Each composer will receive the same episode or short film with the original score removed. Instrumentation and placement of the music is solely up to the composer. All competitors contain the rights to their individual music, and are able to utilize the short film for their reel, but the film may not be posted on any website or public domain. Once we have received your score attached to the film, five award-winning judges of film, tv, and scoring professions, as well as the original director of the project, will select five finalists. With the large amount of competitors we get every year, we are unable to send critiques to participants. All judging will be final.
Fill out the online entry form and pay the $15 to enter. Please email [email protected] once you make the payment, and send her the receipt, or a screenshot of your payment. She will send you the project. Score it, and then upload it to Dropbox. You will then share the file to [email protected]. We do not need your sheet music, ONLY the project with your score attached/synced as an .mov file. Both live recordings and virtual recordings are accepted. Please name your synced .mov file with your first name, last name, and CAIFF. (ex: JordanSmithCAIFF). We will contact you if there are any issues with your submission. Please be patient as we receive many submissions. All payments made to enter the competition will be final, and there will be no reimbursements.
Competition Prizes:
Five finalists will be chosen to have their scores screened at the festival. The top three finalists will receive the prizes as follows:
1st place: All access pass to the California Independent Film Festival, one flight to San Francisco (US Residents only), $500, and a plaque
2nd place: All access pass to the California Independent Film Festival, $250, and a certificate
3rd place: All access pass to the California Independent Film Festival, $150, and a certificate
Deadlines:
TBD for 2020, please email [email protected] to be added to the mailing list for next year!
There will be a screening of the top five finalists at the California Independent Film Festival in August/ September. The specified screening date will be available online closer to the festival. All competitors will be sent updated emails regarding festival dates and information.
Who Can Enter:
U.S. and International composers are able to submit scores. Students and emerging professionals may enter.
No assistance may be obtained from anyone besides the composer. No team of composers, only independents. Stock music, previously recorded or written music is not allowed, as well as assistance from a teacher or professional. If a competitor is found in violation of the rules, they will be disqualified.
If you have any questions, please contact Katrina Zemrak at [email protected].
