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enRecap of the International Film Music Conference and the Klang Bild 2024 festival
The International Conference on Film Music, held between 27 November and 4 December, brought together composers, film musicians and filmmakers for a rich exchange of views on current challenges in the sector. The event addressed a variety of themes, including the use of AI in composition, sound design and collaborative marketing strategies, through workshops, lectures and interactive discussions.
Networking opportunities were also presented, including the Open Stage by CinEuro, which offered filmmakers an ideal stage to present their projects and exchange ideas with professionals from all over the world. The Klang Bild Festival screened 13 music-themed films by filmmakers from 12 different countries.
The conference, organised within the framework of the CinEuro Film Lab and in partnership with the Film Commission Nordbaden and the MFG Baden-Württemberg, consolidated Mannheim’s role as a major centre for film music.
The International Conference on Film Music, organized by the Film Commission Nordbaden in collaboration with the MFG Baden-Württemberg, took place in Mannheim on December 2 and 3. Organized within the framework of the CinEuro Film Lab, the conference brought together composers, film musicians and filmmakers, offering them a platform for exchange on current themes and technologies in the sector.
From composition and AI to sound design and collaborative marketing strategies, the event featured hands-on workshops, high-level lectures and interactive discussions. Numerous networking opportunities were also provided, including an open stage, a convivial get-together and international professional speed-dating sessions.
The conference was held in parallel with the new Klang/Bild music film festival, reinforcing Mannheim’s role as a center for film music.
Photo credits : Michael Ackermann
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, explored 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 examined 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 explored whether the promises of AI for film composers are truly being fulfilled or are merely buzzwords.
Steffen Holly discussed technical solutions and ethical challenges tied to integrating AI into the creative process.
Tobias Herzog, an experienced sound designer and composer, shared 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 has highlighted 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 shared 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 discussed 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 has followed, 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 delved into the art of sound design. Having collaborated with iconic artists like Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater) and Jean Michel Jarre, Ader demonstrated how film composers and sound designers can create captivating soundscapes for cinematic productions.
The workshop covered the following topics: 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.