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Re-Score Competition for FREE

Just downloaded the competition .zip - 675 MB - thank you!
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1. No entry fee, appears to be a new direction for this annual competition
2. No percussion instruments in the NFO's competition roster.
3. Competition provides a brief and spotting sheet, in my experience that's rare
4. Competition does not disqualify (but does not encourage) multiple submissions
5. Contestants are not required to follow the brief or to write an explicitly orchestral score - thank goodness!
6. NFO offers a free sample library on pianobook, produced by Dan Keen.
7. CT suggests creating the score in the DAW, does not require submission of an orchestral score, and will create a production score on behalf of the winning entry if need be.
8. A BONUS prize draw includes all entrants.
9. "...You can ... use the animation file to practise and create a re-score without submitting it, ... for social media, coursework, your showreel ..."
10. Plain and simple "DON'T CHANGE THE ANIMATION VISUALS OR THE SOUND FX."
11. Separate stems are provided for Voices, FX, and score. Copyright prohibits modifying the stems other than trimming them or replacing them entirely with newly created stems. Guidelines for crediting newly created stems are found on page 18 of the contest entry pack pdf.

Edited 2/2/24 - for anybody considering working with this wonderful project for their portfolio, I found this essay by composer David Bruce both inspiring and helpful.

 
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I've been looking at the attached PDFs in addition to the video, and it seems like a super instructive competition. They provide the author's vision, tips for participating and not failing in the attempt, as well as subtle tips for using different instruments. I think it's at least a great source of study material. The video is challenging but at the same time inspiring; it helps to compose more dynamic music in every sense. The only thing that wasn't entirely clear to me is the format. It clearly states that the ensemble consists of a chamber string ensemble, a woodwind quartet, and a 2-2-2 brass formation. However, later on, it says that it's not a requirement for it to be orchestral. Does this mean I can use other additional instruments besides the orchestra? Or can I directly create electronic music?
 
I participated in 2022, and will give it a shot this year as well. I always forget how to write music every time I start on a new project, but will hopefully remember it before the deadline
 
Sebastián collao said:
Does this mean I can use other additional instruments besides the orchestra? Or can I directly create electronic music?
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I think they are pretty clear that "in the main" it should be orchestral with hybrid scores "accepted", but let's face it, deviating too far from the ensemble described is not going to be looked upon favourably, given that the main prize is to have your piece performed by the NFO.

People are also getting hung up on percussion... the entry pack doesn't mention it, but we've since learned that 2 additional percussionists will be made available, though what precisely that means in terms of instrumentation is anyone's guess at the moment.

My virtual orchestra (as provided largely by BBCSO) may not precisely match the NFO ensemble (though I'm trying to get as close as possible), but in the massively unlikely event that I win, that's a fun orchestration problem to solve.

Personally I think the chances of winning are so tiny (there were 1200+ entries last time) that I'm just writing something that I can add to my YouTube site and be proud of, alongside the previous two efforts.
 
Sebastián collao said:
I've been looking at the attached PDFs in addition to the video, and it seems like a super instructive competition. They provide the author's vision, tips for participating and not failing in the attempt, as well as subtle tips for using different instruments. I think it's at least a great source of study material. The video is challenging but at the same time inspiring; it helps to compose more dynamic music in every sense. The only thing that wasn't entirely clear to me is the format. It clearly states that the ensemble consists of a chamber string ensemble, a woodwind quartet, and a 2-2-2 brass formation. However, later on, it says that it's not a requirement for it to be orchestral. Does this mean I can use other additional instruments besides the orchestra? Or can I directly create electronic music?
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I think we're being encouraged to consider working with live, acoustical orchestration for film scoring, with the sponsors meeting us more than half way. The sponsors are giving themselves freedom to select compositions that meet the brief, regardless of the instruments chosen. If your score nails the cue, I sincerely believe the sponsors will arrange it for the orchestra. Beyond that, they are planning to do arrangements for string quartets as well.

I'm drafting this with synth presets, a synth clarinet patch, synth trombone sounds, etc., and zero articulations, no portamento, nothing. From there I'm optimistic about working with more realistic samples without getting whooped too badly by the different learning curves.

I haven't seen any 'Tom and Jerry' cartoons in years but since I got started with this project I've found Danse Macabre (Saint-Saens) and the 1812 Overture (Tchaikovsky) extremely entertaining and inspiring.

Cheers!
 
For any other folks who are new learners, I wanted to share this video, which I find encouraging. With thanks to Venus Theory for sharing the concept in one of his searching, densely layered remarks, and extra thanks to the thunder god of YouTube for pushing this into my awareness.



Good luck and good learning to all!
 
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Inherently said:
For any other folks who are new learners, I wanted to share this video, which I find encouraging. With thanks to Venus Theory for sharing the concept in one of his searching, densely layered remarks, and extra thanks to the thunder god of YouTube for pushing this into my pac-pellet supply.



Good luck and good learning to all!
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I loved this but had to stop watching at 1:30.

On a serious note I'm excited about this contest. Finally those hours and hours of watching Bugs Bunny and Tom and Jerry cartoons as a kid is coming in handy.
 
My score wth the video is now online!

I hope you like it as much as I enjoyed the final result.
I come from electronic music, but I love to continue getting better in making orchestral music for trailers and movie scenes. Emotions is key and I think I have managed to convey that in this animated movie.

Here is the Vimeo link: VIDEO ( Watch it in 1080p) for best quality!
Youtube Link: VIDEO
Bye now 🚀 @BVMusic
 
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Thanks very much @BVMusic - Bravo!

Edited to include a bit of feedback: kudos, this score solidly brings forward the suspense and action from the brief, and makes good use of the string section. I loved hearing the tuned percussion, circa 0:40. So mysterious!

Good luck!
 
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BVMusic said:
My score wth the video is now online!

I hope you like it as much as I enjoyed the final result.
I come from electronic music, but I love to continue getting better in making orchestral music for trailers and movie scenes. Emotions is key and I think I have managed to convey that in this animated movie.

Here is the Vimeo link: VIDEO ( Watch it in 1080p) for best quality!
Youtube Link: VIDEO
Bye now 🚀 @BVMusic
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Have you actually submitted it to the contest? It's funny because I think I'm done with mine too but am going to sit on it for a week since I have some time.

Good work.
 
swinkler said:
Have you actually submitted it to the contest? It's funny because I think I'm done with mine too but am going to sit on it for a week since I have some time.

Good work.
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Thank you, yes submitted already. Wish you the best with your work too
 
monochrome said:
thanks for posting this! I wouldn't have known if it wasn't for this post and it's such a good addition to a portfolio and for experience

here's my entry!

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This is really good. I love your interpretation of the flight that goes to silence. It creates more suspense than release which is how i interpreted it.

Great job writing, orchestrating and mocking up.
 
swinkler said:
This is really good. I love your interpretation of the flight that goes to silence. It creates more suspense than release which is how i interpreted it.

Great job writing, orchestrating and mocking up.
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thank you so much! I just listened to yours and i like it a lot! you hit some important moments that i didn’t even consider
 
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