Emmy-nominated composer Kris Bowers has signed on to score Netflix's animated comedy "Steps," marking a watershed moment for the streamer's in-house animation division. The score was recorded across July and August at Abbey Road Studios in London, the legendary facility where countless film scores have been captured since the 1930s. Netflix will release "Steps" on November 20, positioning it as the first feature fully animated within Netflix Animation Studios' own infrastructure.
Bowers brings considerable pedigree to the project. The composer earned Emmy nominations for his work on prestige television and has established himself as a rising force in film and television scoring. His involvement signals Netflix's commitment to matching production ambition with compositional talent as the streaming giant expands its animation slate.
The decision to produce "Steps" entirely in-house represents a strategic pivot for Netflix Animation. Rather than outsourcing animation to external studios, the company has invested in building internal capability and expertise. Abbey Road's involvement in the recording process underscores Netflix's willingness to spend on world-class production values.
The pairing of Bowers with an animated comedy suggests the streamer is aiming for accessibility rather than prestige-heavy arthouse territory. Comedy scores require particular deftness, balancing musical humor with genuine entertainment. Bowers' track record indicates he can navigate tonal complexity.
Netflix Animation has faced mixed results in recent years, with several high-profile projects receiving middling critical reception. "Steps" arrives as the studio tests whether internal production can yield stronger creative outcomes than its previous approach. The November release date places it in a competitive window, competing against other streaming releases and theatrical offerings during the preholiday season.