Universal Talent Development, part of U.S. media group NBCUniversal, has launched the fourth Universal Composers Initiative in partnership with Universal Film Music, with participation from DreamWorks Animation and Universal Studio Group Music.
Established in 2018, the two-year program seeks composers from traditional and non-conventional professional backgrounds whose creative viewpoints translate into distinctive musical expressions. Participants receive access to the studio process, creative and professional development opportunities, and may pitch for NBCUniversal scoring projects.
Program Structure#
Mike Knobloch, president of NBCUniversal Music and Publishing, Universal Film, said: “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.”
Knobloch added: “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.”
2026-28 Cohort#
The participants for the 2026-28 cycle are:
- Annah Tencic
- Marcus Norris
- Logan Nelson
- Katya Richardson
- Kristen Personius
- Forrest Gray
- Claudio Olachea
- Jeremy Earnest
Alumni Outcomes#
Since the cohort’s inception, 10 alumni have scored NBCUniversal features across Universal Pictures, Focus Features and DreamWorks Animation. Alumni have also worked on animated TV series, shorts, silent films in the Restoration Project, documentaries, commercials and theme park music. 90% of alumni have been hired on an NBCUniversal-related project.
Brandon Williams, SVP, Universal Talent Development, Universal Entertainment, said: “At NBCUniversal, we are deeply committed to discovering and empowering new talent. The Universal Composers Initiative reflects that commitment by providing emerging, high-achieving composers with meaningful, real-world opportunities to grow their careers within our studio ecosystem. Through initiatives like this, we’re not only investing in exceptional talent but also strengthening the creative pipeline that drives the future of our industry.”
