In a major boost for aspiring screen composers, the National Film and Television School (NFTS) has announced a prestigious new funding initiative: The Bleeding Fingers Scholarship. Launched today, April 16, 2026, the scholarship is designed to support exceptional students entering the school’s Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Composing for Film and Television.
The initiative is a collaboration with Bleeding Fingers Music, the world-renowned composer collective co-founded by industry giants Hans Zimmer, Steven Kofsky, and Russell Emanuel. As a joint venture involving Sony Music Publishing’s Extreme Music and RCI Global, Bleeding Fingers is a titan in the production music world. This scholarship marks a significant investment in diversifying the industry and lowering the financial barriers to elite-level training.
The scholarship will be awarded based on a combination of creative excellence, a demonstrated commitment to the craft, and financial need. It will support students throughout the intensive two-year MFA program, which is widely considered one of the top training grounds in the world.
“The future of our industry depends on who gets the opportunity to step into it,” said Russell Emanuel, CEO of Bleeding Fingers. “This scholarship is about finding exceptional talent, supporting it properly, and giving those composers a real shot at building lasting careers.”
The NFTS Composing MFA boasts an incredible track record, with alumni responsible for some of the most iconic scores in modern media. Notable graduates include:
Natalie Holt (Loki)
Segun Akinola (Doctor Who)
Martin Phipps (The Crown)
Dario Marianelli (Oscar winner for Atonement)
NFTS Director Jon Wardle expressed deep gratitude for the partnership, noting that the school remains committed to ensuring that the "most talented individuals can access our training, regardless of their financial background."
How to Apply
Aspiring composers have a narrow window to seize this opportunity. Applications for the Composing MFA are open until May 7, 2026. Eligible candidates offered a place on the course will then be invited to apply for the scholarship.
For more information and to apply, visit nfts.co.uk/composing-film-and-television.
