2023 Winners

1st Prize - Ethan Graham

2nd Prize - Georg Mausolf

3rd Prize - Michaella Koleva

Honorable mention - Solmi Kim

Honorable mention - Valerio Pellegri

About

FFM Scoring Contest Edition 2 registration is now closed!

The contestants have to write an original music for the following scene from the film Petya of My Petya.

Who is Petya?

The new school year begins with unexpected changes. A new principal, new rules, and a heavy accident that will alter the lives of a group of 11th-grade students. Against the background of injustice in high school, one girl decides to take action and fight against everything that turns her classmates into "canned goods without labels." As the system, personified by Principal Krachunov, favors the obedient and doesn’t tolerate the different ones.

40 years after the death of her favorite poetess Petya Dubarova, Petya will discover the meaning in living and loving.

Petya, the protagonist, has a classmate who has been injured in an accident and is not able to walk anymore. In order to continue studying together with his class, an elevator needs to be built in their school. However, the principal is reluctant to help and seems to deliberately block the construction of the facility, because he and Petya are in conflict.

 

In the scene selected for scoring, we see Petya and her friend outside the school trying to persuade the principal to act. But as it becomes clear that this won't happen, Petya decides to tear down the wall symbolizing the injustice, regardless of the consequences.

You can find more about the film at: bofpictures.com

You can watch the movie online on HBO Max (in Central Europe) and on neterra.tv

*Storyline source translation

PRIZES

The goal of our prizes is to stimulate creative synergies and interaction between musicians. Here is what the three prizes include:

1st Prize

Preparation of scores and parts, recording with a 52-piece orchestra (10/8/6/4/3, 2/2/2/2, 4/2/3/1, Timpani, Piano, Hаrp) and mixing of the winning composition.
Feedback from the judges.
Sample libraries by Strezov Sampling:

  • AFFLATUS CHAPTER I STRINGS
  • CHOIR COLLECTION BUNDLE
  • KAMBANITE CHURCH BELLS
2nd Prize

Feedback from the judges.
Sample libraries by Strezov Sampling:


 

  • BALKAN ETHNIC ORCHESTRA
  • WOTAN MALE CHOIR
  • FREYJA FEMALE CHOIR
3rd Prize

Feedback from the judges.
Sample libraries by Strezov Sampling:


 

  • CHOIR ESSENTIALS
  • PERCUSSION ESSENTIALS
  • KAMBANITE CHURCH BELLS

OUR JUDGES

Joseph Trapanese
Composer

Joseph Trapanese is a composer and music producer known for integrating his extensive classical training with his skill producing electronic music. He has crafted uniquely hybrid and inventive scores for Tron: Legacy (with Daft Punk), Oblivion (with M83), The Raid (with Mike Shinoda), Arctic, Straight Outta Compton, The Divergent Series’ second and third installments Insurgent and Allegiant, The Witcher, Shadow and Bone, and interactive projects for Disney Animation, EA, Lucasfilm, and Ubisoft.

He has also arranged and produced songs for The Greatest Showman, Divergent, and Jason Bourne, and collaborated on albums and live events with Aloe Blacc, Amon Tobin, Dierks Bentley, Dr. Dre, The Glitch Mob, Haim, Halsey, Janelle Monae, Kelly Clarkson, Kendrick Lamar, M83, Moby, S. Carey, Sohn, Zedd and many more.


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George Elenkov PhD
Lecturer, Conductor and Producer

Georgi Elenkov is a lecturer in the “Conducting” department in the National Academy of Music (in Bulgaria), who got his PhD degree in 2015. For nearly ten years now, he has been deputy conductor of the Patriarchal Cathedral “St. Alexander Nevsky” mixed choir. Georgi has also been music producer at the Bulgarian National Radio, where he is responsible for opera, vocal, chamber and choir recording sessions since 2012.

Georgi has also extensive experience in conducting and producing recording sessions for films, games, albums, and individual pieces at Four For Music. He has worked on numerous international productions, such as: Solo: A Star Wars Story, The Crown, Catch-22, The Lighthouse, The Sandman, The Serpent, Asgard's Wrath, Assassin's Creed: Odyssey and many more.


