BMI has been a sponsor and participant in the Lab since it was reintroduced in 1998. The influential program pairs Composers Lab Fellows with filmmakers from the Sundance Institute Feature Film Program and the Sundance Institute Documentary Program. This collaboration helps the Fellows to explore the process of writing music for film and to create accompanying scores for scenes shot during the Feature Film Program’s Directors Lab and those developed during the Documentary Program’s Edit and Storytelling Lab.

The Composers Lab is a major component of the Sundance Institute Film Music Program, dedicated to supporting emerging film composers and to enhancing the role of music in independent film. First offered from 1986-1989, the Composers Lab was re-introduced in the summer of 1998 to provide a collaborative and supportive environment in which composers experiment and expand their musical language.

"Whether narrative or documentary, innovative storytelling through film involves a keen eye, an editor's touch, the appropriate voice and also the right sound," said Peter Golub, Director, Sundance Institute Film Music Program. "The goal of our Composers Lab is to give emerging composers and filmmakers a creative environment to collaborate on and explore the importance of music in their projects. Many first-time filmmakers have never before had the opportunity to work in this medium."

“This program has been ground breaking in the world of independent film,” said Doreen Ringer Ross, BMI Vice President, Film/TV Music and Sundance Composers Lab Advisor. “Music is such a subtle yet essential element in film, both documentary and narrative. The hands-on collaborative experience that the composer and filmmaker Fellows get in this lab is unlike anything offered in film schools or film scoring programs. This lab gives artists an opportunity to experiment and learn with guidance from the most extraordinary composers and filmmakers in the world. It’s an honor for BMI to be a continuing partner with Sundance in this Lab.”

In addition to collaborating with each other, Lab Fellows will work with Creative Advisors, a distinguished group of film composers, filmmakers, and film industry professionals. This year's Creative Advisors include film composers Tyler Bates (Dawn of the Dead, 300); Carter Burwell (No Country for Old Men, In Bruges); George S. Clinton (The Love Guru, Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery); Miriam Cutler (Ghosts of Abu Ghraib); Osvaldo Golijov (St. Mark Passion, Youth Without Youth); and Ed Shearmur (Sky Captain and The World of Tomorrow, Charlie's Angels).

Other Creative Advisors include music supervisor Tracy McKnight (The Groomsmen, Wordplay, Friends with Money); music editor Adam Smalley (Kung Fu Panda); film music agent Robert Messinger (First Artists); music executive Doug Frank (Warner Bros. Pictures); cellist Maya Beiser; percussionist Steven Schick, and BMI’s Ringer Ross.

BMI honored the composers of music featured in the past year's top-grossing films, top-rated prime-time network television series and highest-ranking cable network programs May 21 at its annual Film & Television Awards. Held at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, the black-tie gala was hosted by BMI President & CEO Del Bryant and Film/TV Relations Vice President Doreen Ringer Ross, who handed out more than 80 BMI Crystals throughout the evening.

View Full List of Award Winners

A highlight of the ceremony took the form of the Richard Kirk Award presentation to esteemed composer Christopher Young. Named after late BMI Vice President Richard Kirk, the prestigious award is given annually to a composer who has made significant contributions to film and television music. As the 2008 honoree, Christopher Young joins an elite list of peers that includes George S. Clinton, Harry Gregson-Williams (PRS), Jerry Goldsmith, Thomas Newman, Michael Kamen, Mark Mothersbaugh, Danny Elfman, Alan Menken, Mike Post, Lalo Schifrin and John Williams.

Award-winning composer Christopher Young has carved out an enviable niche in the upper pantheon of Hollywood composers. The UCLA Film School alumnus first turned heads with fiendish scores for horror and science fiction projects, and he proceeded to garner accolades for work on macabre and fantastical films including Hellraiser, its Saturn award-winning sequel and Species, along with BMI award-winners Ghost Rider, The Grudge and The Exorcism of Emily Rose. Young became a master of suspense, composing music for thrillers including Copycat and BMI honoree Entrapment, as well as dramatic and critical tours-de-force including Golden Globe nominee The Shipping News, Wonder Boys, Rounders and BMI award-winner Swordfish. He also fleshed out the haunting nuances and electrifying action sequences of box office gold Spiderman 3. The New Jersey native has also excelled in television composition, earning two Emmy nominations for telefilms Last Flight Out and Norma Jean & Marilyn. A dedicated mentor, Young has taught classes at USC, served as an advisor for the Sundance Institute's Film Composers Lab and created an innovative residential development to house aspiring composers in Los Angeles.

