VIFF Amp explores the essential role of music and sound in film, television and new media. From songwriters to composers to music entrepreneurs, Amp supports an annual cohort of emerging music professionals through a competitive and juried application process, with a focus on providing access to artists from traditionally underrepresented communities.
This multi-day summit features expertly curated masterclasses, case studies, panel discussions, networking events, breakout sessions and music showcases, all of which are designed to develop professional skills and create connections that can propel a career in film, television and new media.
Funded by
Supported by
Amp Speakers
The strength of VIFF Amp is the quality and depth of our mentors and speakers. Our expert curators bring in the very best music supervisors, composers, musicians, and film industry professionals working today. Drawing from Los Angeles, Toronto, New York, Europe, and Asia, the program invites a diverse group of leading-edge professionals who provide insight and experience to attendees, derived from their own successful careers.
Amp Program Curators
Amp is curated by Tony Scudellari and Rob Calder. Tony oversees all aspects of music for Sony Pictures Television’s programming, and is also the lead creative executive for the division’s music releases. Rob has been an active part of Canada’s creative industries for over 20 years. He is known for building impactful events and growing audiences and community.
Composer Filmmaker Accelerator
Where Music Meets Film: A Premier Program for Emerging Composers
As part of their strategic vision for VIFF Amp, Rob Calder & Tony Scudellari wanted to include a more advanced composer program. Renowned composer Miriam Cutler was brought on to conceive and curate the new Composer Filmmaker Accelerator (CFA) Program in 2023.
Building upon the success of year one, the CFA program returns to offer a new cohort of emerging composers an intensive, practical experience and a unique opportunity to work alongside filmmakers while receiving mentorship and guidance from industry professionals.
Success Stories
Chan Brothers
Vancouver composers Brian and Caleb Chan attended VIFF Amp in 2020, where they met Frank Garcia from DreamWorks, as part of an animation panel. This resulted in them landing two animated series. In 2021, Arbel Bedak of Spectra Creative Agency met the duo and chose to represent them. Through Tony Scudellari and Sony Pictures Television, the Chan brothers were selected to score two series: Panhandle, produced by Nick Stoller (Bros, Neighbors), and Alert, produced by Carla Kettner (Bones, The Blacklist).
DeAndre James Allen-Toole & Madison Anglin
Issa Rae’s label and music supervision company, Raedio, is in discussions with both CFA graduates for potential scoring opportunities, a direct result of the orchestral reels created as part of the CFA program.
Mina Samy
One of last year’s CFA composers reports he had “added credibility and confidence” from taking part. This resulted in him landing his first composing project with Academy Award-winning UK studio Slick Films. Mina also signed a contract with Oticons, an agency for film composers, after the head of the agency heard his music and saw his CFA reel.
Bukola
A local singer songwriter who participated in VIFF Amp in 2020 and 2021 drew high praise from invited international music supervisors and impressed the ear of composer Natalie Holt. Holt, an accomplished composer on Marvel and Star Wars projects, was a 2021 speaker at Amp, and heard Bukola at the SOUNDOFF showcase. Holt subsequently hired Bukola to do original vocals for the film The Princess.
What Attendees are Saying
I can safely say that I took away nuggets of wisdom from every session I attended. I found that all of the panelists and speakers were very open to sharing info on their approach and how indie musicians and composers can make headway in the sync world.
If you are a composer or a songwriter looking to write for TV or Film, this is the event to attend. Easily my favourite industry event of the year!
I have wanted to go into film composition for some time and it felt impossible to even try the first steps. With Amp, a new world has opened for me.