Russell grew up in rural Minnesota with a vivid imagination and a mind wired for storytelling through music. From an early age, everyday moments played out like scenes from a film, always accompanied by the soundtrack in his head. That innate passion led him from piano lessons and symphonic youth orchestras to studying composition under Pulitzer Prize–winner Dominick Argento at the University of Minnesota.

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After a decade of building his creative voice, Russell made the leap to Los Angeles, where he earned his graduate certificate in Scoring for Motion Pictures and Television from USC. Since then, he has composed for a range of media including independent films, Emmy-winning documentaries, and theatrical productions. His ongoing collaborations with director Patrick Coyle include Unholy Communion, Into Temptation, and the stage drama The Big Blue River.

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With a background in both classical and contemporary scoring, Russell brings a cinematic depth and emotional clarity to every project. He is currently based in LA, where he continues to score stories that resonate.