BMI also presented the Classic Contribution Award to Peter Golub in recognition of his progressive direction of the Sundance Institute's Film Composers Lab for the past ten years. An accomplished composer of film, theatre, ballet and concert works, Golub is a natural fit for the lab, which aims to enhance the role of music in independent film. His acute composition work includes scores for documentaries I.O.U.S.A. and Wordplay, along with films including The Great Debaters. Universally acknowledged as an unparalleled apprenticeship for the next generation of composing elite, the workshop has invaluably benefited from Golub's creative intuition and steady guidance.

BMI's Emmy-winning composers were also feted; the accomplished list included George Fenton (PRS) for the awe-inspiring documentary Planet Earth: Pole to Pole; William Ross for the 79th Annual Academy Awards; Lenny Williams for Nature: Christmas in Yellowstone; Yoav Goren for The XX Olympic Winter Games: The Stories of Torino; Katreese Barnes for Saturday Night Live's "Dick in a Box"; Gary Deinstadt, Billy Barber, Ron Komie, Danny Pelfrey and David Traugh for Guiding Light; along with Wes Boatman and John Henry Kreitler for "Love is Ecstasy" from Passions.

Legendary rocker turned lauded composer Pete Townshend (PRS) took home the evening's most awards, with three BMI Crystals for CSI, CSI: Miami and CSI: NY. Composers garnering two awards each were Steve Jablonsky for Transformers and Desperate Housewives; Rupert Gregson-Williams (PRS) for Bee Movie and I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry; George Fenton for Fool's Gold and Planet Earth: Pole to Pole; Mychael Danna for Surf's Up and Medium; Aaron Zigman for Step Up 2: The Streets and Why Did I Get Married?; Kevin Kiner for Amazing Race and CSI: Miami; Mike Post for Law & Order and Law & Order SVU; and Matt Koskenmaki for Hell's Kitchen and The Ultimate Fighter.

The night's winning composers for top-grossing films and critically acclaimed gems also included past Richard Kirk Award recipient Harry Gregson-Williams (PRS) for Shrek the Third, Trevor Rabin for National Treasure: Book of Secrets, legendary composer and past Richard Kirk Award recipient Lalo Schifrin for Rush Hour 3, John Ottman for Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, Mark Mancina for television drama Criminal Minds, Randy Edelman for romantic comedy 27 Dresses, Tyler Bates for horror favorite Halloween and pop music architect Brian Wilson for HBO dramedy series Big Love.

Prolific composer Christopher Young will receive the Richard Kirk Award for outstanding career achievement at BMI's annual Film & Television Awards on Wednesday, May 21 in Los Angeles. Staged at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, the black-tie, invitation-only dinner will also honor the composers of the past year's top-grossing films, top-rated prime-time network television series and highest-ranking cable network programs. BMI's President & CEO Del Bryant, and BMI's Vice President, Film/TV Relations, Doreen Ringer Ross, will host the event.

Named in honor of former BMI Vice President and film & television department founder Richard Kirk, the Richard Kirk Award is bestowed on composers who have made significant contributions to the realm of film and television. As the 2008 honoree, Christopher Young joins an elite list of peers that includes George S. Clinton, Harry Gregson-Williams, Jerry Goldsmith, Thomas Newman, Michael Kamen, Mark Mothersbaugh, Danny Elfman, Alan Menken, Mike Post, Lalo Schifrin and John Williams.

