Universal launches fourth film composers initiative

Universal Talent Development, in partnership with Universal Film Music, DreamWorks Animation, and Universal Studio Group Music, has launched its fourth composers initiative, a program designed to discover and nurture emerging talent in the entertainment industry. The Universal Composers Initiative, founded in 2018, aims to identify traditional […]

Universal Talent Development, in partnership with Universal Film Music and in partnership with DreamWorks Animation and Universal Studio Group Music, has launched its fourth Composer Initiative, a program designed to discover and nurture emerging talent in the entertainment industry.

Founded in 2018, the Universal Composers Initiative is designed to find artists from both traditional and non-traditional professional backgrounds whose creative visions translate into distinctive musical expressions. The two-year initiative gives participants access to the studio process, while raising awareness of this new talent not only among NBCUniversal's extensive network of executives, producers and directors, but throughout the entertainment industry. Creative and professional development opportunities are provided for participants. They may also have the opportunity to participate in NBCUniversal franchise projects. Related Stories Blumhouse Atomic Monster Inks Short Film Deal With Horror Creator Heidi Wong, Live-Action Series 'Dungeon Crawler Carl' Begins 2027, More Details 'Coming Soon'

Mike Knobloch, president of NBCUniversal Music and Publishing, Universal Film, spoke to Variety about the group, saying, "These are active composers who are maybe more at the emerging level, and what we're trying to do is provide a level of access, connection, experience, education and insight in a way that maybe they end up going one way or the other, but they're composers who deserve this as an accelerator for their career path." Popular in Variety

Participants in the Universal 2026-2028 initiative include: Anna Tensich, Marcus Norris, Logan Nelson, Katia Richardson, Kristen Personius, Forrest Gray, Claudio Olachia and Jeremy Ernst.

“This is a hands-on, real-world program through which we can provide a high level of exposure to studios, filmmakers and executives, networking, mentorship and an opportunity to be sent on real projects,” Knobloch said. This initiative gives us the mutually beneficial experience of getting to know a group of composers and helping them hone their skills in a way that we are not able to do in the course of regular work.

Since the group's inception, 10 alumni have landed NBCUniversal properties at Universal Pictures, Focus Features and DreamWorks Animation.

Aside from feature films, UCI graduates have worked on a variety of NBCUniversal projects, including animated TV series, short films, silent films in remakes, documentaries, commercials, theme park music, and more. 90% of graduates are employed in an NBCU-related project.

“At NBCUniversal, we are deeply committed to discovering and empowering new talent,” said Brandon Williams, SVP, Universal Talent Development, Universal Entertainment. The Global Composers Initiative reflects this commitment by offering emerging and high-achieving composers meaningful and real opportunities to grow their careers within our studio ecosystem. Through initiatives like this, we're not only investing in exceptional talent, we're also strengthening the creative pipeline that will drive the future of our industry.