PLEASE NOTE: The application deadline has been extended to 5:00 PM, Monday Sept. 8. All materials must arrive at the Manhattan Producers Alliance offices by that time. Applications can be downloaded here. Electronic submissions will be accepted; you must include the application form and all other relevant documents, as well as a link to your musical examples.

In film, the element of music provides a crucial role in enlivening the narrative. How does a composer find the notes, rhythms, harmonies and timbres that produce the near-magical transformation from story to multi-dimensional, multi-sensory -- and often deeply moving experience?

ANNOUNCING

Composing for the Screen: Film Scoring for a New Era

An intensive and experiential NYC-based film scoring workshop, directed by Rick Baitz.
Sponsored by BMI and The Manhattan Producers Alliance.

Today's era of film composition is characterized by diversity: from traditional orchestral scoring to tribal textures to rock songs -- and more. In addition, budget constraints of indie films may demand creative musical solutions. This is an opportunity for six emerging film composers to participate in an exclusive high-level workshop, where this diversity will be examined from several perspectives: historical, dramatic, cultural, kinesthetic and practical. Using the professional facilities of the Manhattan Producers Alliance, participants will collaborate in composing short cues excerpted from a range of film sources. Employing a variety of approaches, students will record, review, and share work in a friendly and supportive environment. For their final project, each participant will compose a cue to a well-known film, which will then be recorded by an ensemble consisting of New York's finest free-lance studio musicians. Students will walk away from the workshop with greater confidence in their skills as film composers, a strong cue for their reel, and an enhanced understanding of the art of composing for the screen in today's multi-faceted musical environment. (Note: The workshop is free to qualified participants.)

The course will be open to the emerging film composer who has some experience in film. and wants to learn more about it. The class will be limited to six participants.

Qualifications: Experience and credits as a composer; ability to read music; some experience composing for film preferred. Applicant should have access to professional music production equipment, such as a laptop, with composing software (such as Logic, Digital Performer or ProTools) and notation software (such as Sibelius or Finale); ability to create MIDI or hybrid scores.

To download an application, click here. All inquires should be addressed to Rick Baitz at rick.baitz@manhatpro.com.

Schedule

Five classes, all at the Manhattan Producers Alliance: 13 W. 36th Street, New York 10018.

Monday, Sept. 15, 6-9 PM: 1st Session.

Tuesday, Sept. 16: BMI Luncheon for participants, located at BMI Headquarters, NYC. Time TBA.

Monday, Sept. 22, 6-9 PM: 2nd Session.

Monday, Sept. 29, 6-9 PM: 3rd Session.

Monday, Oct. 6, 6-9 PM: 4th Session and recording of final project.

Friday, Oct. 10, 3:30 - 6:00 PM: 5th Session, to be followed by Wrap Party, 6-9 PM.