1st MSCN International Film Music Prize

The MSCN International Film Music Prize is open to all applicants, regardless of age, experience, gender, education, or geographic location. MSCN actively encourages participation from individuals belonging to underrepresented groups within the industry and is an Autism Aware education initiative.

After payment of the application fee, you will receive a download link for the submission film in video format. Please download the file, import it into your DAW or other compatible software, and compose and mix your original music to the film’s original synchronised audio. Once completed, export the video in the following format: MP4 container with H.264 video and AAC audio, at a resolution of 1920×1080 (1080p), using the same frame rate as the original file. The recommended video bitrate is 12–20 Mbps for 1080p, and audio must be exported in stereo AAC format at 48 kHz sample rate and 320 kbps bitrate or higher. Please ensure the file is exported at high quality and plays correctly.

A cue sheet in PDF format must be included with the submission. The cue sheet must clearly indicate where the music and intended silence are placed by showing the following:

• Cue numbers and titles

• In and Out Timecode (TC) for each cue

• Exact duration of each cue

• Description of cue function (optional but recommended)

• Indication of silence where dramatically intended

The cue sheet will play a significant role in the jury’s evaluation, as it reflects the composer's structural thinking, timing discipline, and professional presentation standards. Submissions without a cue sheet in correct format will not be considered complete. A cue sheet example can be found here.

Your exported files must be labeled with an anonymous 6-character name (letters and/or numbers only), which you will link in your application form. You must submit a non-expiring download link to the files, along with your anonymous 6-character name, your full name, contact details, and confirmation of consent.

The submission film sequence is exactly TC07:02:11 in length.

The MSCN International Film Music Prize is dedicated to recognizing outstanding new and emerging composers in the field of media music. What sets this competition apart is its carefully developed judging criteria and methodology, which assess not only artistic expression but also technical proficiency and the overall presentation of each submission.

The jury consists of selected MSCN mentors and media music industry professionals who bring decades of combined experience in evaluating compositional portfolios and judging film music competitions. Each juror is committed to discovering and supporting distinctive new musical voices.

Furthermore, the competition aims to provide prizes and opportunities that support the career development of its participants through events at major international film festivals. These opportunities are often more valuable than simple cash prizes.

All applicants may request detailed, professional feedback on their submission. In addition, during the adjudication process, the jury will select the ten strongest submissions and provide each of those applicants with a comprehensive written evaluation by email.

We encourage the use of creative and original scoring approaches; however, the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools to create, generate, compose, or materially alter the musical content of the submission is prohibited.

The use of AI-assisted or machine-learning tools for technical audio production purposes—such as mixing, equalization, mastering, effects processing, or sound design, including synthesizers, samplers, and audio processing tools—is permitted, provided that such tools do not generate or compose the underlying musical work itself.

Participants must fully disclose any use of AI tools in the production of their submission upon request. Failure to disclose the use of prohibited generative AI tools, or the use of such tools in violation of these rules, may result in disqualification from the competition.

Prize Conditions and Participation Costs

The decisions of the Competition, including the selection of finalists and the awarding of prizes, are final and binding. All prizes are subject to change and are contingent upon the availability of funding, scheduling, and the successful planning and execution of the associated projects, including but not limited to the MSCN Film Music Festival Academy and the MSCN Budapest Summer Film Music Conducting Workshop.

Prizes have no cash value and no cash alternative, substitution, or transfer will be permitted except at the sole discretion of MSCN. Application and submission fees are non-refundable.

Any and all costs and expenses associated with participation in prize-related activities, including but not limited to travel, accommodation, visas, insurance, taxes, and personal expenses, shall be the sole responsibility of the prize recipients unless explicitly stated otherwise in writing by MSCN. Prize recipients are solely responsible for complying with all applicable laws, regulations, and requirements relating to their participation.

Rights, Representations, and License Grant

By submitting an application, participants represent and warrant that they own or have obtained all necessary rights, licenses, permissions, and consents required to submit the materials and to grant the rights described herein, and that their submission does not infringe upon or violate any copyright, trademark, contractual right, or other intellectual property or proprietary right of any third party.

Participants agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless MSCN, its affiliates, partners, employees, and representatives from and against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, and expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising out of or in connection with any breach of these representations or any third-party claim related to the submitted materials.

Participants grant MSCN a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, display, publicly perform, and distribute submitted materials, as well as the participant’s name, likeness, biography, and related promotional information, solely for promotional, educational, editorial, and archival purposes related to the competition and MSCN activities. No additional compensation shall be due for such uses.

Competition Modifications and Liability

MSCN reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to modify, suspend, reschedule, or cancel the competition, adjust deadlines, amend these terms, or substitute prizes of equivalent nature or value if necessary due to circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to force majeure events, funding limitations, or organizational requirements.

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, MSCN shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, or special damages arising out of or in connection with participation in the competition or acceptance or use of any prize.

Confidentiality and Use Restrictions of Submission Materials

The submission materials, including but not limited to the submission film, notes, treatments, and any related materials (collectively, the “Submission Materials”), are provided solely for the purpose of participation in the competition. Participants and recipients of such materials may not reproduce, distribute, publish, share, publicly display, or otherwise disclose the Submission Materials, in whole or in part, for any purpose unrelated to the competition without the prior written permission of MSCN and/or the respective rights holders.

Any unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution of the Submission Materials may result in disqualification from the competition and may subject the responsible party to content removal requests and potential legal action.