Free Scores for Student Films
Get the most out of your movie with a custom musical score!
We are looking for student made films of any genre or length to provide original music to through the Pacific Northwest Film Scoring Program. This service, which includes a score recorded by professional musicians in a world class recording studio, is offered for free to student filmmakers. It is an opportunity for our Masters students to use the skills learned during our program and collaborate with directors to produce custom music for any style of film. The music is licensed to the filmmakers free of charge for use within their films in any and all media and for any promotional use (trailers, etc.) in connection to those films.
WE DO NOT ACCEPT ANY PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTIONS.
The submitted films must have been made as part of an educational program.
To be considered for our next recording session we need your picture locked film by May 4th
More information and technical requirements below
Student Films Scored by PNWFS
Student Films Scored by PNWFS
Climbing Mt Dignity
Climbing Mt. Symphony
Wendell's Advantageous Adversity (stop-motion film)
The Process
Every year our program does 4 rounds of scoring sessions for student films, the first one starts in mid March, then one in April, in May, and the last one in June. At the start of each cycle we screen all submitted films for our students, they decide which ones they want to work on, and we split them up into teams to begin work on their films. The writing process takes about 3-4 weeks with the composers meeting with seasoned advisors and getting approval of their cues from their directors. After that it usually takes another week or two to record and mix the scores before final deliverables are sent to the directors. The whole process takes 4-6 weeks to complete from the initial film screening.
Technical Requirements
Complete information and tech specs can be accessed once you send in your submission form,
but here are the minimum requirements for your film:
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Films must be picture locked
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Films should be stripped of all temporary music
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Films must begin with 15 seconds of pre-roll with a Slate that includes the following information:
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FILM TITLE:
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STUDENT NAME:
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SCHOOL:
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DATE:
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TRT: (total run time)
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EMAIL:
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PHONE:
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After the 15 second slate pre-roll the film must have a 2-pop placed exactly 2 seconds before the start of the film, preferably with an Academy Leader
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Films must end with 15 seconds of black leader (post-roll)
To be considered for our next recording session we need your picture locked film by May 4th
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "picture locked" mean?
Picture locked means that editing is complete and no further cutting of the film will be made. Other post-production like ADR, color correction, and VFX do not have to be complete (as long as the VFX don't change the length of the film) and credits can also be added later (just give us a rough idea for how long they will be).
Does the film really have to be picture locked?
Yes.
But does it really??
YES!!
What is a "2-pop"?
2-Pop is a term for a 1 kHz (1000 Hz) tone that lasts 1 frame inserted 2 seconds before the start of the program. Originally established as part of the SMPTE “Universal Leader”, it’s still widely used today. It’s used as a simple method to ensure sync between Picture & Sound in Post-Production for Film, Commercial, or Television Programs. More info here.
