International Film Music Conference

On December 2nd and 3rd, the Film Commission Nordbaden, in collaboration with MFG Baden-Württemberg, invites you to the International Film Music Conference at the Cinema Quadrat in Mannheim. Held as part of the CinEuro Film Lab, this conference is designed for film musicians, composers, and filmmakers, offering a platform to discuss current trends and technologies in the industry.

From composition & AI to sound design and collaborative marketing strategies, the event combines hands-on workshops, high-level talks, and interactive discussions. Additionally, it provides ample networking opportunities, including an open stage, a get-together, and international speed-dating sessions.

The conference runs parallel to the new Klang/Bild music film festival, further establishing Mannheim as a hub for film music.

More information can be found on the website www.klangbild-festival.de. For further questions, please send an email to Michael Ackermann.

This event will be held in English.

Provisional programme:

Monday, 2 December

• 11:00: Opening
• 11:30: Keynote: Amplifying creativity or undermining artistry? Generative AI in music – Steffen Holly
• 12:00: Panel Discussion: AI for composers? All talk and no action? – Speaker: Steffen Holly, Tobias Herzog; Moderation: Michael Ackermann
• 13:00: Networking-Lunch
• 14:30: Open Stage: Film music meets CinEuro
• 16:00: Talk: Opportunities for Joint Marketing of Film Music – Arnaud Blanpain
• 17:00: Coffee Break
• 18:00: Screening „Sisters with Transistors“
• 20:30: Get-Together

Tuesday, 3 December

• 11:00: Workshop: Cinematic Sound Design – Effekt- und Orchestersounds, Klangteppiche und Synthesizer – Kurt Ader
• 13:30: Lunch
• 14:30: Networking & Goodbye

Participation fees

Conference Highlights

• Keynote: Amplifying Creativity or Undermining Artistry? Generative AI in Music – Speaker: Steffen Holly

Steffen Holly, a pioneer at the intersection of music and technology, will explore the impact of generative AI on the music world in his keynote address. Drawing from his extensive experience developing music software, working at the Fraunhofer Institute, and his role with MusicTech Germany, Holly will examine how AI is transforming creative processes. Is AI a tool that enhances the creative potential of composers, or does it pose a threat to the authenticity of artistic creation?
As an expert in metadata, blockchain, and AI, Holly provides practical insights and demonstrates how artists can use AI as a creative partner. With a background as a trained musician, electronics engineer, and innovator, Holly brings a unique perspective. He currently leads business development at Fraunhofer IDMT.

• Panel Discussion: AI for Composers? All Talk and No Action? – Participants: Steffen Holly, Tobias Herzog – Moderator: Michael Ackermann

This panel will explore whether the promises of AI for film composers are truly being fulfilled or are merely buzzwords.

Steffen Holly will discuss technical solutions and ethical challenges tied to integrating AI into the creative process.

Tobias Herzog, an experienced sound designer and composer, will share his hands-on experiences with AI-driven tools in film productions and how they can impact artists’ workflows.

Moderated by Michael Ackermann, head of the Film Commission Nordbaden, the discussion bridges technological advances and artistic practice. This dynamic exchange will highlight both the possibilities and the limitations of AI.

• Talk: Collaborative Marketing Opportunities for Film Music – Speaker: Arnaud Blanpain

Belgian composer and music producer Arnaud Blanpain will share insights into his work and experiences with General Score, a collective of film composers. Through his platform, he has created structures to support composers in marketing their works—ranging from creative collaboration to handling contractual and technical requirements.
Blanpain will discuss successful projects such as The Other Lamb, The Dreamer: Becoming Karen Blixen, and The Chaos Sisters and Penguin Paul. He will also share lessons learned from working on international film productions.
An open discussion will follow, allowing participants to exchange ideas for improving marketing strategies and to benefit from Blanpain’s expertise.
With his background as a jazz pianist, composer, and founder of several sound studios, Blanpain offers inspiring approaches to creative and entrepreneurial synergies.

• Workshop: Cinematic Sound Design – Effects, Soundscapes, and Synthesizers
  Speaker: Kurt Ader

In this hands-on workshop, award-winning sound designer Kurt Ader will delve into the art of sound design. Having collaborated with iconic artists like Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater) and Jean Michel Jarre, Ader will demonstrate how film composers and sound designers can create captivating soundscapes for cinematic productions.

The workshop will cover: Creating atmospheric soundscapes and orchestral effects. Using synthesizer sounds to enhance emotional scenes. Techniques for seamlessly integrating effects and sound textures into film productions.

In addition to being a sound designer, Ader is an innovator in developing sounds for synthesizers and samplers. His company, KApro Kurt Ader Productions, is globally recognized. With a remarkable career that includes collaborations with KORG, Moog, and Roland, Ader will equip participants with practical tools and tips for film music production.

Why Attend?

The International Film Music Conference offers a unique opportunity to deepen your expertise, gain inspiration, and expand your network. Whether through lectures, panel discussions, or open exchanges with international experts, this event combines creative inspiration with practical tools.