The Production Music Awards recognise the highest standards in composition, production, recording, and synchronisation of production music. These judging criteria are provided to ensure consistency, fairness, and transparency across all categories.
The Production Music Awards panel of judges includes experts from across the industry, each chosen for their respected knowledge and experience in music for media.
Entries in Composition categories are judged blind. Each track will be assigned an identifying code. Judges will not be provided with any identifying information about the library, composer, or publisher.
If a judge recognises a piece of work, identifies the library or composer, or becomes aware of any potential conflict of interest in judging an entry, they must inform the organisers and refrain from scoring that piece.
Judges must not discuss any entries, scores, or outcomes outside of the official judging process.
Each track will be scored on three key attributes. The individual judge’s score for each attribute will be combined into a total score for that piece. Once all judges have submitted their scores, an average will be calculated.
Judges are asked to approach each track with impartiality and to be mindful of any unconscious bias.
1. Composition (out of 50)
To what degree has the piece achieved excellence in composition?
Judges should pay particular attention to:
Melody
Harmony
Structure (where relevant)
Overall musical craftsmanship
2. Originality (out of 25)
To what degree does the piece demonstrate originality?
Does it offer a fresh or distinctive take within its genre?
Does it feel generic or derivative?
3. Production Standard (out of 25)
To what degree is the track professionally produced and presented?
Balance of the mix
Appropriate dynamic range, clarity, and cohesion
Absence of unintended distortion or over-compression
Suitability of production style for the genre
Judges should also consider whether the track fits its category appropriately.
Entries in Sync categories will also be judged blind. Where relevant, judges may be provided with contextual information such as a creative brief or intended usage notes.
Judges will be assigned to categories that align with their area of expertise (e.g. a judge with experience in television advertising will assess entries in Best Use of Production Music in Television Advertising).
As with Composition categories, if a judge recognises a piece or becomes aware of a potential conflict of interest, they must inform the organisers and refrain from scoring that piece.
Judges must not discuss any entries, scores, or outcomes outside of the official judging process.
Each Sync entry will be marked out of 10 based on:
Overall quality of the music
Originality of the music
How well the music works in combination with the visuals
Judges are asked to approach each entry with impartiality and to be mindful of any unconscious bias.
The final results in all categories will be determined by the appointed Production Music Awards judging panel. The organisers reserve the right to make the final decision regarding all aspects of the competition, including interpretation of these judging criteria.
All judging decisions are final and binding.