From cinematic reveals to gameplay edits and launch campaigns: music plays a crucial role in how games are introduced to audiences. But who decides what kind of music a trailer needs, when is original music commissioned and how are rights, fees and long-term value handled? This panel brings together perspectives from the game-publisher, creative production and composer side to unpack how music for game trailers is developed: creatively, strategically and commercially.
Steacy McIlwham
Head of Project, Avalanche Studios, SESteacy McIlwham is a product and business leader in the games industry with experience spanning live service, publishing, analytics, and strategy. Currently, Steacy leads project strategy and development for theHunter: Call of the Wild at Avalanche Studios Group. Previously, Steacy worked at Paradox Interactive across major titles including Prison Architect, Crusader Kings, Europa Universalis, and Hearts of Iron.
Hermann “Mr. Herms” Schepetkov
Composer, DEHermann “Mr. Herms” Schepetkov, winner of a 2025 Production Music Award, is a composer with a Master of Arts and 7+ years in trailer and ad music, working daily on multiple custom scores across gaming, film & TV, and advertising. With more than 150 placements across titles like League of Legends, Battlefield, Assassin’s Creed, the EWC, the Jurassic World trailer, as well as global campaigns for Google and BMW (most recently the worldwide 7-Series campaign), Herms combines musical depth with the speed that high-end productions demand. As a multi-instrumentalist, he’s often playing parts himself instead of programming them.
Jade Schiff
Executive Producer, Mathematic Studio, FRJade is an Executive and Creative Producer at Mathematic Studio. With a background in CGI, animation, motion design, VFX, production and art direction she leads projects ranging from luxury campaigns to video game trailers. She started her career in the electronic music scene as a digital marketing manager at a record label, an influence she now brings into her trailer work. Former Head of Production at a CGI studio, she worked on Love, Death & Robots and Secret Level, and produced high-end CGI films while developing a photogrammetry studio collaborating with fashion brands, game publishers, and film productions. Her credits include as well sonic 2, Terminator: Dark Fate, the substance…
Chris Wenting
Executive Producer, Psyop, PTFrom his early days modding Half-Life to his current role as Executive Producer, Chris has navigated the landscape of digital storytelling for over twenty years. Since graduating from the Film Academy, he has held key leadership positions, ranging from independent ventures to roles at MPC and Axis Studios, where he produced signature work for industry landmarks such as Sony, Supercell, and Marvel.
Today, Chris is leading the charge for gaming and entertainment at Psyop, championing a creative approach to production. Leveraging his extensive history with global clients, he brings a unique perspective to every project, building the narrative foundations that transform IP into enduring legacies.
Jarl Hector
Founder, Clear Music, NLFounder of Clear Music