Unofficial report on the recording sessions for the score of Steven Spielberg’s untitled Sci-Fi film, with music composed by John Williams. As posted in our forums (see original post):
This is true [re: recording sessions currently taking place in Los Angeles], I can confirm from a friend who played on the session. Williams did not conduct anything, but was reportedly alert, and communicative with both the musicians, the conductor, and Spielberg himself. Williams was in constant talks w/Spielberg to ensure that the flow of the music went sufficiently w/the imagery on screen. The sessions DID NOT have a film name to it, rather a generic-sounding production name/number. The musicians weren’t allowed to see the screen at all (typically it’s not unheard of for musicians to ‘peak’ behind them to catch glimpses of the scene). Williams had a mic near him that was connected to the musicians’ headphones so he could communicate as necessary.
Apparently the first 6 or so hour session in October was mostly slower music, while a second session (I think my friend said in mid/late November though I could be wrong) was the faster ‘action sequence type’ music. Funny thing: my friend showed me some digital copies of their part they played, and there were no time signatures or tempo markings! My friend was pretty freaked out going into the session not knowing if they were playing, say, 180 beats per minute or 60 bpm (it was all slow)!
The only thing my friend said about the film, is at one point the orchestra played a segment & Williams motioned for Spielberg to come over to confer something. Over the earphones Williams could be heard asking Spielberg if Spielberg thought the music sufficiently synced up to the “flash in the animal’s eyes,” and Spielberg half-jokingly flipped out when he realized Williams said something broadcast to the orchestra 
My friend said Williams looked a bit frail, but seemed mentally sharp, communicative & jovial throughout the long day: THAT to me, was the best news I heard!!