Award-winning composer Christopher Young has carved out his enviable niche in the upper pantheon of Hollywood composers with unusual speed and unerring flair. The UCLA Film School alumnus first turned heads with fiendish scores for horror and science fiction projects, and he proceeded to garner accolades for work on macabre and fantastical films including Hellraiser, its Saturn award-winning sequel and Species, along with BMI award-winners Ghost Rider, The Grudge and The Exorcism of Emily Rose. Young became a master of suspense, composing music for thrillers including Copycat and BMI honoree Entrapment, as well as dramatic and critical tours-de-force including Golden Globe nominee The Shipping News, Wonder Boys, Rounders and BMI award-winner Swordfish. He also fleshed out the haunting nuances and electrifying action sequences of box office gold Spiderman 3. The New Jersey native has also excelled in television composition, earning two Emmy nominations for telefilms Last Flight Out and Norma Jean & Marilyn. A dedicated mentor, Young has taught classes at USC, served as an advisor for the Sundance Institute Film Composers Lab and created an innovative residential development to house aspiring composers in Los Angeles. He describes his progressive two-pronged approach to composition as the exploration of the contemporary music's abstract ideas and the infinite pursuit of "the great American tune."

The ceremony will salute BMI's Emmy-winning composers from the past year. BMI will also present the Classic Contribution Award to Peter Golub in recognition of his progressive direction of the Sundance Institute Film Composers Lab for the past ten years. An accomplished composer of film, theatre, ballet and concert works, Golub is a natural fit for the lab, which aims to enhance the role of music in independent film. Universally acknowledged as an unparalleled apprenticeship for the next generation of composing elite, the workshop has invaluably benefited from Golub's creative intuition and steady guidance.

Focusing on the dialog and relationship between composer and director, the panel is a cornerstone discussion at the festival on the role of music in film. Topics to be discussed at the panel will include: what goes into creating a successful film score and what makes for an effective composer/director relationship? These questions and others will be answered during this revered festival event.

Panelists scheduled to speak include composers George S. Clinton (Austin Powers), Christopher Young (Sleepwalking), John Frizzell (Henry Poole Is Here), BT (Monster), Peter Golub (I.O.U.S.A., Frozen River, Sundance Composer Lab Director), David Schwartz (Gonzo: The Life and Work of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson), Mervyn Warren (A Raisin In The Sun), Henning Lohner (Love Comes Lately), Mark de gli Antoni (Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired), Christopher Anderson-Bizzoli (The Wind and the Water) and Neal Evans (The Black List).

Filmmakers scheduled to speak include Timothy Greenfield Sanders (The Black List), Amy Redford (The Guitar), Alex Gibney (Gonzo: the Life & Work of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson), and Patrick Creadon (I.O.U.S.A.), Jan Schuette (Love Comes Lately), and Craig Zadan (A Raisin In The Sun). The discussion will be moderated by Doreen Ringer Ross, Vice President, Film/TV Relations at BMI.

BMI has been an ongoing supporter of the film music program at the Sundance Film Festival as well as at the Sundance Composers Lab, which is celebrating its tenth anniversary. BMI will host the sixth annual Sundance Snowball on January 23 from 6-9 p.m., featuring Six Degrees recording artist Cheb i Sabbah, Steve Smith from rock group Dirty Vegas, Nick Urata from gypsy rock group DeVotchKa and Los Angeles roots/rock/reggae group The Aggrolites.

For more information on BMI events at Sundance as well as on-site coverage of the Festival, please visit bmi.com/sundance.

Sundance Film Festival

Sundance Film Festival is the premier showcase for U.S. and international independent film. Held each January in Park City, Salt Lake City, Ogden, and Sundance, Utah, the Festival is a core program of Sundance Institute, a nonprofit cultural organization founded by Robert Redford in 1981. Presenting dramatic and documentary feature-length films in nine distinct categories and approximately 80 short films each year, the Sundance Film Festival has introduced American audiences to some of the most innovative films of the past two decades. Since 1984, the Festival program has evolved to include music, art, and dialogue. Beyond the streets of Park City, the official website of the Sundance Film Festival, http://www.sundance.org/festival shares the Festival experience with a global audience with short films, filmmaker interviews, video episodes, podcasts, photos, news stories, and more.

