Universal Names Eight Composers for Fourth Composers Initiative

Universal has named eight composers to the fourth edition of its Universal Composers Initiative, a two-year program that has already placed 10 alumni on NBCUniversal feature scores.

The 2026–'28 participants are Annah Tencic, Marcus Norris, Logan Nelson, Katya Richardson, Kristen Personius, Forrest Gray, Claudio Olachea and Jeremy Earnest. Universal Talent Development runs the program in partnership with Universal Film Music, with the participation of DreamWorks Animation and Universal Studio Group Music.

The initiative dates to 2018. It searches for artists from traditional and non-conventional professional backgrounds whose creative viewpoints translate into distinctive musical expressions. Participants gain access to the studio process, creative and professional development, and exposure across NBCUniversal's network of executives, producers and directors. They may also pitch for NBCUniversal scoring projects.

What does the program change for composers?

Mike Knobloch, president of NBCUniversal Music and Publishing, Universal Film, framed the initiative as a career accelerant rather than a starting point. He told Variety:

"These are working composers who are maybe more at an emerging level, and what we want to do is provide a level of access, connectivity, experience, education, and insight in a way that maybe they would eventually get one way or another. But there are composers who deserve this as an accelerant to the trajectory of their career."

Knobloch added: "This is a real-world practical program through which we can provide a heightened level of exposure to our studio, filmmakers and executives, networking, mentorship advice and the opportunity to submit to score real projects. The Initiative affords us the mutual beneficial experience of getting to know a group of composers and helping them hone their skills in a way we wouldn't be able to through the course of regular routine business."

How strong is the track record?

The numbers from previous cohorts point to tangible outcomes:

• 10 alumni have scored NBCUniversal features across Universal Pictures, Focus Features and DreamWorks Animation.
• 90% of alumni have been hired on an NBCU-related project.
• Alumni credits extend beyond film to animated TV series, shorts, silent films in the Restoration Project, documentaries, commercials and theme park music.

Brandon Williams, SVP of Universal Talent Development, Universal Entertainment, said: "At NBCUniversal, we are deeply committed to discovering and empowering new talent. The Universal Composers Initiative reflects that commitment by providing emerging, high-achieving composers with meaningful, real-world opportunities to grow their careers within our studio ecosystem. Through initiatives like this, we're not only investing in exceptional talent but also strengthening the creative pipeline that drives the future of our industry."

The fourth cohort now enters that pipeline. If past placement rates hold, most of these eight names will surface on NBCUniversal screens and speakers within the decade.