Composers are now invited to apply to take part in the VIFF Amp Composer Filmmaker Accelerator (CFA) 2025, taking place Oct 4–12 in Vancouver.
This will be the third iteration of the CFA at VIFF, presented by Amp’s Rob Calder and Tony Scudellari, curated by three-time Emmy-nominated composer, Miriam Cutler.
As a film composer, it is crucial to understand that the primary goal is to reinforce the narrative of the film that is so carefully crafted by the filmmakers.
Unfortunately, many filmmakers and composers are educated in separate programs, limiting their opportunities to learn from each other and collaborate in their early stages of development.
The VIFF Amp Composer Filmmaker Accelerator was created as an opportunity for the industry to foster an interdisciplinary approach to filmmaking that values the contributions of all team members, and provides opportunities for collaboration and cross-disciplinary learning.
Miriam Cutler, Program Curator
The CFA is unique amongst film and music festivals as an immersive program which unites filmmakers and composers to produce symphonic scores to picture under the mentorship of industry-leading experts in television, advertising and video games.
How It Works
VIFF selects four filmmakers who provide short clips of finished film to be scored by the CFA’s cohort of 12 composers. The composers are selected through a juried application process and assigned to a filmmaker and film clip. Through dialogue with the filmmaker, and with the support of the CFA faculty, each composer creates an original score to picture.
The composers take part in a curriculum which focuses on the unique requirements of composing for film, including traditional scoring techniques and idiosyncratic song structures within a film score. Through hands-on exercises, practical demonstrations and shared experiences from industry professionals, participants gain a comprehensive understanding of how to create impactful scores that enhance a film’s narrative.
The program culminates with a recording session for each final score, performed by the members of the renowned Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (VSO) and recorded at the world-class Warehouse Recording Studio. Upon completing the CFA, you will leave with a final recording which will contribute to your career development.
Who Should Apply?
The CFA is for composers who are looking to further their career in composing for media. For the purpose of this application, you should meet one of the following criteria:
- Are in the mid-career stages of your career in music/film and have a minimum of three IMDb credits (or equivalent)
- Are enrolled in, or have recently graduated from, a related degree/diploma/training program
- Demonstrate a commitment to devoting more time to your practice
- Demonstrate a desire to gain more skills, resources and influences to serve your practice as it pertains to music in film
- Are able to attend all weekly online sessions on Aug 31, Sept 7, Sept 14, Sept 21 and Sept 28
- Are able to be in Vancouver during VIFF from Oct 4 to 12
The CFA is an international program and we are committed to fostering diversity and strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds who meet the program’s eligibility criteria.
Please note: The Composer Filmmaker Accelerator (CFA) is a highly competitive program. Each year, we receive 300+ applications but can only accept 12 composers. If you’re applying for the CFA, we strongly encourage you to also apply for the VIFF Amp Music in Media Summit, which selects a final cohort of 60 music and film professionals. PLEASE NOTE: VIFF Amp applications close on July 20. Additionally, this year, you can access all of VIFF’s exclusive programming and special events — including the Music in Media Summit — through VIFF’s Artist and Industry Pass.
Questions?
Contact us at [email protected]
If you require accessibility accommodations for filling out this application form, please contact the Amp team at [email protected] or call (604) 683-3456.
Key Dates
- July 25: CFA applications close
- August 31: First CFA session (online)
- October 4–12: CFA in-person
Composer Filmmaker Accelerator Applications Now Open
We strongly encourage you to formulate your responses in a separate document as you will not be able to save your work here or edit it once submitted. Applications close July 25. We look forward to receiving your application.