This year marks the New Orleans Film Society’s (NOFS) 30th year hosting the Oscar-qualifying New Orleans Film Festival. Boasting an attendance of over 400 filmmakers, this year NOFS is launching its Music Initiative, with the aim of bringing together local musicians and film music supervisors. Besides seafood, New Orleans is just as admired for its contributions to music. The Music Initiative is hopeful to also be able to connect independent filmmakers with potential musical collaborators.

Taking place October 20-22 (during the New Orleans Film Festival), the Music Initiative will include a Music Supervisor Pitch for qualified applicants, a public panel event focused around the intersection of film and music, and a networking reception for attending film makers and musicians.

According to organizers, the pitch sessions “are an opportunity for groups of 10-15 musicians to receive real-time feedback about opportunities overseen by the prolific music supervisors in the film and entertainment industry, and for music supervisors to expand their networks to include Louisiana talent.”

Filmmakers accepted to the pitch sessions will receive credentials to the New Orleans Film Festival in addition to access to panels and networking events. Filmmakers interested in submitting pitches must be available September 28 between 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. and all day on October 20 and 21. 

The selection process will focus on the readiness of applicants’ work to be used in a film or television show. Additionally, applicants must be available to participate in September 28’s required pitch training sessions. Applicants with licensed music will be prioritized. 

 There is no fee to apply and applications are to be submitted by August 1, 2019. Visit https://neworleansfilmsociety.org/musicinitiative/  for more information on the Music Initiative, the pitch selection process or to submit an application.