Calling all independent film directors! The 2017 Film Music Intensive at Musicians Institute Hollywood (June 28 to July 9) is now accepting short film submissions. This immersive workshop will pair six directors with MI's film scoring majors in a collaborative process, overseen by mentors including film composer Craig Richey (Sundance Composers Lab Fellow), music editor Tom Villano, and writer-director-producer Matthew Leutwyler.
Films that are 20 minutes or less, and that have not yet been scored, are preferred. However, any director's film will be reviewed and considered for participation. Rough cuts, or scenes from works in progress, are acceptable. Priority will be given to directors who have had little or no experience working with a composer.
It is a full scholarship fellowship program - no tuition!
Directors attend – two hours a day are scheduled – one hour with composer, another with mentors. But directors are welcome to stay longer each day – in the past often directors end up spending many hours a day with us – though it is important to leave composers to do their work and address notes.
We also have several Panel discussions and Presentations that will be of interest to directors as well. The whole purpose of the Intensive is to give directors and composers the opportunity to learn about creating and developing a collaborative relationship, crafting a score, giving/getting notes. It is modeled after the Sundance Labs.
SCHEDULE:
- June 28th for spotting sessions with composers and mentors.
- Opening meeting and screening of chosen films (without music) is Saturday July 1 5-9 pm.
- Mentoring sessions begin Sunday July 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Friday July 7 is recording day with small ensemble of top LA musicians.
- Directors are encouraged to attend the session for their film - usually one hour. Saturday July 8 we mix and Sunday July 9 evening we have a final screening of completed works.
Composers and directors can enter into any agreement they like about use of music, festival screenings, etc. All the composers would be very happy to have their music approved and used in the films. If a film is actually distributed or broadcast then we’d have the composer create a music cue sheet that would show writer affiliation (BMI etc) for collection of royalties. But absolutely the directors are free to use the music at no charge.
Interested film directors should contact filmintensive@mi.edu. Please include a Vimeo or similar link to the short film to be considered.