George S. Clinton began his professional musical career as a songwriter, arranger, and session musician in Nashville, while earning degrees in music and drama at Middle Tennessee State University. Clinton became a staff writer for Warner Brothers Music, with songs recorded by such artists as Michael Jackson, Joe Cocker, and Three Dog Night; continued arranging and session work; and, as a recording artist, did albums for MCA, Elektra, ABC, and Arista. The critically acclaimed George Clinton Band attracted the attention of Cheech and Chong, giving George the opportunity to score his first film, Cheech and Chong's Still Smokin.'

Clinton has since gone on to score cable’s The Red Shoe Diaries, feature films including the Austin Powers series, John Waters's A Dirty Shame; Disney's holiday hits The Santa Clause 2 and The Santa Clause 3; and The Astronaut's Wife. Most recent projects the Emmy Award-winning Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee and the upcoming Harold and Kumar 2. In addition, Clinton has written several concert works, three musicals and serves as an advisor at the Sundance Composers Lab. Awards include a Grammy and Emmy nominations, and eight BMI Film Music Awards, including the Richard Kirk Career Achievement Award.

BMI’s composers scored a notable 20 nominations, ranging from Outstanding Music Direction to Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music. Two-time Emmy-winner Jeff Beal garnered two nods for his musical compositions on TNT’s Nightmares & Dreamscapes and HBO’s Rome, while Debra Fordham received two nominations for her work on songs featured on NBC’s hit show Scrubs.

A complete list of BMI nominees follows:

BMI’s 2007 Creative Arts Primetime Emmy nominees:

Outstanding Music Composition for a Series (Original Dramatic Score)

WG Snuffy Walden, Composer – Kidnapped
George Fenton, Composer – Planet Earth
Jeff Beal, Music Composer – Rome

Outstanding Music Composition for a Miniseries, Movie or a Special (Original
Dramatic Score)

David Mansfield, Music – Broken Trail
George S. Clinton, Composer – Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee
Jeff Beal, Music – Nightmares & Dreamscapes

Outstanding Music Direction

William Ross, Music Director – 79th Annual Academy Awards
Jan Stevens, Music – Scrubs “My Musical”

Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics

Danny Smith, Lyrics – Family Guy, “My Drunken Irish Dad”
Walter Murphy, Music – Family Guy, “My Drunken Irish Dad”
Greg O’Connor, Music – MADtv: Episode 1209, “Merry Ex-Mas”
Jim Wise, Music/Lyrics - MADtv: Episode 1209, “Merry Ex-Mas”
Bruce McCoy, Lyrics - MADtv: Episode 1209, “Merry Ex-Mas”
Katreese Barnes, Music – Saturday Night Live, “Dick In A Box”
Debra Fordham, Lyrics – Scrubs, “Everything Comes Down to Poo”
Robert Lopez, Music/Lyrics – Scrubs, “Everything Comes Down to Poo”
Jeff  Marx, Music/Lyrics – Scrubs, “ Everything Comes Down to Poo”
Debra Fordham, Lyrics – Scrubs, “Guy Love”
Paul F. Perry, Music/Lyrics – Scrubs, “Guy Love”

Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music

Rolfe Kent, Main Title Theme - Dexter

George S. Clinton

BMI Classic Contribution Award

Lucas Richman

BMI Film Music Awards

David Arnold: Casino Royale
Tyler Bates: 300
Teddy Castellucci: Wild Hogs
Teddy Castellucci: Little Man
George S. Clinton: The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause
Charlie Clouser: Saw III
Mychael Danna: Little Miss Sunshine
Alexandre Desplat (Sacem) The Queen
Danny Elfman: Meet The Robinsons
Danny Elfman: Charlotte’s Web
Danny Elfman: Nacho Libre
Harry Gregson-Williams: Flushed Away
Harry Gregson-Williams: Déjà Vu
Rupert Gregson-Williams: Over The Hedge
Rupert Gregson-Williams: Click
John Murphy (PRS): Miami Vice
David Newman: Norbit
John Ottman: Superman Returns
Theodore Shapiro: The Devil Wears Prada
Theodore Shapiro: Blades Of Glory
Theodore Shapiro: You, Me And Dupree
Alex Wurman: Talladega Nights: The Ballad Of Ricky Bobby
Christopher Young: Ghost Rider
Aaron Zigman: Bridge To Terabithia
Aaron Zigman: Step Up