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George Strezov
Composer, conductor, producer

George Strezov of Four for Music is an award-winning composer, conductor and orchestrator who was always passionate about film music - he started working when he was merely 15 years old and since then he has made the music for various projects, such as the TV series "Durvoto na Zhivota" ("The Tree of Life"), "Na Granitsata" ("On The Frontier"), the movies "Shibil", "Petya of my Petya", "The Blessed", "Corpse Collector", "Uncle Claus", "Last Call", the critically acclaimed short films "Lighthouse Woman", "69", "Every pilgrim's way",  the opening music for 2012's Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championship and many more, including music for video games like "Surviving Mars", "Victor Vran", Masthead's "Guns & Robots", "Strength of the Sword Ultimate". He has also written music for theatre, TV, radio, commercials & concert works.


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Lyubomir Denev JR
Conductor and Composer

Lyubomir Denev Jr PhD is a conductor and composer born in Sofia, Bulgaria in 1988. In 2019 he was awarded third prize at The Los Angeles Conducting Competition, in 2021 was awarded with “Stefan Linev” prize. He has been the principal conductor of Pioneer Youth Philharmonic since 2010 and is currently principal conductor of Shumen State Symphony. From 2012 to 2019 Denev was the music director and principal conductor of Sofia Session Orchestra at the recording company Four For Music, where he has conducted scores by Alan Silvestri, Ennio Morricone, Harry and Rupert Gregson-Williams, Dominik Scherrer, Brian Tyler, Thomas Bergersen, Mario Grigorov, George Strezov, Penka Kouneva as well as music for the TV series ‘The Crown’, ‘Ripper Street’, the video games LEGO Dimensions, LEGO Marvel’s ‘Avengers’, LEGO ‘The Incredibles’.

Denev’s music, arrangements and orchestrations have been performed and recorded for dozens of live concerts, TV and cinema projects and radio broadcasts in the USA, UK, Germany, Austria and Bulgaria. Many orchestras performed Denev’s music such as The Bulgarian National Radio Symphony Orchestra, Sofia Philharmonic, Cyprus Symphony Orchestra, Sofia Session Orchestra and others.


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Boris Radilov
CELLIST AND PRODUCER

Boris Radilov is a producer and cellist at Four For Music. He has collaborated with composers and musicians on various scores for TV series, films, and games. The impressive number of projects he has worked on includes titles like: The Witcher (season 2), His Dark Materials, Catherine the Great, Years and Years, Outcast 2: A New Beginning, Lost Eidolons, Midsomer Murders and many more.

Boris has served as the principal cellist of many orchestras and chamber ensembles. Currently he is a member of the Sofia Soloists Chamber Orchestra. Boris holds master’s degrees from National Music Academy ‘Prof. Pancho Vladigerov’ in Sofia.


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Alexander Kossev
Film Director

Alexander Kossev, born on December 22, 1963, in Sofia, is a Bulgarian film and TV director with a rich and diverse portfolio. Graduating from the National Academy for Theatre and Film Arts "Kr. Sarafov," he has directed numerous impactful projects over his career.

Notable among these are TV series like "Sofia Residents in Excess," "Stolen Life," "Dads," "All Inclusive," "Dear Heirs," "Don't Think of Me," "Rumbata, Me and Ronaldo," "Honor's Way," "Liaisons," "The Tree of Life," "Home Arrest," and "Kantora Mitrani," along with the TV show "Lords of the Air." Additionally, in 2022, he directed the feature film "Petya of My Petya”.


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Nikolay Urumov
PRODUCER

Nikolay Urumov was born in 1976 in the city of Burgas, Bulgaria. From 2012 to 2015 he is the executive producer of the “Domashen Arest” and “Kantora Mitrani” series, the Bulgarian-Russian co-production “Labirinti Lyubvi”, as well as the third season of “Bulgaria’s Got Talent”.

He is also the co-producer of the film “Roseville”. He graduated from the National Academy of Theatre and Film Arts “Kr. Sarafov ”(NATFA) with a major in Film and TV Directing in 2021. His short films “Awakening” and “The Immortal” have won awards in over 15 international forums. Nikolay Urumov is the producer of the film “Petya na Moyata Petya”.


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Rules and Terms of Participation

FFM Scoring Contest Rules. By taking part in the Competition the participant declares to hold exclusive and unlimited copyright to the sent composition.

