Universal is bringing a new class of film composers into the fold. Universal Talent Development, working with Universal Film Music and with participation from DreamWorks Animation and Universal Studio Group Music, has launched the fourth round of its Composers Initiative.
The 2026 to 2028 cohort features eight composers: Annah Tencic, Marcus Norris, Logan Nelson, Katya Richardson, Kristen Personius, Forrest Gray, Claudio Olachea and Jeremy Earnest. The two-year program, founded in 2018, looks for artists from traditional and non-traditional professional backgrounds. Participants get studio access, creative and professional development, and the chance to pitch for NBCUniversal scoring projects.
Mike Knobloch, president of NBCUniversal Music and Publishing, Universal Film, described it as a real-world, practical program built to deliver exposure. He noted that this year’s group is made up of working composers at a more emerging stage of their careers.
Brandon Williams, SVP of Universal Talent Development at Universal Entertainment, said NBCUniversal is “deeply committed to discovering and empowering new talent.”
The track record backs that up. Ten alumni have scored NBCUniversal features across Universal Pictures, Focus Features and DreamWorks Animation, and others have worked on animated series, shorts, documentaries, commercials and theme park music. About 90 percent of alumni have been hired on an NBCUniversal-related project, proof that the initiative is opening real doors in Hollywood.
