You have been living in Los Angeles for two years. How does it feel?
Surreal. L.A. is a dream. There’s always something going on and the atmosphere is relaxed. Many people work in the film industry. You meet each other at events and make contacts. The city also has a lot to offer in terms of culture and scenery. But here, too, everyday life consists of work, cooking and spending time with friends.

Your great-grandfather was a violinist for silent films. Is music in your genes?
I think so. One of my female ancestors was an opera singer; my grandad played the flute and the violin, and he used to play music with me a lot. My father plays the guitar, I play the piano and the flute and my little sister now plays our great-grandfather’s violin.

Where does your enthusiasm for film music come from?
Partly from the film Mary Queen of Scots and Max Richter’s soundtrack. I was very moved by it. I realised just how powerfully sound and image work together, and what emotions this evokes. I wanted to do that too.

You went on to study composition ...
I studied composition in England for four years, specialising in film music. During a summer course in Madrid, I met the film score composer Christopher Young, who was teaching there. He invited me to L.A., I applied for a master’s course and was accepted.

You now work as a film composer. What is special about your job?
Film music complements the visuals, heightens emotions, can create contrasts or give voice to inner states. I often work with scripts or film clips and discuss the musical cues with the director during spotting sessions before we record the music in the studio.

What has been your most unforgettable experience so far?
Recording the score for the film Maleficent at Warner Brothers Studios with a 65-piece orchestra – and conducting it myself.

What is your biggest achievement?
That I’ve made it this far, thanks in part to my family who support me in all my decisions.

Is there anything you miss about Germany?
The bread, the structure and the reliability. And the close bond I share with friends and family – especially with my little sister. I miss her a lot.

What are your plans for the future?
I want to stay here and keep developing. I love music; it can evoke memories and feelings that you can’t quite grasp or put into words. I hope that will always remain an important part of our society.