical documents" and beam up the crew of has-been actors to save the universe. With no script, no director and no clue, the actors must turn in the performances of their lives.
Daddy Day Care

Daddy Day Care

Original Music Composer

2003

Two men get laid off and have to become stay-at-home dads when they can't find jobs, which inspires them to open their own day-care center.
The War of the Roses

The War of the Roses

Original Music Composer

1989

Barbara and Oliver Rose live happily as a married couple. When Barbara starts to wonder what life would be like without Oliver and likes what she sees, the two begin a campaign to force each other to leave their house, with their divorce lawyer D'Amato caught in the middle.
Are We There Yet?

Are We There Yet?

Original Music Composer

2005

The fledgling romance between Nick, a playboy bachelor, and Suzanne, a divorced mother of two, is threatened by a particularly harrowing New Years Eve. When Suzanne's work keeps her in Vancouver for the holiday, Nick offers to bring her kids to the city from Portland, Oregon. The kids, who have never liked any of the men their mom dates, are determined to turn the trip into a nightmare for Nick.
Jingle All the Way

Jingle All the Way

Original Music Composer

1996

Howard Langston, a salesman for a mattress company, is constantly kept busy at his job, disappointing his son. After he misses his son's karate exposition, Howard vows to make it up to him by buying an action figure of his son's favorite television hero for Christmas. Unfortunately for Howard, it is Christmas Eve, and every store is sold out of Turbo Man. Now, Howard must travel all over town and compete with everybody else to find a Turbo Man action figure.
Critters

Critters

Original Music Composer

1986

Carnivorous aliens arrive unannounced at a Kansas family farm; two intergalactic bounty hunters soon follow, determined to blow them off the planet.
Coneheads

Coneheads

Original Music Composer

1993

A pair of aliens arrive on Earth to prepare for invasion, but crash instead. With enormous cone-shaped heads, robotlike walks and an appetite for toilet paper, aliens Beldar and Prymatt don't exactly blend in with the population of Paramus, N.J. But for some reason, everyone believes them when they say they're from France.
Dr. Dolittle 2

Dr. Dolittle 2

Original Music Composer

2001

A group of beavers ask Dr. Dolittle to save their habitat from loggers. The only hope is to get the forest preserved because it's the home of a protected bear, but there's a problem: the bear's the only bear in the forest, so she can't reproduce. Undaunted, Dolittle persuades a circus bear to help out, but he has to teach him not just the ways of the wild, but the wiles of lady bears too.
Naked

Naked

Original Music Composer

2017

Following a wild night out with his best man, Rob Anderson wakes up to find himself naked in an elevator on the morning of his wedding day and is forced to relive the morning over and over again.
Tommy Boy

Tommy Boy

Original Music Composer

1995

To save the family business, two ne’er-do-well traveling salesmen hit the road with disastrously funny consequences.
The Nutty Professor

The Nutty Professor

Original Music Composer

1996

When beautiful Carla Purty joins the university faculty, genetic professor Dr. Sherman Klump grows desperate to whittle his 400-pound frame down to size and win her heart. So, with one swig of his experimental fat-reducing serum, Sherman becomes 'Buddy Love', a fast-talking, pumped-up, plumped down Don Juan.
Bowfinger

Bowfinger

Original Music Composer

1999

On the verge of bankruptcy and desperate for his big break, aspiring filmmaker Bobby Bowfinger concocts a crazy plan to make his ultimate dream movie. Rallying a ragtag team that includes a starry-eyed ingenue, a has-been diva and a film studio gofer, he sets out to shoot a blockbuster featuring the biggest star in Hollywood, Kit Ramsey -- only without letting Ramsey know he's in the picture.
102 Dalmatians

102 Dalmatians

Original Music Composer

2000

Get ready for a howling good time as an all new assortment of irresistible animal heroes are unleashed in this great family tail! In an unlikely alliance, the outrageous Waddlesworth - a parrot who thinks he's a Rottweiler - teams up with Oddball - an un-marked Dalmatian puppy eager to earn her spots! Together they embark on a laugh-packed quest to outwit the ever-scheming Cruella De Vil.
Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed

Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed

Conductor

2004

After solving their last mystery at Spooky Island, the Mystery Inc. gang is back in Coolsville, where they are being honored with their very own exhibit at the Coolsonian Criminology Museum. However, when a masked villain steals costumes of classic monsters on display and brings them to life, the gang must come out of retirement to solve the case.
Duplex

Duplex

Original Music Composer

2003

When a young couple buys their dream home, they have no idea what the sweet little old lady upstairs is going to put them through!
The Phantom

The Phantom

Original Music Composer

1996

The 21st successor to the role of Bengalla's resident superhero must travel to New York to prevent a rich madman from obtaining three magic skulls that would give him the secret to ultimate power.
The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas

The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas

Original Music Composer

2000

The Flintstones are at it again. The Flintstones and the Rubbles head for Rock Vegas with Fred hoping to court the lovely Wilma. Nothing will stand in the way of love, except for the conniving Chip Rockefeller who is the playboy born in Baysville but who has made it in the cutthroat town of Rock Vegas. Will Fred win Wilma's love?
The Spirit

The Spirit

Original Music Composer

2008

A Rookie cop named Denny Colt returns from the beyond as The Spirit, a hero whose mission is to fight against the bad forces from the shadows of Central City. The Octopus, who kills anyone unfortunate enough to see his face, has other plans; he is going to wipe out the entire city.
DuckTales: The Movie - Treasure of the Lost Lamp

DuckTales: The Movie - Treasure of the Lost Lamp

Original Music Composer

1990

With his nephews and niece, everyone's favorite rich uncle, Scrooge McDuck, treks from his mansion home in Duckburg in search of the long-lost loot of the thief Collie Baba. But finding the goods isn't quite what it's "quacked" up to be! Their thrilling adventure leads to comical chaos, magical mayhem, and a lesson about what is far more valuable than money, gold and jewels.
The Spy Next Door

The Spy Next Door

Original Music Composer

2010

Former CIA spy Bob Ho takes on his toughest assignment to date: looking after his girlfriend's three kids, who haven't exactly warmed to their mom's beau. And when one of the youngsters accidentally downloads a top-secret formula, Bob's longtime nemesis, a Russian terrorist, pays a visit to the family.
Tarzan

Tarzan

Original Music Composer

2013

One of the most classic and revered stories of all time, Edgar Rice Burroughs' Tarzan returns to the big screen for a new generation. Tarzan and Jane face a mercenary army dispatched by the evil CEO of Greystoke Energies, a man who took over the company from Tarzan's parents, after they died in a plane crash in the African jungle.
Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey

Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey

Original Music Composer

1991

Amiable slackers Bill and Ted are once again roped into a fantastical adventure when De Nomolos, a villain from the future, sends evil robot duplicates of the two lads to terminate and replace them. The robot doubles actually succeed in killing Bill and Ted, but the two are determined to escape the afterlife, challenging the Grim Reaper to a series of games in order to return to the land of the living.
Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead

Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead

Original Music Composer

1991

Sue Ellen Crandell is a teenager eagerly awaiting her mother's summer-long absence. While the babysitter looks after her rambunctious younger siblings, Sue Ellen can party and have fun. But then the babysitter abruptly dies, leaving the Crandells short on cash. Sue Ellen finds a sweet job in fashion by lying about her age and experience on her résumé. But, while her siblings run wild, she discovers the downside of adulthood
Never Been Kissed

Never Been Kissed

Original Music Composer

1999

Josie Geller, a baby-faced junior copywriter at the Chicago Sun-Times, must pose as a student at her former high school to research contemporary teenage culture. With the help of her brother, Rob, Josie infiltrates the inner circle of the most popular clique on campus. But she hits a major snag in her investigation -- not to mention her own failed love life -- when she falls for her dreamy English teacher, Sam Coulson.
Night School

Night School

Original Music Composer

2018

Teddy Walker is a successful salesman whose life takes an unexpected turn when he accidentally blows up his place of employment. Forced to attend night school to get his GED, Teddy soon finds himself dealing with a group of misfit students, his former high school nemesis and a feisty teacher who doesn't think he's too bright.
Scooby-Doo! Curse of the Lake Monster

