First Artists launches second composer assistant and mentor programme to empower the next generation of UK media composers

15 July 2024 - Press release

 

• Aspiring young film and TV composers, including underrepresented groups, are encouraged to apply for the opportunity of education and a full-time paid Assistant placement.

• Hannah Peel is the 2024-25 programme ambassador and Composer Mentors include Alex Baranowski, Natalie Holt and Ré Olunuga.

• Launch party and inaugural film-music networking event on July 31 at Loki, London.

• The scheme aims to improve access to the Music for Screen industry.

 

The European branch of First Artists Management (FAM)—the international talent agency representing composers, music supervisors, and music editors— has announced the launch of its second UK Composer Assistant and Mentor Programme (C.A.M.P.). This follows a successful inaugural edition in 2022-23 and adds a series of live media-music and networking events for this second iteration.

Applications for C.A.M.P. are open to UK-based entry-level music makers who demonstrate enthusiasm and talent in this field. The application deadline is August 30th, with stage one of the programme commencing late September 2024.

C.A.M.P. aims to improve access and industry knowledge while enabling sustainable opportunities for those interested in a career in media composition. It is designed for young music makers from underrepresented groups wanting to break into the industry, ultimately launching new voices and creating new role models.

Hamish Duff, head of FAM’s European office in London, says: “C.A.M.P. was created to both demystify the Music for Screen industry and to offer practical tips, mentoring and, most importantly, real-life working experience to help new voices to break into the industry.”

The C.A.M.P. 2024-25 programme will follow the structure of its first edition, offering education and mentoring to 10 selected applicants, followed by a full-time paid placement working as an Assistant Composer for one of the programme’s established career-composer mentors.

From the FAM roster, Ivor Novello award-winning Hannah Peel has been named the C.A.M.P. 2024-25 ambassador and is co-curating the programme that so far includes Composer Mentors Alex Baranowski, Natalie Holt and Ré Olunuga, with more to be announced.

The programme launch will be celebrated with a music and networking event on July 31 at Loki, London, the first in a series for professionals at all levels of the industry. The event will include an industry panel, a screening of a short film scored by C.A.M.P. alumna Taneka Miles, and a performance from FAM composer Jakwob with a set inspired by his work on the BAFTA-nominated feature How to Have Sex.

The C.A.M.P. 2022-23 cohort comprised 10 mentees chosen from hundreds of applicants based on their music and personal statement. They participated in a two-month educational series featuring insights, tips, and learnings on the industry from studio executives, including an introduction from renowned James Bond composer David Arnold before being paired with an established composer for 1-to-1 sessions and pitching on the short film Blackwool, sourced by the British Film Institute (BFI). 

Stage two of C.A.M.P.’s first edition, supported by Youth Music, saw Taneka Miles and Hani Hooper selected from the 10 mentees by a panel of industry expert judges for the Assistant position, based on their pitch for Blackwool. Taneka was commissioned for the film that premiered at the 2023 Tribeca Film Festival.

Taneka Miles, C.A.M.P. 2023 alumna, comments: “Attending C.A.M.P. was beneficial for my musical growth. My experience as an Assistant was fantastic. I learned so much about the day-to-day life of a Composer, picked up valuable tips, explored musical styles and techniques, and a range of scores in different genres. The feedback and guidance from my mentors were so valuable, and I contributed to some great projects.”

A further success story saw mentee Jamal Green discovered via C.A.M.P. and signed by FAM. The Composer has since scored two major TV series – Sky/Avalon’s Breeders and ITV’s hit comedy G’wed. Additionally, Jamal became the only Composer in BAFTA’s 2023 Breakthrough cohort.

Jamal Green, C.A.M.P. 2023 alumnus and FAM Composer, adds: “I learned so much about the ins and outs of the film scoring business in my time on C.A.M.P. The access to industry on the programme was incredible and the mentoring sessions gave me a platform to connect with established leaders in the sector.”

 

Application deadline is August 30th - apply here

C.A.M.P. 2024 - Summer Launch Party - tickets here

More info on First Artists Management x C.A.M.P. - firstartistsmanagement.com/camp