Charles Bernstein

Charles Bernstein (born February 28, 1943) is an American composer of film and television scores. He is a Daytime Emmy Award winner, and a two-time Primetime Emmy Award nominee. Since 1995, he has been a member of the Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' Music Branch. He has also been a member of the Board of Directors for both the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers and the Society of Composers & Lyricists.

Early life and education Bernstein was born in Minneapolis to mother Mildred Wolf (1910–2011) and father Charles Bernstein, Sr. . Western horror film Hex (also 1973).

His first score for a major Hollywood studio was for the United Artists film, White Lightning (1973), starring Burt Reynolds. The film marked the first of many collaborations between Bernstein and director Joseph Sargent. He even wrote the dance music in the latter film. Bernstein also scored non-horror films such as Foolin' Around (1980).

Bernstein reunited with Cujo director Lewis Teague to score his independent films, Cante Jondo (2007) and Charlotta-TS (2010).

A Nightmare on Elm Street Under the recommendation of his agent, Bernstein met with Wes Craven and was hired to score his film, A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984). On working with Craven: "Wes was easy to work with, he gave me a lot of freedom, but we could discuss ideas and approaches. In many ways he was an ideal director to communicate with because he listened well and was open to all ideas." Bernstein used an electronic score since the film had a small budget. Various hip hop artists have sampled Bernstein’s film scores, such as Logic, who has used his music from Love at First Bite for his song Vinyl Days, as well as Drake & 21 Savage, who have used a choral sample of his music from Invasion of the Bee Girls for their song Rich Flex.

Other activities In addition to film composing, Bernstein is also the author of two books.

Bernstein has been a long-serving member of the Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences since 1995. He is also in the Board of Directors for both the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers and the Society of Composers & Lyricists.

Personal life Bernstein is married to Georgianne Cowan. They have one daughter, Serina. They reside in Los Angeles. 2000 Enslavement: The True Story of Fanny Kemble