Composers Chris Hanebutt and Mark Batson Score Powerful Documentary

Composers Chris Hanebutt and Mark Batson are collaborating on the score for the forthcoming documentary “The Alabama Solution,” directed by Emmy award-winning filmmaker Andrew Jarecki and Charlotte Kaufman. Set to premiere in 2025, this documentary investigates the pervasive corruption, violence, and inhumane labor conditions within Alabama’s prison system. It utilizes footage filmed by incarcerated individuals using contraband mobile devices, offering a stark and personal view of the issues at hand.

In discussing the scoring process, Hanebutt remarked, “Honestly, it was tough. It was also deeply rewarding.” He emphasized the importance of portraying the graphic and heart-wrenching stories of the men featured in the film. “Mark and I aimed to capture the weight of the subject matter without overselling it,” he added. The duo’s goal was to allow the powerful imagery and the voices of the men to resonate with the audience.

Batson echoed this sentiment, stating that shaping the sound for “The Alabama Solution” has been one of the most impactful experiences of his career. He noted, “Working closely with Chris, alongside Andrew Jarecki, Charlotte Kaufman, and Sue Jacobs has been both an emotional and extraordinary challenge.” He hopes the documentary will inspire viewers to examine the American prison system critically and advocate for justice and reform.

Artistic Inspiration and the Role of Technology

Hanebutt explained that his daily inspiration as a composer comes from life itself: the people met, the stories shared, and the moments that provoke thought. He articulated, “Music is just our way of translating that energy into something people can feel and relate to.” He also shared insights about the digital age, calling it both “empowering and chaotic.” According to him, technology offers tools for creation and connection but requires intentionality and discipline.

He elaborated on his approach to technology, stating, “Technology is woven into everything we do—from scoring and sound design to collaboration and delivery. We treat it as an instrument, not a crutch.” This lets them remain efficient while ensuring the emotional core of their music is front and center.

Batson, too, emphasized the importance of technology in modern composition. He is currently promoting the score for “Power:Force,” set to be released on November 7, 2025, and is preparing to launch the score album for “The Alabama Solution.” Additionally, he is working on another documentary focused on the dangers of the drug Kratom.

Reflections on Success and Future Endeavors

Looking to the future, Batson is building an immersive company aimed at merging album-based projects with spectacular environments. He also plans to perform his opera, “God’s Soldiers,” live at Dubai Opera in 2026. He offered advice to young artists, urging them to treat their creative endeavors with the same seriousness as a traditional job. “You have to experiment, stay aware of the latest technology, and seek new ways to promote your brand,” he advised.

When asked about his definition of success, Batson stated, “Success is often simple: it is finishing.” He believes that completing goals, regardless of competition, is fundamental to achieving success.

In his final reflections on “The Alabama Solution,” Batson highlighted the ongoing issues within the American prison system. “Although we are taught that slavery ended in 1865, it is still active and practiced today in American prisons,” he remarked. He urged audiences to recognize the humanity of those incarcerated, saying, “These are our brothers, cousins, fathers, friends—individuals who have made mistakes and deserve liberation after serving their sentence, not indefinite detention for profit.”

The documentary “The Alabama Solution” promises to be a significant contribution to the conversation around prison reform and human rights, backed by the poignant scores of Hanebutt and Batson.