Entry Limit

Each library, composer, and/or other individual applicant is limited to five (5) submissions per category (regardless of distributor).

General Eligibility Guidelines

• "Commercially released production music library" means the track is represented and distributed by a production music library, not solely self-released by the composer or artist.
• Libraries may be exclusive or non-exclusive.
• Tracks may also be available on digital streaming platforms (DSPs) such as Spotify, Apple Music, etc. and still qualify
• A track does not need to have been licensed in film, TV, advertising, or other media to be eligible for the 'Production Music Track of the Year' categories.

Production Music Track of the Year

Each submitted track must be represented and commercially released by a current, active production music library (exclusive or non-exclusive). Tracks may also appear on digital streaming platforms (DSPs) such as Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube Music, but self-released music that is not represented by a production music library is not eligible.

Eligibility is not determined (or limited) by the track's original release date. Tracks are eligible whether or not they have been licensed in media.

Best Use of Production Music

The music used in the submitted clip must originate from a current, active production music library (exclusive or non-exclusive). The award recognizes the effectiveness of production music within visual media. Eligibility is not contingent upon the music being publicly released on digital streaming platforms (DSPs).

Submissions are evaluated on the integration of production music with picture, including how the music enhances storytelling, emotion, pacing, and overall impact.

Entry Fees

Entry fees are required only for Production Music Track of the Year and Best Use of Production Music categories:

PMA Member Benefits:

• PMA members in good standing are entitled to one free entry (with a minimum of three entries)
• PMA members in good standing are entitled to a 30% discount on entry fees

PMA Member Fees (Includes 30% Discount):

• A single entry in the first category: $122.50
• The same entry in additional categories: $87.50

Non-Member Fees:

• A single entry in the first category: $175.00
• The same entry in additional categories: $125.00

Important Dates:

First submission date: April 24th, 2026
Submissions deadline: July 17th, 2026

Payment Instructions:

Please send one check payable in U.S. dollars for the total amount of the entry fees. Entry fees may also be paid online by credit card, subject to a 3.25% processing fee. For international entrants wishing to pay via wire transfer, please reach out to info@pmamusic.com for details.

Checks should be made payable to The Production Music Association and sent along with a copy of your invoice to:

The Production Music Association
C/O The Mark Awards
2046 Hillhurst Ave
Suite 89
Los Angeles, CA 90027

Late entries are assessed a $100 processing fee per entry.

Entry fees are non-refundable. The PMA is not responsible for incorrect or incomplete entries.

Judging

The PMA is proud to honor the best in production music with the 12th Annual Mark Awards. The Mark Awards Committee seeks judges with a minimum of three years of experience in licensing or creating production music. Judges must sign an affidavit confirming they have no conflict of interest in any of the entries. Judges listen to each entry in their entirety and rate on both creativity and execution. Each entry is judged solely on its own merit and are not judged against each other.

Criteria for Judge Selection (10 judges will be selected by the Committee):

• No fewer than five years of experience in the industry
• Education in the industry a plus
• Must commit to listening to all 250+ submissions (approximately 3 minutes per track)
• Must commit to 2-3 days for judging (start and end dates provided)
• Must sign a Confidentiality Agreement

Process:

• Half of the submissions will be delivered to five of the judges, the other half to the remaining five judges
• The track provided will not contain the name of the composer nor will it contain the name of the company - the track identifier will be a number
• All submissions are scored by no fewer than five judges
• The judge is highly encouraged to use the score sheet as a guide to assigning a final score for each submission

Scoring Criteria - Track of the Year (1-10 scale):

• Creativity - Introduces an original approach to the genre and/or introduces a fusion of genres that pair well
• Sonic Characteristics - Demonstrates strong knowledge of the sonic elements critical to composition
• Overall Production - Audio levels are consistent and of the highest quality
• Genre Accuracy - The audio quality is in character with the genre and the composition achieved its intention, consistent with the genre

Scoring Criteria - Best Use Submissions (1-10 scale):

• Creativity - Introduces an original approach in the music used for a particular production
• Overall Production - Strong edit points, consistent sound levels, and effective sonic elements
• Contributes to/Enhances the Message - Does the music contribute to the overall message? Does it enhance the message? Or does it take away from it?