Speedmatching at the FFCC 2024
Empowering Women in Film Music
The Female Film Composer Class (FFCC) is a unique, forward-thinking program dedicated to supporting and empowering women composers in the film, television, and media industries. Taking place every two years in conjunction with SoundTrack_Cologne, it is the only initiative of its kind in the German media music landscape, specifically designed to address the needs and challenges of women working in this field.
Despite growing awareness of gender imbalance in media, the representation of women in film composition remains critically low. According to a 2024 report by the European Audiovisual Observatory only 6% of German TV fiction between 2015 and 2022 featured music composed by women. Across Europe, just 11% of all TV fiction in 2022 was scored by female composers. The FFCC was created to actively counter these statistics—offering a professional development platform that strengthens the presence and visibility of women in media composition.
A Unique Program Format
The Female Film Composer Class combines participation in SoundTrack_Cologne, one of Europe’s leading congresses for music and sound in film and media, with a targeted training and mentoring program.
The structure includes:
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Two days of access to SoundTrack_Cologne, including panels, matchmaking events, and networking.
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Specialized FFCC workshops over three days, focusing on non-musical but essential career skills such as:
- Industry networking and PR
- GEMA and rights management
- Understanding value chains in media music
- Post-production planning and collaboration
This blended format creates a powerful learning and networking opportunity for participants, while integrating them into the broader industry context.
The FFCC is aimed at female composers for film, TV, games, audio plays, and theater and female music producers, supervisors, sound engineers, agents, and publishers working in media music. Applicants should already have some professional experience—such as scoring short films, TV programs, games, or similar projects—and a solid foundation in composition and music production. The focus of the program is on expanding professional skills, rather than musical technique.
To ensure a high-quality experience, participation is limited to 10 to 12 women per edition. Participants are formally introduced to the industry during the opening and award ceremonies of SoundTrack_Cologne and are automatically included in matchmaking and networking events.
The Female Film Composer Class is more than a workshop, it's an initiative to reshape the future of the industry. By offering targeted training, visibility, and connection, the FFCC helps women gain the tools they need to thrive in a competitive field.
Have a look through our previous Female Film Composer Classes!
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FFCC 03
FFCC 02
FFCC 02
Following the overwhelmingly positive feedback from the first Summerschool in 2018, SoundTrack_Cologne launched a second edition of its program for emerging female professionals in media music—this time under the name Spring School. The initiative took place from April 20 to 25, 2020, in collaboration with GEMA, the ifs internationale filmschule köln, Bavaria Sonor, WIFT Women in Film and Television, and c/o pop.
The Spring School targeted women working in film, TV, games, and media music—particularly composers, but also music producers, sound engineers, music supervisors, agents, and publishers—who had already begun to build their careers.
A Week of Learning, Networking, and Visibility
The program was divided into three key components:
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April 20–22: Workshops and lectures at the ifs (Internationale Filmschule Köln) focused on non-musical, career-relevant knowledge such as post-production planning, financing, and self-marketing. The small group format ensured intensive learning and individual feedback.
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April 22–25: Participants attended SoundTrack_Cologne 17, where they were introduced to the industry during both the opening and the awards ceremony, and participated in matchmaking sessions and networking events.
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April 23–25: A visit to the c/o pop Convention offered additional opportunities for cross-industry networking.
A Platform for Women in a Male-Dominated Industry
“It was a fantastic experience,” said composer Iva Zabkar (Tatort: Rebecca) of her previous participation. The Spring School continues this mission of empowerment by helping women in media music to expand their networks, gain industry insight, and position themselves successfully in a competitive market.
Participants were selected through an open application process, with GEMA offering two scholarships specifically for its female members. The program fee of €350 (incl. VAT) included full access to SoundTrack_Cologne, the Spring School, and c/o pop.
The number of participants was limited to 10–12 women, ensuring a focused and high-impact experience.
In addition to the main week-long program, alumni meetups were scheduled to take place at major film festivals such as the Berlinale and Cannes, helping maintain long-term connections and visibility in the global industry.
FFCC 01
FFCC 01
From August 22 to 31, 2018, Cologne hosted the first-ever Summerschool for Women in Film, TV & Media Music—an initiative aimed at promoting gender equality in the still male-dominated field of media composition. The program was organized by SoundTrack_Cologne in collaboration with c/o pop, GEMA, and the ifs internationale filmschule köln, with additional support from Bavaria Sonor and WIFT Women in Film and Television.
Designed for emerging female composers and music professionals who have already taken their first steps into the industry, the Summerschool focused on career-relevant, non-musical skills—a vital yet often overlooked aspect of success in the world of film music.
“Participants bring musical talent, creativity, and craftsmanship,” state the organizers, “but the Summerschool is designed to strengthen the practical knowledge that shapes a sustainable career.”
A Multi-Stage Program
The 10-day program was structured in three phases:
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Workshops and seminars during SoundTrack_Cologne
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Focused teachings at the ifs film school over three days
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Participation in the c/o pop Convention
Key topics included dramaturgy, post-production planning, funding strategies, self-marketing, negotiation skills, and positioning as women in the creative industries.
Networking and Industry Engagement
Beyond training, the Summerschool prioritized networking opportunities. Participants were introduced at the official opening of SoundTrack_Cologne on August 22 at the Fritz Thyssen Foundation and were part of several events throughout the week:
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"Film Meets Music" get-together hosted by Bavaria Sonor and Enterprises Sonor (Aug 27)
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Informal meet-up at ifs with mentors and instructors (Aug 28)
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Opening event of the c/o pop Convention at MAKK museum (Aug 29)
The program also aims to foster long-term professional relationships through planned networking opportunities at international film festivals in Berlin, Cannes, and Braunschweig.
Meet the First Cohort
This inaugural edition welcomed a select group of 11 outstanding participants:
Zeina Azouqah, Doro Bohr, Dorina Ceteras, Natalie Dezer, Susanne Hardt, Yu-Chun Huang, Hanna Sophie Lüke, Maxi Schulze, Franziska Pohlmann, Jasmin Reuter, and Iva Zabkar.
Each of them presented themselves to the media music community during the SoundTrack_Cologne opening, marking a public step forward in their professional journeys.
A Platform for Growth and Recognition
The Summerschool is not only a training program but also a recognition and investment in the careers of women shaping the future of media music. By providing essential tools, industry access, and visibility, the initiative supports their advancement in a competitive and evolving field.
