Conference Programme
Timetable10:00
Buma Breakfast Club XL
Following a successful first edition during the Netherlands Film Festival 2025 and the equally successful FilmForwardFika, BMIM and Vrouwen in Beeld present the Buma Breakfast Club XL.
During this morning event, we bring together women* from different disciplines within the film and television industry for an informal moment of meeting, conversation and connection. An accessible networking opportunity to exchange experiences and ideas, make new contacts, and further strengthen the visibility of women in the sector.
When composing the tables, we aim for a diverse mix of backgrounds, experience levels, ages and disciplines. Afterwards, participants will receive a contact booklet with names and details, making it easy to continue the conversation beyond the event. With breakfast, coffee and mimosas.
*Including trans women and people who identify as feminine.
Please note: this programme item is by invitation only. Would you like to attend? Please contact us at info@bmim.nl.
12:00
From Music Row to the Screen: Nashville’s Sync Machine (and what we can learn from it)
From our perspective, Los Angeles has long been seen as the place where opportunities for composers and sync in the entertainment industry come together. And for good reasons. But there is another hub that is becoming increasingly relevant: Nashville.
No longer just the home of country music, Nashville has grown into one of the world’s most efficient sync ecosystems, where songwriting, publishing, and screen come together quickly and effectively.
In this panel, we’ll explore how pitches, decisions, and deals actually come together in practice: from the realities of the studio to catalog strategy and pitching music for film and television ín Nashville. Expect practical do’s and don’ts, relatable examples, a clear view of the opportunities Nashville offers, and how you as a creator or rights holder can tap into them.
Speakers
Heather Cook
Founder / CEO & Executive Producer, Freedom Music Group, USFemke Weidema
Composer & Producer, LV Music, US
Moderators
Amber Roner
Presenter and programme maker, Story Art Studio, NL
Roundtable: AI in Music & Media
AI is no longer a futuristic concept: it’s embedded in the tools, search processes, briefs, and workflows we use every day. Laurens Vreekamp (journalist and design thinker, former Google News Lab, author of The Art of AI and co-author of Niet onze AI) leads an interactive roundtable exploring what AI means right now for composers and professionals working in film, TV, games, and advertising.
Rather than focusing only on ‘opportunities’, the conversation also addresses the more complex issues that will determine whether AI ultimately strengthens or weakens the creative ecosystem: transparency, consent, dataset usage, style imitation, bias, credits, and agreements with clients.
Expect a clear-eyed perspective beyond the hype, along with practical insights on how to navigate AI in everyday professional practice.
This roundtable is Dutch spoken.
Speakers
Laurens Vreekamp
Author, journalist, Future Journalism Today, NL
13:00
Creative Chemistry: From Brief to Broadcast
A Keynote Q&A with Oli Julian and Nick Foster
What really happens between the first creative conversation and the final cue?
In this keynote, composers Oli Julian and Nick Foster discuss the collaboration between composer and director, and the processes that shape music for major international series. Having scored projects for Netflix, Disney, Sky and Apple TV, they will share their insights into the craft behind the collaboration: understanding a director’s language, navigating feedback, establishing the identity of a score, and finding the balance between creative instinct and production reality.
For directors, producers and other filmmakers, it offers a valuable look into the composer’s process and into how better conversations about music can lead to stronger, more distinctive storytelling. This is a rare chance to hear two internationally working composers speak openly about the composer-director relationship, the creative process behind major series, and what it takes to get from the first spotting session to the final mix.
Speakers
Nick Foster
Composer for streamers, tv, film and games, UKOliver Julian
Composer, Oli Julian Music Ltd, UK
Moderators
Tessa Rose Jackson
Artist / Composer, UK/NL
14:00
In the Studio with Stephen Emmer
An intimate conversation with BMIM’s founding father and Mister TV-Tunes
Stephen Emmer recently announced that he will stop composing TV tunes. For Buma Music in Motion, this marks a special moment: not only is Stephen one of BMIM’s founding fathers, he is also one of the most influential Dutch composers in the field of music for media. As the creator of hundreds (and according to recent reports, even more than a thousand) instantly recognisable themes for television programmes, news shows and broadcasters, Emmer has left his mark on the Dutch media landscape for decades. His music has been heard on programmes including NOS Journaal, RTL Boulevard, Tijd voor MAX, Editie NL, Radio 1 Journaal and Per seconde wijzer, as well as across many broadcasters and channels. It is no coincidence that he earned the nickname ‘Mister TV-Tunes’.
In this intimate and personal studio session, we will talk to Stephen about his career, his role in the development of music for television and media, and his significance to BMIM. What makes a tune unforgettable? How has the profession changed over the years? Which moments and collaborations have stayed with him the most? And how does he view the future of music in media? An intimate conversation with a pioneer, in a small-scale setting, about recognition, craftsmanship, legacy and the power of music for the screen.
