There is disclosed an antireflection film composition used for lithography
comprising: at least a light absorbing silicone resin with mass average
molecular weight of 30,000 or less in which components having molecular
weight of less than 600 account for 5% or less of the whole resin; a
first acid generator that is decomposed at a temperature of 200 degrees
C. or less; and an organic solvent. There can be provided an
antireflection film composition that prevents intermixing in the vicinity
of the antireflection film/photoresist film interface, that provides a
resist pattern over the antireflection film with almost vertical wall
profile, and that provides less damage to an underlying layer of the
antireflection film.