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How to Get a Job Writing Film Scores

If you’re reading this, I assume you’re either a film composer looking for new opportunities or someone who’s recently been made redundant and is looking to make the switch to a career in film music. Either way, I’d like to welcome you to the world of composing for film, and hopefully, this article will help you along the way.

The Basics

Before we begin, it’s worth noting that there is no standardised education for film music, so you’ll need to gain experience the old-fashioned way, by writing lots of music and demonstrating your talent. Once you’ve shown that you can write music that grips the audience, you can look for opportunities to do so. For now, though, the most important thing is just to write as much music as you can.

Where To Start?

If you’re determined to make a career out of writing music for film, your first port of call should be national cinemas looking for newcomers. These are the companies that commission music the most, and they also have the deepest pools of talent from which to choose. Start by submitting your CV through the website, and then, when you receive a callback, organize a meeting in person with the person who contacted you. During this meeting, impress the hell out of them with your knowledge and enthusiasm for film music and show them that you’re the person they’re looking for. If you can do that, you’re pretty much guaranteed a placement in a national cinema.

Getting To The Point

You need to start establishing connections in the industry even if you’re fortunate enough to get a job straight away. These are the people who will have the power to back you up in your career, so make sure you keep up your end of the bargain by networking frequently, sending them small gifts and offering to meet up with them for drinks when you’re nearby. The more you do, the more you’ll find yourself elevated in their eyes, and with a little bit of luck, you could be working for a major Hollywood studio by the end of the year. This might not seem easy, but it is if you want it to happen.

What Next?

Once you’ve got a job in a national cinema, you can start expanding your connections in the industry even further by attending film conferences and getting involved in online forums. These are great places to meet other composers who are looking for work, get tips on how to improve your craft and generally, keep in touch with the people who can put a foot in the door for you. For instance, the American Film Institute holds an annual conference for film music enthusiasts, attracting professionals from all over the world and fostering even more opportunities to network. If these conferences are not available near you, then consider getting a subscription to an online forum and taking part in online discussions. Even when you’re not directly talking about your work, you’re engaging with other composers who are interested in expanding their knowledge and gaining experience. If you can do this while also impressing your new colleagues with your talent, then you’re heading in the right direction.

Networks

If you’re determined to succeed at writing music for film, then consider setting up a business network. Start by joining a chamber music group where you can perform your own music, and then, over the years, perform in various festivals and galleries as well as establishing a reputation as a composer who is both talented and reliable. This is especially beneficial if you’re looking for a job in a television agency or production company, as it will establish you as someone who can be counted on to deliver, and it also means that you can call on your existing connections in the industry to help you get started.

More Than Meets The Eye

Another important thing to do if you want to make a career out of writing music for film is to look for the opportunities that can bring you the most pleasure. As a beginner, you may not have the budget to hire a string quartet, so instead look for film scores that can be more easily recreated with a smaller ensemble. It may also be a good idea to look for music that can be used in a commercial environment, as these will usually have a more limited licensing policy than feature films do. At the end of the day, though, it comes back to writing the most music as you can, demonstrating your talent and then, when you’re lucky enough to be offered a job, making the most of it.

Summary

Writing music for film is a fantastic way to establish yourself as a composer in the industry, whether you’re in a big city or a small one. Just be sure to keep your finger on the pulse of the industry by keeping up with conferences and online forums, getting involved in discussions and by keeping your talent and connections firmly rooted in the film world. Good luck, and thanks for reading!