The Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) and the Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) have partnered to launch Film Composers Lab, a professional development scheme which aims to give early-career composers a chance to diversify their portfolios and explore new avenues of employment.
Supported by PRS for Music, the new project combines the most popular elements of the RSNO’s Composers’ Hub with the use of Scotland’s Studio, a new recording facility specialising in the production of film and TV soundtracks. Applications are open now and will close at 5pm on Tuesday 11 October.
Five selected participants will recompose the score of a short film, working directly with the RSNO, the Project Mentor John Lunn and guest speakers in a series of workshops and masterclass sessions. Each participant will receive a £1,000 bursary to attend workshops in Edinburgh, Glasgow and online, with an additional Iris Initiative John Byrne Award grant available to support a Scotland-based participant who has experienced barriers to inclusion.
The project will culminate in a public workshop where one winning work will be chosen to be performed live in the RSNO’s 2023:24 Season. All five new compositions will be programmed at a special screening during EIFF in August 2023.
RSNO Chief Executive Alistair Mackie says, 'The RSNO is really happy to be working with the EIFF on a brand-new scheme for early-career composers. Combining the history, expertise and facilities of both organisations will provide a great platform for the group to explore new ways of working and I’m already looking forward to hearing what they produce.'
'In Scotland’s Studio we’ve created a state-of-the-art facility which can be used to develop talent in the UK and beyond. It’s an exciting time for film in Scotland and it’s vitally important that we continue to offer opportunities for our emerging composers to flourish in order to keep the industry developing long into the future.'
EIFF Festival Producer Holly Daniel says, 'Supporting emerging talent is an essential part of our creative ambition at EIFF. It’s wonderful to be partnering with the RSNO on this activity and to be able to bring our experiences and networks together to support emerging composers with this unique programme connecting the makers of music and film.'
'We are delighted to be building on our long-term relationship with PRS for Music. Together we have delivered several events which have encouraged the development of collaborations between composers and filmmakers and this new programme is an exciting step forward to further support those creative relationships.'
PRS for Music’s Stuart Fleming, Senior Manager, Scotland & Northern Ireland – Writer Relations says, 'PRS for Music is focused on supporting a composer’s journey from the very beginning and this programme is very important for us to be involved with. It’s great to see the evolution of Edinburgh International Film Festival’s work with composers culminating in the launch of the Film Composers Lab with the RSNO.'
Applicants are invited to submit a CV, cover letter and two composition samples in advance of the deadline in October 2022. For more information and to apply click here.
