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NBCUniversal Global Talent Development & Inclusion
Universal Composers Inititive
2023
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Active Since 2018
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About

As part of Universal Filmed Entertainment Group’s (UFEG) overall commitment to increasing diversity, equity and inclusion within all areas of production, the Universal Composers Initiative (UCI) is set up to find artists from traditional as well as non-conventional backgrounds who possess unique perspectives that they can translate into distinct musical expressions.  

Benefits

This two-year initiative, in partnership with Universal Film Music, provides participants with unparalleled access to the studio process, while increasing awareness of this new generation of talent among NBCUniversal’s vast network of executives, producers and directors including Universal Pictures, Dreamworks Animation, and Universal Studio Group. 

Participants will be provided with creative and professional development opportunities. Participants may also have the opportunity to pitch for NBCUniversal scoring projects.  

Rules


ELIGIBILITY

Experience on feature films is not required. Demonstration of strong musical composition ability and command of the scoring process has been helpful for those seeking to apply to the program. 


Submissions are open to all applicants who meet the following requirements:


- Applicants be a minimum of 21 years of age prior to the start of the Program. 

- Applicants must be authorized to work legally in the United States. This opportunity is not eligible for visa sponsorship. 

- Applicants must be the sole composer of any material submitted. Material from composing teams will not be accepted. 

- Applications and submitted materials must be in the English language. 

- Applicants should have at least three (3) years of relevant professional experience.

- Applicants who have composed two or more theatrically-released feature films in the U.S. within the past five (5) years are not eligible. 



Any candidate who does not meet the aforementioned criteria will be disqualified. 


SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
We encourage those applying to review the FAQs carefully, as they are designed to guide applicants towards a strong submission. 

Those applying must submit a complete application package to be considered. If any elements are not included, the application will be disqualified. 

The following items are required: 

1. APPLICATION must be completed in its entirety.  Incomplete applications will be disqualified. 
2. ORIGINAL MUSIC SAMPLE 
- A downloadable music link (via DropBox, Disco, or SoundCloud to original music - demos, mock-ups or proposals) composed by the applicant that demonstrates their style and capabilities.  Make sure link is accessible without a password. 
- Material can be audio-only OR clips with picture, but total running time should be no less than two (2) minutes or more than 15 minutes maximum for all material.   
- The original music sample can feature multiple pieces from multiple sources/projects so long as it meets the minimum and maximum running time total.   
- The applicant should submit separate samples as separate files as opposed to one long audio/visual reel consisting of several pieces of music.  
- Reminder: The applicant must be the sole composer of all original music submitted. Submissions with multiple composers attached will be disqualified. 

3. RELEASE FORMS must be completed, hand-signed, dated, and uploaded in their entirety order for submissions to be accepted. Incomplete release forms will result in disqualification. 

4. PERSONAL STATEMENTS
- Tell us something about yourself. This is the space for any interesting, non-music related life facts you’d like to share. (300 words max) 

- What motivated you to become a composer? What do you bring that is unique to this profession? What type of projects do you like to compose and what do you hope listeners come away with after listening to your work? (300 words max) 

- Describe how your cultural background and lived experiences shape your music, creative process and/or creative sensibility. (300 words max) 

- What inspired you to apply to the Universal Composers Initiative? (300 words max)  

- What goals have you set for yourself as you pursue a career as a composer? (300 words max) 

5. PROFESSIONAL EXEPRIENCE include a PDF version of your resume with a list of music production credits and an optional short biography (500 words max). Please adhere to the guidelines and format suggestions noted below. The professional experience materials will provide GTDI with an understanding of your work history and insight into your individual life experiences.  

RESUME. Two pages or less outlining chronological employment history (may include entertainment and non-entertainment positions) and any composing related honors/awards. If listing composing projects, only include projects that were produced and/or optioned. Please include the following with each credit: 

- Title of project 
- Year of completion 
- Type of project (e.g. Feature Film, TV project, Short Film, Video Game, Commercial, etc.) 
- Director or Executive Producer of project 
- Distributor of project (e.g. studio, network, streaming platform, brand - if applicable) 
- Role on project (e.g. composer, additional music scoring, orchestrator & conductor, recordist, etc.) 


6. LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION (Optional) from entertainment industry professionals who have heard the applicant’s material and can comment on the applicant’s musical composition ability are strongly encouraged, but not required.  Acceptable reference letters must be on business or personal letterhead, dated in the current calendar year and include the author’s title and/or industry affiliation.  No more than two letters per application will be accepted. Letters must accompany the submission and may not be submitted separately via email or mail.  Any recommendation letters emailed or mailed to the Program separate from the composer’s application will disqualify the application. 

SUBMISSION PERIOD
Applications will be accepted now through May 19th. Applications will not be accepted after 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on May 19th. 

NOTIFICATION
Due to the volume of submissions received, applicants will be notified only if they move forward in the selection process. Please check our website and social media pages (Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook) for updates on the selection process.
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2023