Rules and Terms of Participation

Rules of Four For Music Scoring Contest, also called FFM Scoring Contest (the Contest/the Competition). 

By registering for participation in the Contest, you agree with the rules and regulations listed below.

The organizer of FFM Scoring Contest is Four For Music Ltd., a recording company.

The rules concern two main parties – Four For Music Ltd., also called Organizer, and the Contestants, also called Composer/s and Participant/s. 

1.1 The competition is open to composers of all ages from all over the world, divided into two groups – music students and standard group.

The first group, called music students, includes students who are currently pursuing bachelor’s or master’s degrees in majors such as, but not limited to, composition, sound design, sound engineering, conducting, etc. The students have to provide a scanned copy of a valid student ID proving their student’s status upon registration in order to get fee free access to the contest. It is up to the Organizer to decide if the Participant is eligible for free admission or not.

The second group, called standard, includes all other composers willing to participate in the competition. They are required to pay a registration fee of EUR 20.

If the participant is under 18 years old, then they will need a permission from their parent/guardian. Proof of permission should be provided upon request from Four For Music.

This competition is worldwide, however, it is important to note that some countries and regions don’t permit these types of competitions; so it is important for the participant to check if their region or country allows the contest prior to entering.

1.2 The Composers participating in the Contest should download the extract from Petya of My Petya from the registration confirmation email that they will receive from the Organizer. They have to use all noises and sounds present in the scene.

1.3. By submitting their music, the Composers agree that the composition is original and composed by them only.

1.4 The Participants are only allowed to use the following instruments:

Strings 31 [10-8-6-4-3]

Woodwinds 8 [2-2-2-2]*

Brass 10 [4-2-3-1]

Timpani, Piano, Harp

Auxiliary Percussion, Synths and ethnic instruments can be used as MIDI/synth prelays.

*The second player can also play Piccolo, English Horn, Bass Clarinet, Contrabassoon

The Participants are free to decide whether they are going to use all instruments listed above or a combination of their choice.

1.5 Each participant has to complete the registration form at Four For Music website: www.fourfomusic.com/contests. If the Participant wants to register for the standard group, they have to pay a registration fee of EUR 20. If the Participant wants to register for the student group, they need to provide a relevant document proving they are currently enrolled in a higher education programme in a music-related major.

 After the registration, the Participant will receive a registration confirmation and further details about the competition via the email address they have provided during the registration. It can take up to 72 hours to receive the confirmation email due to the technical time needed for processing the payment (in the case of standard registration) or checking the student status verification document (in the case of student registration). 

1.6. Each Composer has the right to participate once with one original composition only per each edition of the contest. The Contestant has to register with their names and email address, which the Organizer will use to identify them during the Contest. Once registered successfully, the Contestant must not make another registration or submission during the same edition of the contest. A second registration and submission would be considered invalid. 

1.7 Each Composer has to send a Dropbox or WeTransfer link to an uploaded file with the a) video extract with music and the original film sound effects, b) a music-only file, and c) conductor’s score (optional) to contest@fourformusic.com via the email used during the registration by the time of the deadline stated on the official website of the FFM Scoring Contest. The files must be in .mov or mp4 format (video), .wav or .mp3 format (audio) and .pdf format (optional score) The name of the files must contain the first and the last name of the Participant, followed by FFM002. Example: Jordan Peters FFM002. The names of the Participant must correspond to the names that appear in the registration form. 

1.8 The Organizer has the right to make changes to the Competition, add updates, and cancel the Competition. If the FFM Scoring Contest is cancelled,  the Participants will get their entry fee refunded (excluding the applicable PayPal fees) within 30 days. 

1.9 Deadlines may be extended in rare individual cases such as, but not limited to, technical issues, illness, accident, Covid, or war. The Organizer reserves their right to decide if the deadline should be extended or not. 

1.10 The FFM Scoring Contest is under no obligation to provide comments or feedback regarding the submitted composition or the decision process. 

The FFM Scoring Contest bears no responsibility for, and will not be held responsible or liable for, the contents of any internal or external comments or feedback regarding any score.

