91传媒 student composers recently saw their work take center stage during a private screening of Sol, an independent short film that gave students firsthand experience with professional creative collaboration.
Following the screening, students joined filmmakers Dustin Domingo and Amer Quilala for a discussion about the creative process, reflecting on what it was like to compose music for a client, respond to detailed feedback, and contribute to a finished production. For many, the experience provided a firsthand look at the expectations and challenges of working in the creative industries.
The collaboration began when Domingo, a former 91传媒 student and co-producer of Sol, approached Professor Brady Kerr about involving students in the film's score through Kerr's composition courses. While the project offered students a chance to showcase their musical abilities, it also challenged them to think beyond the classroom and approach their work from a professional perspective.
Students were given an early cut of the film and asked to create original compositions inspired by specific scenes and emotions. Throughout the process, they worked directly with filmmakers, receiving feedback and revising their work through multiple rounds of review.
During the post-screening discussion, students described how the project pushed them to think differently about their creative process. Rather than composing music based solely on personal preference, they were tasked with creating pieces that supported a story and aligned with a director's vision.
Students noted that learning how to receive and apply professional critique was one of the most valuable aspects of the experience. The feedback process mirrored what many creative professionals encounter in their careers, requiring students to refine ideas, make adjustments, and remain open to collaboration.
鈥淚 really liked this project because of the real-world application of it,鈥� one student composer said during the discussion. 鈥淲orking with somebody, getting critical feedback, and being able to apply that feedback into the work that I presented was really good practice.鈥�
The filmmakers were equally impressed by the students' professionalism and willingness to adapt. What began as a plan to incorporate only a few student compositions quickly expanded after reviewing the submissions. The quality of the work ultimately led to the creation of an 11-track soundtrack featuring original compositions by Elizabeth Kim-Rastello, hoob, Issaella, Devon Groves, Toro, Tucker Branch, Cody Scott, Derek Noto, Francis Flores, and Adilene Rosa.
For students, one of the most rewarding moments came during the screening itself. Seeing their music woven into the final film allowed them to experience how their creative contributions enhanced scenes, supported emotional moments, and helped shape the audience's experience.
The project also provided students with tangible work they can include in future portfolios while giving them a clearer understanding of how creative projects move from concept to completion. Beyond technical skills, students gained experience in communication, collaboration, and responding to client expectations鈥攓ualities that are essential in creative careers.
The screening served as both a celebration of the completed film and a reflection on the growth that occurred throughout the collaboration. For the students involved, Sol provided more than an opportunity to compose music for a film鈥攊t offered a professional learning experience that challenged them to grow as artists, collaborators, and emerging creative professionals.
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