BIFSC
Berlin International Film Scoring Competition
BIFSC offers emerging Film Composers the platform to showcase their work and compete to receive multiple Awards worth of over 3500 Euros, participate in Film Scoring Workshops and have their music recorded by a live ensemble, be invited in Film Festivals with VIP accreditation.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
GENERAL
Eligibility
The competition is open to composers of all ages and nationalities.
Previous Finalists of the same competition can participate again, be considered for receiving Awards, and be named in the 10 finalists. Previous Award Winners of the same competition can register and receive the competition materials but will not be considered for receiving Awards and be named in the 10 finalists.
Registration
Each participant should complete the registration form at www.bifsc.org and pay the entrance fee
Following the registration, the participant will receive an email with further details about the competition, a downloadable link to the Film in digital form and a unique identification number to be used for the submission. The registration fee is not refundable after the participant receives the above materials to participate in the competition.
Participants interested in participating in the Berlin International Sound Design Competition and the Berlin International Film Scoring Competition should register separately for each competition under the official dates.
Can we participate as a team?
Yes, you can participate in the competition as a team. Each team member must pay the registration fee. A team member should contact BIFSC for directions on completing the team registration.
Do I have to give rights to my work?
When participating in the competition participants keep all the copyrights to their work. BIFSC only requires the copyrights to be able to publish and share your work with our participants and online if you are one of the winners or finalists of the competition. Even in this case, the rights you provide to BIFSC are not exclusive. You are still be able to use your work with no restrictions.
What happens if I win?
Winning participants receive prizes provided by BIFSC, our sponsors, and collaborators. Many of the winners - and finalists report receiving greater attention from the industry and has led to them to receiving professional work in the field.
AWARDS (for Film Scoring and Sound Design Competition)
Up to ten (10) finalists will be announced and they will receive a Finalist Diploma and additional awards.
The Winners will receive the prizes specified on the website. Each year new awards are announced.
All the money prizes will be paid out within 2 months from the day of the prize winner's announcement.
The organizer reserves the right to award additional prizes. Sometimes we can enrich our awards through new collaborations during the competition dates. BIFSC reserves the right to change Awards or prizes. All changes will be related to all entrants awards recipients and finalists.
All participants of the Berlin International Sound Design Competition 2024 will receive the following gifts
(for Sound Design Competition)
- A 3-month ZAP IV license from Zynaptiq
- A 3-month Krotos Studio Pro Subscription from Krotos
- A 35-day Soundly Pro Subscription
- A Copy of the Timelapse Sound Effects Library by Silverplatter Audio
Details and promo codes will be provided upon registration to the competition.
BIFSC collaborates with a number of other organizations to achieve the highest possible visibility for the BIFSC participants and to maximize opportunities. While past competition winners have been invited to an International Film Festival in Berlin, BIFSC is not affiliated with a specific Film Festival or event.
SUBMISSION PROCEDURES
Will I receive a confirmation of my submission?
Yes, we will contact you within 24 Hours to confirm we received your submission. If you do not receive confirmation of your submission within 24 hours contact us directly.
Why the Unique identification number
In this way, we make certain that our Jury does not know the identity or any other information of the participant when reviewing their work.
What resources can I use?
There are no restrictions to the resources used. Any software, live instruments, found sounds, recorded sounds and other resources can be used.
What does Original Sound Design mean? (for Sound Design Competition)
It means that the Sound Design is created solely by you. The term original is not restrictive regarding the resources used.
What style of music shall I compose? (for Film Scoring Competition)
Composers are invited to compose music in any style. There are no preferences as to the style of music or the instrumentation used.
Who is reviewing the submissions?
At least one jury member from the distinguished judges panel, a member of BIFSC, or another external associate will review your submission. Submissions might be reviewed more than once and by more than one judge. After the finalists are announced, the distinguished jury will review again the finalists' submissions.
How do you select the jury?
We endeavor to fill each judging panel with a diverse group of evaluators who come from a variety of artistic backgrounds and areas of expertise such as sound designers, composers, and producers among others. The film industry is a collaborative environment where artistry and originality are valued equally to technical skills.
How my submission is reviewed (for Sound Design Competition)
Your submission will be reviewed with attention to : Originality; Mix quality and variety, mix detail; and Overall excellence. No submission is perfect in all reviewed qualities, the winners are determined by their total score.
How my submission is reviewed (for Film Scoring Competition)
Submissions will be reviewed with attention to their originality, musicality, connection with the film, and overall excellence. No submission is perfect in all reviewed qualities, the winners are determined by their total score.
Where you will hear my submission
All submissions are reviewed in studio monitors or high-end headphones.
Shall I send my submission in Stereo or Surround mix?
Submissions shall be delivered in Stereo mix.
Can I use binaural Audio?
Yes, participants can use binaural audio.
Shall I compose music for the credits? (for Film Scoring Competition)
Participants are not obliged to compose music for the opening and closing credits. Participants who decide to compose music for the opening and closing credits will be evaluated. Composers who will not compose music for the opening and closing credits will not lose marks.
Shall I create the Sound Design for the credits? (for Sound Design Competition)
Participants are not obliged to create Sound Design for the opening and closing credits. Participants who decide to create Sound Design for the opening and closing credits will be evaluated. Composers who will not compose music for the opening and closing credits will not lose marks.
How many submissions can I deliver per registration?
You can deliver one (1) submission per registration.
Can I share my submission?
Yes, you can share your submission if you participate in the competition. You can request detailed guidelines for sharing after the delivery deadline.