About
German-born and Los Angeles-based film and media composer Patrick Kirst is best known for his work on Netflix’s hit romantic comedy trilogy, The Kissing Booth, which shattered streaming records across all three films. His impressive portfolio spans a diverse range of projects, from feature films and television to socially conscious documentaries and immersive media.
Kirst’s scoring credits include the gripping two-season revenge thriller miniseries Woman of the Dead (Netflix), the Swedish survival drama Breaking Surface (Amazon Prime), and the opioid crime drama Inherit the Viper (Lionsgate). His work extends into thought-provoking documentaries such as Welcome to Pine Lake (CBSN) and Wasteland (Paramount+), as well as immersive experiences like Orca Encounter for SeaWorld. Most recently, he composed the score for Motherground, a video art installation by Franco-Manitoban artist Dominique Rey currently on display at the Winnipeg Art Gallery, and contributed additional music to Alex Prager’s highly anticipated feature film debut Dreamquil—starring Elizabeth Banks, John C. Reilly, and Juliette Lewis—set to be released later this year by HanWay Pictures.
While his work reaches global audiences, Kirst has a deep passion for independent films and documentaries, drawn to their raw, humanistic storytelling. He thrives on crafting scores that bring out the emotional depth and authenticity of these narratives, embracing an intimate and nuanced sonic approach.
In addition to his work as a composer, Kirst is committed to the preservation and evolution of knowledge. Since 2007, he has been a professor at USC’s world-renowned film scoring master’s program, serving as chair in 2021. His expertise lies in helping students translate a film’s dramaturgy into focused, original musical concepts. He also shares his knowledge globally, giving guest lectures and masterclasses in film music composition. Since 2022, he has been a core faculty member of the Chigiana Summer Intensive Film Music Workshop in Siena, Italy, where he mentors select students each year from around the world.
Kirst’s signature style—what he calls modern retro—reflects his deep European classical roots from his native Germany while embracing contemporary trends and cutting-edge technologies. His international background and lifelong immersion in both European and American musical traditions give his work a unique point of view, depth, and versatility.