In an effort to increase diversity in the world of scoring and help under-represented groups enter music in film and TV, First Artists Management (FAM), an international talent agency representing composers and music supervisor, is launching its inaugural Composer Assistant and Mentor Program (CAMP).
The initiative, done in partnership with Youth Music, is now open for applications. The program is looking for aspiring music makers aged 18-25 based in England, Scotland or Wales.
CAMP is open to anyone who makes music (regardless of any traditional music background, university degree, connections or support to work for free) who can demonstrate passion, courage and talent in scoring for film and TV.
Applicants must submit a written or filmed statement and include a link to their music. That submission will be reviewed by a panel of industry experts. On September 13, 10 participants selected for the first level will be announced, and two from this group will graduate to the second level.
The program will help aspiring musicians gain industry knowledge, build a portfolio and grow their network, providing essential steps to a composing career for the media. The first level, which will begin at the end of September and continue for five weeks, will include an online educational series, practical advice and industry tips as well as one-to-one mentoring along with with experienced composer advisors including David Arnold, Alex Baranowski, Anne Chmelewsky, Benji Merrison, CJ Mirra, Ré Olunuga, Paul Saunderson, Will Slater, Gazelle Twin and Joe Wilson.
The first level ends with mentees pitching a short film, judged by a panel of professional composers. Two candidates will progress to level two of the program, a three-month full-time paid Composer Assistant Placement, which begins in November. By collaborating with top talent, the composer’s assistants will learn the scoring process in a large -scale production, developing their technical skills, expanding their network and gaining the most valuable credit.
Hamish Duff, head of FAM’s European office in London, said: “CAMP is designed to be a platform to encourage new voices to enter the music industry for the screen by first demystifying in this field of business, as well as offering practical tips and opportunities for young composers to go ahead and create great work.
“The program is also designed to be a resource for other composers, agencies and productions looking for rising young composers and assistants, with candidates joining our talent network for ongoing support.”
The initiative to create a program came amid a noted lack of diversity in the field. The 2021 edition of the Celluloid Ceiling report from the Center for the Study of Women in Television and Film showed that only 7% of the top 250 winning films featured works from female composers.
The deadline for applications to the First Artists Management Composer Assistant and Mentor Program is August 26. Apply here.