2.  Prizes 

2.1 The Winners will receive the prizes as follows:

1st Proze: Preparation of scores and parts, recording with a 52-piece orchestra (10/8/6/4/3, 2/2/2/2, 4/2/3/1, Timpani, Piano, Harp) and mixing of the winning composition.
Feedback from the judges.
Sample libraries by Strezov Sampling:

  • AFFLATUS CHAPTER I STRINGS
  • CHOIR COLLECTION BUNDLE
  • KAMBANITE CHURCH BELLS

2nd Prize: Feedback from the judges.
Sample libraries by Strezov Sampling:

  • BALKAN ETHNIC ORCHESTRA
  • WOTAN MALE CHOIR
  • FREYJA FEMALE CHOIR

3rd Prize: Feedback from the judges; Sample libraries by Strezov Sampling, namely:

  • CHOIR ESSENTIALS
  • PERCUSSION ESSENTIALS
  • KAMBANITE CHURCH BELLS

The decisions of the FFM Scoring Contest will be final and there will be no appeal.

2.3 The recording session of the composition of the First Prize winner will take place within two months after the announcement of the winners. 

The First Prize winner can watch online or attend the recording session if they wish so. The Organizer will not cover any costs or expenses with regards to the travel and accommodation of the winner if they decide to be present during the recording session.

If the First Prize winner is under 18, they will need to attend the recording session with an accompanying adult, in case they wish to attend.

2.4 The Organizer reserves the right to award additional prizes or change the prizes for all winners. 

3.  Copyright

3.1 The Participant retains full ownership of their work, but by entering the Contest, they assign to the Organizer, on a non-exclusive basis and free of charge, their copyright to their composition submitted for the Contest for purposes of marketing (such as, but not limited to usage on FB page, newsletters, etc.) in territorially and time-unlimited way.

3.2 The Participant, if selected as winner, does not have the right to assign the rights/sell their version of the entry to third parties such as, but not limited to music libraries.

3.3 The FFM Scoring Contest holds the rights to present the winning submissions on the official website of the Competition, as well as on the Organizer's social media channels, newsletters, and other marketing materials as they see fit.

3.4 By taking part in the Contest, the Participant declares that they hold exclusive and unlimited copyright to the sent compositions and assume responsibility towards the Organizer for legal faults of the submitted compositions and in particular for claims of third parties against the Organizer connected to an infringement of their copyright.

The burden of determining that any material is not protected by copyright, trademark, rights of privacy, publicity, or any other proprietary rights rests with the Composer. The Contestant shall bear sole responsibility for any damage resulting from any infringement of copyrights, proprietary rights, or any other harm resulting from such a submission.

3.5 Should third parties lay a claim against the Organizer on account of breach by the Participant of copyright or personal rights of third parties related to the usage of their composition, the Participant shall indemnify the Organizer against any and all such claims by third parties.

3.6 The Participant is allowed to share their submission on social media and on their website on condition that they credit the original creator of the film/the name of the film – “Petya of My Petya” and disclose that the composition is created for the purposes of this Contest.

4. Additional provisions 

4.1 Unless otherwise provided by applicable law, a complete legal relation between the Participant and the Organizer shall be governed by the Law of the Republic of Bulgaria. 

4.2 The Organizer of the Competition makes final decisions upon all organizational issues. Such decisions are irrevocable and non-claimable.

4.3 The Organizer has the right to change the rules of participation. 

4.4 The Participant agrees that they shall be bound by the terms and rules stipulated by Four For Music Scoring Contest, also called FFM Scoring Contest (the Contest, the Competition, and the Organizer), organized by Four For Music Ltd.

4.5. The Participant agrees that personal data, such as names and email addresses, as well as other information provided during the Competition, may be collected, stored, and used by Four For Music Ltd. (the Organizer) for the purposes of the Contest, including in marketing materials such as social media posts, newsletters, etc.



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FAQ

Who can participate in the contest?

Everyone who is willing to participate can do so. The competition is open to composers of all ages and nationalities.

* If you are under 18 years old, then you will need a permission from your parent/guardian. Proof of permission should be provided upon request from Four For Music.

** This competition is worldwide, however, it is important to note that some countries and regions don’t permit these types of competitions. It is important to check if your region or country allows the contest prior to entering.

Is there a participation fee?

The FFM Scoring Contest is FREE for students who are enrolled in bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes, such as composition, sound design, music production, etc. All you have to do is send us a scanned valid student ID together with the registration form.