Oscar Award Winner

Gustavo Santaolalla: Babel

Golden Globe Award Winner

Alexandre Desplat (Sacem): The Painted Veil

BMI Television Awards

Chris Daughtry: American Idol
Carim Clasmann (PRS): Grey’s Anatomy
Galia Durant (PRS): Grey’s Anatomy
Pete Townshend (PRS): CSI
Danny Elfman: Desperate Housewives
Steve Jablonsky: Desperate Housewives
Robert Del Naja (PRS): House
Grantley Marshall (PRS): House
Andrew Vowles (PRS): House
Kevin Kiner: CSI: Miami
Pete Townshend (PRS): CSI: Miami
Mark Mancina: Criminal Minds
Bill Brown: CSI: NY
Pete Townshend (PRS): CSI: NY
Brian Kirk:  Ncis
Chuck Lorre: Two And A Half Men
Dain Blair:  Deal Or No Deal
Tony Phillips: Deal Or No Deal
Joel Wachbrit: Shark
Peter Manning Robinson: Without A Trace
Mike Post:  Law & Order: Svu
Jeff Beal:  Ugly Betty
Martin Davich: ER
David Schwartz: Rules Of Engagement
Rob Cairns:  Extreme Makeover: Home Edition
Charlie Clouser: Numb3rs
Chris Wagner: The New Adventures Of Old Christine

Emmy Award Winners

Edward Shearmur: Masters Of Horror
Chris Biondo: National Geographic Explorer - Deadly Love
Harry Leonard Williams: National Geographic Explorer - Deadly Love
Greg O’connor: “A Wonderfully Normal Day” From MADTV
Jim Wise:  “A Wonderfully Normal Day” From MADTV
Bradley Hatfield: “Sunshine” From THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS

BMI Cable Awards

Natasha Bedingfield (PRS): The Hills
Danielle Brisebois: The Hills
James Levine: The Closer
Alex Wolff: The Naked Brothers Band
Michael Wolff: The Naked Brothers Band
Nat Wolff:  The Naked Brothers Band
Howlin’ Wolf: The Sopranos
James Johnston: WWE Raw
Bruce Hanifan: Deadliest Catch
Terri Nunn: Angela’s Eyes
Mitchell Sigman: Angela’s Eyes
Steve Hampton: The Suite Life Of Zack And Cody
Gary Scott: The Suite Life Of Zack And Cody
Gwendolyn Sanford: Weeds
Gary Stockdale: Penn & Teller: Bullshit!
Rolfe Kent: Dexter
Daniel Licht: Dexter
Matt Koskenmaki: The Ultimate Fighter
Jarrid Mendelson: The Ultimate Fighter
James Levine: Nip/Tuck

BMI honored the composers and songwriters of the music from the past year's top-grossing films, top-rated prime-time network television series and highest-ranking cable network programs at its annual Film & Television Awards. Held May 16 at the Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel, the black-tie gala was hosted by BMI President & CEO Del Bryant and Film/TV Relations Vice President Doreen Ringer Ross, who handed out more than 80 BMI Crystals throughout the evening.

View the Film/TV Awards List

A highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of the BMI Richard Kirk Award for Outstanding Career Achievement to multitalented film composer George S. Clinton. The prestigious award is given annually to a composer who has made significant contributions to film and television music, with past honorees including Jerry Goldsmith, Thomas Newman, Michael Kamen, John Barry, Mark Mothersbaugh, Danny Elfman, Alan Menken, Mike Post, Lalo Schifrin and John Williams.

