Overview
In this introductory film scoring workshop series, participants will explore the options and considerations involved in creating and recording their own music for a variety of film scenes. They will score 2-6 short (2 minute) film scenes and receive feedback from the instructor and their peers, as well as hear from a local filmmaker about how composers can collaborate effectively with filmmakers.
This in-person workshop is designed for musicians and composers who have at least basic familiarity with music recording and production, and are interested in learning more about film scoring.
Dates
Tuesday November 3, 6-8pm
Tuesday November 10, 6-8pm
Tuesday November 17, 6-8pm
Program Outline
Session 1: The Mechanics of Film Scoring
Topics Covered:
- Dialogue/Sound Design/Music
- Genres of film, genres of music in film
- Spotting
- Sync points
- Choosing where/how music should begin and end
Take-home activity: score a 2 minute scene from a local short film
Session 2: Building your Sound
Topics covered:
- Motors, pads, melodies, themes
- Choosing your sound palette for a film
- Transition points (where energy/emotions change)
- Tempo
- Tension
Take-home activity: score your second 2 minute scene from a local short film
Session 3: Collaboration in the Film Scoring Process*
Topics Covered:
- How directors and composers can collaborate well
- Communicating
- What directors want
- Finding work as a film composer
- *With special guest Andrew Brannen (Ottawa-based filmmaker)
Workshop Materials
The workshop will be taught in Ableton Live, which will be available in the DARC workshop room computers. To complete the take-home activities outlined above, participants will need access to a digital audio workstation downloaded in their own device.
You may bring their own device to the workshop but please note that the instructor won’t have time for troubleshooting if you run into any technical issues.
Instructor
Jack Hui Litster
Music Performer · Composer · Producer · Based in Ottawa, Canada.
A multi-instrumentalist and composer based in Ottawa, Canada, Jack has performed across Canada and internationally. His original compositions have enhanced an array of films, podcasts, operas, dance and choir performances. Jack composes and records music for filmmakers including Christian Guérin, Iyore Edegbe, Mark Corless, Gabriel Harb, Deena Al-Saweer, Andrew Brannen, Ruth Kabengele, Kenneth Joe-Ezigbo, Jason Dai, Colin Ziraldo, Nana Boncano, Lenzz, Tom Peters, Rachel Durling and Rachel Gray. Jack is the owner and creative director of the Ottawa-based film scoring company Every Note is Alive.
Jack’s recent compositions performed live include Voices Dance Project’s 2025 sold-out performance of ‘On Home’ in April 2025 in Ottawa, and OperOttawa’s 2024 premiere of Jack’s “Gates of Heaven: Requiem for a Life of Peace” dedicated to Canadian women leaders throughout history. Jack is also active in the Ottawa music scene as a bandleader with Fleeting Visions and Saga Cinematic. In 2023 Jack joined the staff of Carleton University’s music department as a Contract Instructor and Performance Instructor, teaching courses and private lessons on film music, music production and composition.
Accessibility
All doors at DARC have accessibility buttons to press for automatic entry. DARC is located on the main floor (one story above ground) of the Arts Court building. DARC’s main entrance is located at 67 Nicholas Street which is fully wheelchair accessible. Alternate wheelchair-accessible entry is available through 2 Daly Ave at the Arts Court main entrance or the Ottawa Art Gallery. Elevator access is available from 9AM – 11PM.
DARC staff are available and happy to assist with all inquiries and requests regarding physical access.
We also welcome inquiries, feedback, and resources regarding accessibility and accessibility improvement by phone (613.238.7648 x. 6) or by email at access@digitalartsresourcecentre.ca.
Visit https://digitalartsresourcecentre.ca/access/ for information on how to get to DARC, language barriers, fragrance policy, and access to programming.
Cancellation Policy
DARC is unable to guarantee refunds if a cancellation request is made less than five business days before a workshop. DARC reserves the right to cancel or reschedule courses if necessary and will refund the registration fee to participants if a workshop is cancelled or if a participant is unable to attend a rescheduled workshop. Workshop fees are non-transferable.
To ensure a dynamic and engaging learning experience a workshop must be at least half full to be offered. DARC is unable to provide course attendee refunds for cancellations.