Film makers how do you choose a composer for your film?
316 views
Replies8
- I've always worked from recommendations and have been really lucky so far. Working with the right composer is critical. For me, the main thing (besides being really talented) is communicaton. I love music but find it hard to articulate what I want sometimes, having someone I can speak freely with without feeling stupid is key.
- @Cristina Crespo *only worked with one director!🤦🏽♀️
- @Ross McClure Well, thank you! Yes, the connection, the ability to communicate, the openness to listen to and learn from one another is what is most important for me too.As I say, I’m new to this and I have only worked with one composer, and it was exactly like that, and so a very good experience for both and we both were happy with the result.I guess I asked because I have seen a couple of ads (not on the dots) where filmmakers want to ‘audition’ composers, as in asking applicants to score 2 minutes of film WITHOUT any prior conversation about what is the intention behind the film, the vision driving it, the emotional journey the want the music to support, highlight or contrast, etc…Which to me feels bonkers because you could literally change the meaning of a scene depending on what music you put to it!Glad to know there are filmmakers out there who think along the same lines as me and yes, please, do bear me in mind for the future!
- Hi CristinaFirst and foremost, it depends on the project. Is it a commercial or corporate project that has a client receiving the final film? If so then they will have a big impact on what music is used, although nowadays with so much digital video, music libraries are often the first port of call when I need an affordable piece of music.When I need something specific composed or it's a personal project, I find that the most important thing is my relationship with the composer themselves. Yes they can have an amazing back catalogue of material and create anything you ask them to, but if you don't understand each other and fail to communicate what you want, it will be a challenge.I have a composer who I've worked with multiple times who not only has his own personal projects on the side and has a real passion for creating, but he is open to my thoughts and ideas. And I'm open to his!Worth mentioning that I met him here on The Dots! I have also met a colorist on here and worked with both of them on multiple projects. So if you're looking for more collaborators, check out some filmmakers work on here and reach out to them to see if they need music. In both of those cases I didn't have something right then but I remembered that I liked their work and brought them into the project when the time was right.Good luck!
- @Alessandro Novelli Yes, it does, thank you. I've new to this game, so far I've only worked with one director. Of course, it'd be ideal to find someone with whom to establish a long term collaboration and that's what you describe. For now, I think I just need to gain more experience. Thank you.
- Would be nice to know how you first choose a film maker to work with?Beside previews experience so portfolio, when I choose the one I ve been collaborating with from 2015, we went thorugh several conversations about different topics to see if we had a common ground, same shared views etc. I feel that when you want to associate Images and sound both sides need to kind of speak the same language. I try to associate with people that understand and appreciate the idea and with their work can help me implement it, so skipping all of those who would treat the project just like a commercial project. Hope it helps.
- @Edward Fleming * I’m more likely to choose a composer who has a style than someone that wants to replicate a standard score format or obey every rule on what genre suits what!
- Diversity is key! But also distinct style is ideal for me personally. I’m young and not an established client for composers per say but every time I’ve hired I’ve looked for musicians that care about their legacy as a musician!Self released tracks on Spotify, passion project albums and specific scores for arty films set some composers apart from othersI’m more !
You must sign up or log in before you
add a comment.