George S. Clinton's versatility and musical prowess have placed the Grammy-nominated maestro in the upper-echelon of Hollywood composers. The recipient of six BMI awards and composer for myriad films, Clinton's scores have lent depth to thrillers including Mortal Kombat and Wild Things ; supplied deft timing to comedic smashes Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery and its two sequels; and helped paint poignant moments in Joe Somebody , quirky moods in 3,000 Miles to Graceland and foreboding atmospheres in The Astronaut's Wife . An active member of the film community, Clinton also serves as an advisor at the Sundance Institutes' Composers Lab.

BMI also recognized accomplished conductor and composer Lucas Richman with the Classic Contribution Award for ten years of service leading BMI's celebrated Conductor's Workshop. A BMI composer, Richman has led the workshop since its inception. Presently Music Director and Conductor for the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, Richman is a leading expert in conducting and composing, having fashioned an outstanding career as a conductor with numerous symphonies and orchestras in the U.S. as well as collaborator with numerous film composers as their conductor, recording scores for such films as the Academy Award-nominated As Good As It Gets, Face/Off, Seven, Breakdown, Anastasia and The Village.

BMI's Oscar-, Golden Globe- and Emmy-winning composers were also feted, including Gustavo Santaolalla, whose score for Babel earned him his second Academy Award for Original Score; and Alexandre Desplat (SACEM), whose score for The Painted Veil earned him a Golden Globe award for Best Original Score – Motion Picture.

Danny Elfman took home the evening's most awards, with four BMI Crystals for Meet The Robinsons, Charlotte's Web, Nacho Libre and Desperate Housewives. Composer Theodore Shapiro took home three awards for The Devil Wears Prada, Blades of Glory and You, Me and Dupree; and Pete Townshend (PRS) was once again a triple winner for CSI, CSI: Miami and CSI: NY .

Composers who took home two awards were Teddy Castalucci for Wild Hogs and Little Man; Charlie Clouser for Saw III and Numb3rs ; Harry Gregson-Williams for Flushed Away and Déjà Vu; Rupert Gregson-Williams for Over The Hedge and Click ; and Aaron Zigman for Step Up and Bridge To Terabithia. Other award winners were Jeff Beal for Ugly Betty ; Rolfe Kent and Daniel Licht for Dexter ; Bruce Hanifan for Deadliest Catch ; Steve Jablonsky for Desperate Housewives ; Alex Wolff, Michael Wolff and Nat Wolff for The Naked Brothers Band ; Carim Clasmann (PRS) and Galia Durant (PRS) for Grey's Anatomy; Dain Blair and Tony Phillips for the hit series Deal Or No Deal, and many others.

Bestowed annually on a composer who has made significant contributions to the realm of film and television music, the Richard Kirk Award is named after past BMI Vice President Richard Kirk. As the 2007 honoree, George S. Clinton enters an ambit of elite colleagues including composers Henry Gregson-Williams, Jerry Goldsmith, John Barry, Thomas Newman, Michael Kamen, Mark Mothersbaugh, Danny Elfman, Alan Menken, Mike Post, Lalo Schifrin and John Williams.

George S. Clinton’s versatility and sheer musical prowess have placed the Grammy-nominated maestro in the upper-echelon of Hollywood composers. The recipient of six BMI awards and composer for a myriad of films, Clinton’s scores have lent depth to thrillers including Mortal Kombat and Wild Things; supplied deft timing to comedic smashes Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery and its two sequels; and helped paint poignant moments in Joe Somebody, quirky moods in 3,000 Miles to Graceland and foreboding atmospheres in The Astronaut’s Wife. An active member of the film community, George S. Clinton also serves as an advisor at the Sundance Institutes’ Composers Lab.

The gala ceremony, will also salute BMI's Oscar, Golden Globe and Emmy-winning composers. BMI will also present the Classic Contribution Award to composer and conductor Lucas Richman. Richman has led the BMI Conducting Workshop in Los Angeles since it inception, celebrating 10 years when the workshop commences in June. The Workshop is a two-week course taught by Richman, designed for working BMI film and television composers who wish to refine their conducting skills.