Scooby-Doo! Curse of the Lake Monster

Music

2010

Scooby-Doo and the gang are on the case when a mysterious lake monster starts scaring the guests at a summer resort in Erie Point, where Fred, Daphne, Velma and Shaggy have taken on seasonal jobs to pay for a barn they accidentally burned down. But in addition to sneaking suspicions, there's some romance in the air.
The Mighty Ducks

The Mighty Ducks

Original Music Composer

1992

After reckless young lawyer Gordon Bombay gets arrested for drunk driving, he must coach a kids hockey team for his community service. Gordon has experience on the ice, but isn't eager to return to hockey, a point hit home by his tense dealings with his own former coach, Jack Reilly. The reluctant Gordon eventually grows to appreciate his team, which includes promising young Charlie Conway, and leads them to take on Reilly's tough players.
Nutty Professor II: The Klumps

Nutty Professor II: The Klumps

Original Music Composer

2000

The hilarity begins when professor Sherman Klump finds romance with fellow DNA specialist, Denise Gaines, and discovers a brilliant formula that reverses aging. But Sherman's thin and obnoxious alter ego, Buddy Love, wants out...and a big piece of the action. And when Buddy gets loose, things get seriously nutty.
Throw Momma from the Train

Throw Momma from the Train

Original Music Composer

1987

Larry Donner, an author with a cruel ex-wife, teaches a writing workshop in which one of his students, Owen, is fed up with his domineering mother. When Owen watches a Hitchcock classic that seems to mirror his own life, he decides to put the movie's plot into action and offers to kill Larry's ex-wife, if Larry promises to murder his mom. Before Larry gets a chance to react to the plan, it seems that Owen has already set things in motion.
Hoffa

Hoffa

Original Music Composer

1992

A portrait of union leader James R. Hoffa, as seen through the eyes of his friend, Bobby Ciaro. The film follows Hoffa through his countless battles with the RTA and President Roosevelt.
My Life in Ruins

My Life in Ruins

Original Music Composer

2009

A Greek tour guide named Georgia attempts to recapture her kefi (Greek for mojo) by guiding a ragtag group of tourists around Greece and showing them the beauty of her native land. Along the way, she manages to open their eyes to the wonders of an exotic foreign land while beginning to see the world through a new set of eyes in the process.
Man of the House

Man of the House

Original Music Composer

2005

Texas Ranger Roland Sharp is assigned to protect the only witnesses to the murder of a key figure in the prosecution of a drug kingpin -- a group of University of Texas cheerleaders. Sharp must now go undercover as an assistant cheerleading coach and move in with the young women.
Death to Smoochy

Death to Smoochy

Original Music Composer

2002

Tells the story of Rainbow Randolph, the corrupt, costumed star of a popular children's TV show, who is fired over a bribery scandal and replaced by squeaky-clean Smoochy, a puffy fuchsia rhinoceros. As Smoochy catapults to fame - scoring hit ratings and the affections of a network executive - Randolph makes the unsuspecting rhino the target of his numerous outrageous attempts to exact revenge and reclaim his status as America's sweetheart.
The Freshman

The Freshman

Original Music Composer

1990

After a film student gets his belongings stolen, he meets a mobster bearing a startling resemblance to a certain cinematic godfather. Soon, he finds himself caught up in a caper involving endangered species and fine dining.
Other People's Money

Other People's Money

Original Music Composer

1991

When a corporate raider threatens a hostile takeover of a 'mom and pop' company, the patriarch of the company enlists the help of his wife's attractive daughter—who is a lawyer—to stop the takeover. However, the raider soon becomes infatuated with her, and enjoys the legal manoeuvring as he tries to win her heart.
Boys on the Side

Boys on the Side

Original Music Composer

1995

After breaking up with her girlfriend, a nightclub singer, Jane, answers a personal ad from Robin, a real estate agent with AIDS, seeking a cross-country travel partner. On their journey from New York City to Los Angeles, the two stop by Pittsburgh to pick up Jane's friend Holly, who is trying to escape an abusive relationship. With three distinct personalities, the women must overcome their differences to help one another.