Join in Film Composers Lab

Film Composers Lab is a professional development scheme for early-career composers with an interest in composition for screen. Delivered by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO), the programme builds on the success of the RSNO’s Composers’ Hub initiative, delivered annually between 2015 and 2022.

Film Composers Lab offers five emerging UK-based composers an invaluable opportunity to expand their skills in film composition by rescoring an existing short film while working directly with a professional orchestra, project mentors, experienced film composers and seasoned screen industry professionals, creating a brand-new composition for a full symphony orchestra.

Delivered in a hybrid format, the project will culminate in a workshop at the RSNO’s world-class recording facility, Scotland’s Studio, in May 2025. All five new scores will be programmed at a special public screening in the summer of 2025, where one winning work will be selected for performance in the RSNO’s 2025:26 Season.

• Masterclasses with film and music industry experts, providing insights into all aspects of composing for film, from the director-composer relationship to orchestration and budgeting.
• One-to-one mentoring sessions with renowned film, television and game composers.
• A professional recording of your piece to picture.

Film Composers Lab is aimed at composers who can demonstrate interest in expanding their careers in film composition. The only specific eligibility criteria are that applicants must be:

• Based in the UK
• A current PRS member (or applying member)
• In the early stages of their career
• Interested in expanding their skills in film composition

We welcome applications from everyone, regardless of ethnicity, heritage, gender, sexuality, religion, disability, or socio-economic background.

Applications are now closed for the 2024:25 Film Composers Lab.

Applicants must be based in the UK and a member or applying member of PRS. Candidates are also expected to have prior experience of composing music and an interest in composition for screen. We are accepting applications from composers of all ages but you must be in the early stages of your career.

Anyone living in the UK can apply. Since in-person sessions are being held in Scotland, travel and accommodation bursaries are available for all selected candidates.

The selected candidates must be a member of PRS and therefore we encourage all applicants to apply now if not already a member.

General composition experience and a keen interest in writing for film is essential. We ask that all applicants submit one example of a score to picture, however this does not need to be a professional project – your own rescore of an existing picture is acceptable.

You are required to submit two examples of your own work. Both should include a score and recording. At least one example should be a score to picture. A music video is encouraged as a form of recording but applications without will also be considered.

All genres of composition will be accepted but we are encouraging film score submissions.

Your application submissions could be a composition for a short film or contrasting excerpts from a longer length film. The panel will be looking for brief examples of your work that demonstrate your skill and ability, and will not be able to watch full feature length film compositions.

Applications will only be shared with panellists and all submitted material will be deleted following the selection process.

Applications will be judged on creativity and skill rather than recording quality.

We ask that applicants have some experience of preparing notated scores and parts, so you will need to submit at least one example of a score or part you have prepared.

If your question has not been answered here, please contact engage@rsno.org.uk