Universal Launches Fourth Edition of its Film Composers Initiative

Universal Talent Development, Universal Film Music, DreamWorks Animation, and Universal Studio Group Music have once again come together to launch the Universal Composers Initiative (UCI). This collaborative effort seeks to identify and support rising film and TV composers with creative and professional opportunities both within the NBCUniversal network and beyond.

Background:

• This is the fourth edition of the UCI.

• The program was launched in 2018.

• Each round lasts two years.

• 10 composers within the program have scored NBCUniversal features.

Composers:

• The 2026-28 class includes Annah Tencic, Marcus Norris, Logan Nelson, Katya Richardson, Kristen Personius, Forrest Gray, Claudio Olachea, and Jeremy Earnest.

• Each will be given access to work in NBCUniversal studios and may be able to pitch scores for upcoming projects.

What they said:

• Mike Knobloch, President of NBCUniversal Music and Publishing, Universal Film: “These are working composers who are maybe more at an emerging level, and what we want to do is provide a level of access, connectivity, experience, education, and insight in a way that maybe they would eventually get one way or another. But there are composers who deserve this as an accelerant to the trajectory of their career. This is a real-world practical program through which we can provide a heightened level of exposure to our studio, filmmakers and executives, networking, mentorship advice, and the opportunity to submit to score real projects. The Initiative affords us the mutual beneficial experience of getting to know a group of composers and helping them hone their skills in a way we wouldn’t be able to through the course of regular routine business.”