Forum: Evolving into a working film composer

George Christopoulos
16/08/2019 19:00 – 22:00

In this seminar for film composers, George Christopoulos discusses the current situation of the film industry, its attitude to music in film, the usual practices in hiring composers and the ever-increasing difficulties film composers face as they enter the industry today.

The course is primarily aimed at young film composers, gives a “reality check” and is also a preparation tool for a successful step into the industry. The following topics will be discussed: How has the film industry changed in the last twenty years? How does a film composer have to position himself and market himself, what mistakes should he avoid? Which requirements are desired, what role does the combination of different skills such as mentality, talent and attitude play today? The seminar also deals with the often preconceived ideas of what a composer should achieve in a production and how these should be correctly evaluated and contractually agreed with the film producers and filmmakers. In addition, the importance of collecting societies is pointed out and industry differences between North America and Europe are discussed.

Tuition Fee: 50 € (incl. 19 % VAT) or
Forum Flaterate: 150 € (incl. VAT) for any numbers of forums or
Flaterate: 1800 € (incl. 19% VAT) for any of master classes, workshops, forums and special events excl. MasterClass Sound Design with Randy Thom or
Flaterate PLUS: 2500 € (incl. 19% VAT) for any of master classes, workshops, forums and special events incl. MasterClass Sound Design Randy Thom
Student Discount: 20 %
Working Language: englisch
Location: Elsa Brändström Haus, Hamburg-Blankenese

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George Christopoulos, born in Athens, studied graphic and multimedia design. His collaboration with international entertainment production companies led him to various multimedia projects, shows, installations and other corporate and art events around the world. He first entered the world of film music in 2009 with the first film music concert of the Japanese composer Shigeru Umebayashi (In the Mood for Love, House of Flying Daggers) in Gent. Since then he has produced several film music concerts worldwide and worked with two of the best conductors in the industry (Sir Dirk Brossé and Ludwig Wicki). In 2010, he founded OTICONS Ltd., a talent agency representing international film music composers from around the world, including Oscar winners Jan A.P. Kaczmarek and Rachel Portman, Shigeru Umebayashi and Tuomas Kantelinen. With his agency, George Christopoulos has also been working as a consultant for international co-productions since 2013. He gives master classes at international film and music festivals and is a guest lecturer at various European universities. In 2014 his agency announced the film music competition OTICONS FACULTY, which takes place annually and since then has more than 500 participants from all over the world. George Christopoulos is also a voting member of the European Film Academy and the World Soundtrack Academy.