Please note: places for this session are very limited.
This session is Dutch spoken.
Speakers
Stephen Emmer
Founder, composer, producer, NL
Moderators
Frank Janssen
Owner, Striped Elephant, NL
Lost in Translation
An interactive session exploring the collaboration between composers, directors, editors and producers, and where that collaboration truly comes to life. Directors often speak in terms of feeling, story and imagery (“less cheerful”, “more tension”, “a bit more blue”), while composers think in sound, structure and musical language. Is that difference in language a problem? Not at all. It’s exactly where the composer’s value becomes most apparent.
In this session, we make that translation process visible. Through relatable scenes and real-world examples, we explore how composers can interpret, question and translate abstract feedback into concrete musical choices. What questions should you ask? When do you follow, and when do you challenge? And how do you ensure that you’re not just executing ideas, but actively contributing to the storytelling? We’ll dive into the creative tension between image and sound: because it’s often within that friction that the most compelling work emerges. The result: stronger collaboration, more confidence in the creative process, and music that doesn’t just support the story, but elevates it.
This session is Dutch spoken.
Speakers
Maarten Ernest
Film Editor, Studio Galácticos, NLMichael Middelkoop
Film director, Juicy Films, NLRui Reis Maia
Composer, NL
Moderators
Sandy Seifert
Curator, programmer, actor, NL
Pop-Up Office: Contracts (powered by BCMM)
Do you have questions about contracts, rights, royalties, sync, splits or negotiations? Wondering what’s really hidden in that clause, and how to negotiate a deal that actually works for you? At the Pop-Up Office, you’ll gain not only insight, but also practical tools to approach your next agreement with greater confidence.
Legal expert Mattijs van Andel will be available for short one-on-one sessions, where composers and creators can bring their questions and leave with clear, actionable advice they can immediately apply.
Speakers
Mattijs van Andel
Legal and Business Counsel, Press Play Legal, NL
Talent Tuner
From shaping your sound to finding the right words for it: putting your work out there takes time, energy and a fair bit of courage. What truly makes a difference along the way? Honest, constructive feedback.
That’s where our Talent Tuner comes in. A unique opportunity to sit down with experienced professionals from the field, share your work, and get direct input on everything from your music and pitch to your strengths and next steps. No pressure, just a focused and supportive environment designed to help you grow.
Expect one-on-one sessions with a carefully selected group of industry experts, all ready to offer their perspective, share their experience and help you fine-tune your craft. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your sound, your story or your direction: this is your moment.
Curious how it works? With a BMIM Conference ticket, you can apply for these sessions by sharing who you’d like to meet and why, through the form below. We’ll take care of the matchmaking, aiming to connect you with the people who can help you move forward. Come prepared, stay open, and see where the conversation takes you.
The application for Talent Tuner at BMIM Conference 2026 is closed. Deadline was May 27, 23:59h.
Speakers
Maik Cox
Executive Creative Director & Composer, Ambassadors, NLMelanie Esther
Artist Branding & Social Media Coach, NLEinar Ihle
Composer & Sound Designer, NLSteve Johnsen
Executive Producer and Founder, Never Square Music, NLElla Sonke
Founder & Business Director, Heron Music, NLDarius Timmer
Composer, NLTom Tukker
Composer, Producer & Music Director, Tom Tukker Music, NLMees van der Velde
Music Producer and A&R, Sizzer, NL
The Soundtrack of Summer
As the school holidays begin and the regular TV season comes to an end, all eyes turn to NOS. The Dutch public broadcaster traditionally forms the heart of the Summer of Sport, and in 2026 this will once again be the case around the matches of the FIFA World Cup. Each broadcast day typically concludes with a montage, where a single track underscores the highlights of the day.
For fans, that piece of music becomes inseparably linked to the summer: a soundtrack to collective memory.
But how does a summer sports anthem come to life? And what role do music editors, rights, timing and a sense of the moment play in that decision? A look under the hood.
This panel is Dutch spoken.
Speakers
Remme
Artist and Music Producer, NLThijs Mantel
Music Industry professional, NLJeroen Stomphorst
Sports presenter, NOS, NL
Moderators
Diederik van Zessen
Audio specialist, Sport Sounds, NL
The Sound of the Launch: How Music Shapes Game Trailers
From cinematic reveals to gameplay edits and launch campaigns: music plays a crucial role in how games are introduced to audiences. But who decides what kind of music a trailer needs, when is original music commissioned and how are rights, fees and long-term value handled?
This panel brings together perspectives from the game-publisher, creative production and composer side to unpack how music for game trailers is developed: creatively, strategically and commercially.
