BMI Sponsors Beal Institute and Offers Film/TV and Visual Media Students LA Workshops

BMI’s Los Angeles office hosted several students from the Eastman School of Music as part of the Company’s sponsorship of the school’s Beal Institute for Film Music and Contemporary Media. The institute was generously endowed by alumni award-winning BMI composer Jeff Beal (House of Cards, Blackfish, The Queen of Versailles, The Newsroom, Rome, Carnivàle, Ugly Betty) and his wife, renowned vocalist Joan Beal. Their intention, as mentors, was to provide students with instruction and experiences that prepare them for the increasing and evolving opportunities to write, produce, and perform music for film and contemporary media. The institute also supports student internships, scholarships, and projects; instruction; visiting artist residencies; and technology and infrastructure, giving students opportunities to work with professionals who are actively engaged in writing for film and other contemporary media.

Since 2017, BMI has been working with Eastman directly, sending Senior Director, Creative, Film/TV and Visual Media Anne Cecere and Vice President, Legal Affairs Joe DiMona to the school in Rochester, NY, to attend meetings regarding the program, give insights, provide lectures to help shape it, and meet one-on-one with students. This year, as part of BMI’s sponsorship, the Institute was able to fly students to the Company’s LA office for a week of meetings, workshops and networking dinners with key people who are at the top of the Film, TV and visual media community.