There is a EUR 20 fee for standard registration for all composers who are not currently students in the above-mentioned programmes but want to participate in the contest.

Which instruments can I use?

You can use the following instruments:

  • Strings 31 [10-8-6-4-3]
  • Woodwinds 8 [2-2-2-2]*
  • Brass 10 [4-2-3-1]
  • Timpani
  • Piano
  • Harp

Auxiliary Percussion, Synths and ethnic instruments can be used as MIDI/synth prelays.

*The second player can also play Piccolo, English Horn, Bass Clarinet, and/or Contrabassoon

** You can also use all sound effects that you own.

Do I have to use all available instruments in the orchestra?

No, you don’t. It is up to you to decide which instruments you will use for your composition. However, please make sure that you use the sounds and speech from the original video.

When can I apply and when is the submission deadline?

The registration for the contest is open from September 15, 2023 to November 3, 2023. 

The submission deadline is November 5, 2023. Compositions sent after the deadline will not be accepted. Your submission will be considered valid only after you receive an email confirming your registration. 

We suggest that you send your submission by November 3, 2023 or as soon as you are ready. :)

Where do I need to upload my composition?

You need to send an email with a download link for the files you uploaded on Dropbox or WeTransfer to contest@fourformusic.com.

You don’t have to worry about score preparation, mastering, and mixing – we will do that for you. You just have to write the winning composition!

What file formats do I need to use for my submission?

The files need to be in .mov or mp4 format (video) - with all noises and sounds present in the scene included., .wav or .mp3 format (audio) with your music-only, and .pdf format (optional score).

They must be named with the first and the last name of the participant, followed by FFM002. Example: Jordan Peters FFM002. The names of the participants must correspond to the names filled in the registration form.

How many times can I participate in the contest?

Only once per competition's edition. You need to register with your names and email address, which we will use to identify you during the contest. Any other (subsequent) registration will be considered invalid.

How do we choose the winners?

We are looking for the compositions that will stand out with best:

  • Melody and Harmony
  • Orchestration
  • Originality & unique sound
  • Relationship between picture and music
Should I prepare scores and parts?

It is not necessary because Four For Music will make the score preparation/orchestration work for you. We are only looking for the best composition.

However, you can provide your own scores, if you want to do so, but keep in mind that they will have to be adjusted to our workflow and requirements if you win the first prize in the competition.

Can I publish the video with my music?

Yes, you are allowed to use the film extract downloaded and share it online with credits to the original creators/film's name, provided you make it clear that it was created in the context of this competition.

For example: Composition created for a scene from the film Petya of My Petya for the FFM Scoring Contest. #Petya of My Petya #FFMscoringcontest #FourForMusic

Do I own the rights over the music I submitted?

Yes, you do! Keep in mind, though, that we have the right to use the compositions for marketing purposes, such as publishing it on our social media channels, our website, etc.

Will I get feedback on my composition?

Due to the expected large number of contestants, we will provide feedback to the winners only.

Where can I download the video after the registration?

You will receive a link for the video in the email with your registration confirmation. The email will be sent to the email address that you have provided during your registration.

When will the winners be announced?

The winners will be announced on December 4, 2023, on our website (https://www.fourformusic.com/competitions/), Facebook page (@fourformusic), and Instagram account (@four.for.music).

When will the winners receive their prizes?

The orchestra recording for the First Prize composition will take place within two months after the announcement of the winners. The feedback and sample libraries awarded to the recipients of the First, Second, and Third Prizes will be sent to the winners during the week after the announcement of the winning compositions.

Partners

Band of Friends Pictures are a production company based in Sofia, Bulgaria. Their main activity is making short and feature films, documentaries, music videos, trailers and teasers, commercials and corporate videos.

 

Strezov Sampling was founded by full time composers, who were in need of easy to use sampling tools, without the requirement to add hours of programming to achieve realistic and professional sounding results. Especially known for unrivaled virtual choirs Strezov Sampling pushes the boundaries of what is possible to achieve with sampling right from its foundation in 2012. Strezov Sampling products can be heard in countless Triple A productions used by topnotch composers and music producers around the globe.

With regard to the new European data protection regulation 2016/679, known as General Data Protection Regulation/GDPR, we are informing you that you need to read the Terms and Conditions in our website and confirm that:

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