Speakers
Steacy McIlwham
Head of Project, Avalanche Studios, SEHermann “Mr. Herms” Schepetkov
Composer, DEJade Schiff
Executive Producer, Mathematic Studio, FRChris Wenting
Executive Producer, Psyop, PT
Moderators
Jarl Hector
Founder, Clear Music, NL
15:00
Beyond the Brief: Music as a Creative Force in Advertising
In advertising, music is often brought in to make the feeling land. But what happens when sound is not the finishing touch, but part of the idea from the start?
In this session, Jazon Eugenio (Founder & Creative Director, Quasi & Kin) and director Filmawi dive into the role of music in campaigns that need to move, stick and mean something.
From brand films to sport and culture-led work: they explore how music shapes rhythm, identity, edit and emotion. And, how directors, agencies, brands, composers and music houses find a shared language along the way.
With international examples and a Dutch perspective added to the mix, this is a session about music beyond the brief: not just supporting the image, but helping define what the campaign becomes.
Speakers
Jazon Eugenio
Founder & Creative Director, Quasi & Kin, UKFilmawi
Director & Photographer, Knucklehead & Divine Studio, UKMiguel Teixeira
Founder & Global Executive Producer, FutureFrank®, NL
Moderators
Tessa Rose Jackson
Artist / Composer, UK/NL
Breaking Down the Soundtrack: Joe Speedboot with Anne Teikari
Adapting a beloved novel for the screen is one thing. Finding a musical world for it is another.
For Joe Speedboot, Sam de Jong’s adaptation of Tommy Wieringa’s novel, composers Anne Teikari and Job de Jong created a score that moves in a distinctive way with the energy, vulnerability and imagination of the story. In this session, Anne opens up the creative process behind the soundtrack.
How do you find the right tone for characters that already exist in the minds of so many readers? How do you give bravado, friendship and quiet sorrow a sound of their own? And how do you make sure the music doesn’t just support the film, but opens up its world even further?
Through scenes and musical fragments, Anne takes you through the choices behind the score; from sound world and timing to collaboration and emotion. A behind-the-scenes session about the search for music that allows a familiar story to breathe again.
Speakers
Anne Teikari
Film composer, NL
Find Your Voice: From Creative Identity to a Pitch that Lands
A practical workshop that helps participants articulate their ‘voice’ in clear, memorable language. Natalia Forster guides the room through a set of short exercises to define personal values, sharpen positioning, and translate that into a one-line intro and a confident 30-second pitch that works in meetings and networking moments.
Participants leave with actionable text they can use immediately and a clearer sense of how to communicate their value and music across creative collaborations.
Speakers
Natalia Forster
Founder, VOICE, NL
Pop-Up Office: Rights (by Sena)
Your track gets played on the radio. You’re in a bar and suddenly hear your own song. Or your music pops up in a commercial. Great moments – but is everything behind the scenes actually arranged properly? Are your tracks correctly registered, are your roles clearly defined, and are you getting paid when your music is used?
At the Sena stand, you can dive deeper into exactly these kinds of questions. From optimising how you register your repertoire, to understanding how distributions work in practice, what happens with international exploitation, and where things often go wrong in collaborations or when defining your role as a performer. The specialists at Sena are there for focused questions and real-world cases.
Speakers
Silvia Biemans
Accountmanager Relations, Sena, NL
16:00
Matchmaking
The popular matchmaking sessions are back! Whether you want to pitch your music, gain insights, ask questions about future projects, discuss the future of the industry, or simply close a solid deal: we are proud to bring different worlds together.
If you’ve purchased a ticket for BMIM Conference, you can register for these matchmaking sessions. Check out the names below, and share your reasons for wanting to meet with certain people through the link. Please note: this motivation will be shared with the participants, and used to make a schedule. These matchmaking sessions upfront are designed to make the initial meeting easier for both parties. We’ll try to match everyone with one or two preferred choices.
The application for the Matchmaking at BMIM Conference 2026 is closed. Deadline was May 25, 23:59h.
Speakers
Fé Baan
Director, Screenwriter, NLPirke Bergsma
Owner, Pirke Productions, NLJoey Boeters
Creative Partner & Co-Founder, Happiness Amsterdam, NLHeather Cook
Founder / CEO & Executive Producer, Freedom Music Group, USMaarten Ernest
Film Editor, Studio Galácticos, NLJazon Eugenio
Founder & Creative Director, Quasi & Kin, UKTom Fekkes
Post Production Supervisor, Pupkin Film, NLCésar García
Creative Director, NLOlivier S. Garcia
Director, NLLaury Hooghuis
Director, Hooghuis Productions, NLHyo Soon Kaag
Filmmaker, writer, director, NLShanice Kamminga
Director & Screenwriter, Perseid Pictures, NLMira Mendel
CEO / Producer, Interakt, NLNafiss Nia
Writer & director, 1001 Production House | Granate, NLAnneliek Noordermeer
Film editor, NLNicky Onstenk
Producer, IJswater Films, NLJade Schiff
Executive Producer, Mathematic Studio, FRCharlotte Stricker
Music Supervisor, Bell Music Supervision, NLBiserka Šuran
Director, NLMiguel Teixeira
Founder & Global Executive Producer, FutureFrank®, NL
Do I Need an Agent?
Representation, strategy and building a sustainable career
When do you need an agent, and what can an agent actually do for you? For many Dutch composers, working with an agent is still far from common practice, which makes this conversation especially relevant.
In this panel, Annette Gentz and Valerie Dobbelaere discuss the role of representation in the world of music for film, TV, games and media. They will share insights on how agents discover and position talent, build relationships with producers, directors and music supervisors, negotiate fees and contracts, and help shape long-term careers. A practical and honest conversation about timing, trust, expectations and how to know whether representation could be the right next step.
Speakers
Valerie Dobbelaere
Film Music Publicist, Strike A Score, BEAnnette Gentz
General manager, Universal Music Publishing Classics & Screen / Annette Gentz Music & Film Arts, DEMatthijs Kieboom
Composer, NL
Moderators
Amber Roner
Presenter and programme maker, Story Art Studio, NL
Charlie Kaufman’s How to Shoot a Ghost with Ella van der Woude
Breaking Down the Soundtrack
How do you translate the cinematic world of Charlie Kaufman into music? In this session, composer Ella van der Woude takes the audience behind the scenes of her soundtrack for How to Shoot a Ghost, Charlie Kaufman’s short film about two departed souls wandering through Athens.
Using excerpts, musical choices, and specific scenes, Ella reveals how the score came to life: from initial intuitions and conversations about tone, to the search for instrumentation, texture, emotion, and space. How do you decide when music should carry a scene, when it should step back, and how do you work with a film that moves between melancholy, memory, alienation, and beauty? A deep-dive session for composers and other creators curious about the creative process behind a soundtrack.
This session is Dutch spoken.
Speakers
Ella van der Woude
Composer, NL
Pop-Up Office: Sync & Licensing (by BumaStemra)
Do you work at the intersection of music and image? Then we’ve got something for you. Our friends from BumaStemra will be present at this edition of BMIM Conference, with a Pop-Up Office. This is the place to go with all your questions about sync deals, licensing, and rights. Whether you’re just starting out, or want to have your next major deal reviewed: Dominique is at your service with some personal advice.
About Pop-Up Offices: A low-threshold walk-in space where you can bring your questions, doubts, or cases. No complicated registration procedures or formal setting: just pull up a chair and exchange ideas with an expert (or peers) about topics that matter. From sync to mental health, from tech to rights: these offices are the place to have one-on-one conversations, get practical tips, or find some clarity within the chaos of the industry.
Speakers
Dominique Oude Nijhuis
Syncs & Licences, BumaStemra, NLFrank Zichem
Syncs & Licences, BumaStemra, NL
The Cost of Creativity
Working as a (film) composer or creative professional demands a lot: artistic sensitivity, flexibility, discipline, and a constant drive to perform. In an industry where personal taste, rejection, deadlines, and uncertain income play a major role, the mental pressure can build up quickly.
The creative sector can be wonderful, but also quite demanding. As a film composer, producer, or (film) creative, you often work from a deeply personal place, which can create additional pressure. In this interactive session, guests from the field will engage in a conversation about themes that resonate with many creators: (social) insecurity, the urge to prove oneself, perfectionism, the balance between work and private life, and the question of how to prevent your entire identity from becoming tied to your work.
Together with the audience, an open and honest dialogue will emerge about the mental realities of the profession: about pressure, doubt, and vulnerability. But also about resilience, support, and ways to stay healthy in a demanding industry. A session for those seeking recognition, wanting to share experiences, or simply curious about how others deal with these challenges.
This session is Dutch spoken.
Speakers
Katja Keersmaekers
Psychosocial Therapist, The Mental Crew, NLEsther van der Poel
Mental Coach, The Mental Crew, NLFé Baan
Director, Screenwriter, NLMaik Cox
Executive Creative Director & Composer, Ambassadors, NLAnne Teikari
Film composer, NLBeau Zwart
Composer, NL
17:00
BMIM Conference Closing Drinks
The best conversations and ideas? Often starting at the bar. That’s why, after BMIM Conference 2026, we’re opening the tap for everyone who isn’t quite done talking yet. Or, simply in need of a drink after a day full of talks, feedback, pitches and new faces.
Think of it as the unofficial final session of the day: no panel, no microphone, but plenty of room to keep the conversation going, make plans, let ideas land or (accidentally) meet your next creative match. The drinks are open to everyone with a BMIM Conference 2026 ticket.