So you’ve always wanted to write music for films, and now you’ve got your chance. What will you do? How will you react? These are all questions you need to ask yourself before you start sending out applications.
If you’re lucky enough to get a reply from one of the many studios seeking new talent, then congratulations. You’ve got a job. On the other hand, if you’re not one of the select few, then you might have to consider other options. Perhaps you could try scoring films, or you might even decide to become a professional musician and compose for films and TV shows.
Whichever option you choose, writing music for film is a wonderful opportunity. It might even be the best choice you ever make. But only if you do it right. The following will advise you on how to get started and give you some useful pointers on what to expect.
Get The Right Education
Whatever field you choose, having the necessary education and training is crucial. Even if you’re not particularly skilled, you wouldn’t want to start your career uneducated or unprepared. If possible, get a university degree in music, preferably with a film scoring track record. The more you know, the better. And remember, a degree doesn’t guarantee you’ll get a job, but it certainly gives you a better chance.
As for the specific course, find out what teachers and lecturers there are at the university that specialize in film music. Perhaps the department heads can advise you on how to proceed. They’re the ones that will be able to connect you with other students who are doing the same course, as well as with experienced graduates who might be willing to share their knowledge and advice. For instance, if you’re doing a bachelor’s degree in music, then you might want to consider looking into the Film Music Composition course at University College London. Not only is it the largest film music program in Europe, but the curriculum is designed with the utmost attention to detail and respect for the film music industry. It even has an entire module dedicated to scoring videos and trailers for advertising campaigns and marketing material. So if you’re really thinking about becoming a film composer, then this might be the perfect place for you to do it.
Decide Whether To Go The Full Distance
If you decide that scoring films is the direction you want to go in, then the next step is to decide whether to go the full distance. Do you want to become the best possible composer you can be? Are you willing to put in the hard work and the hours needed to learn how to write the music for films? For some, it might be a lot of stress and not something they’re looking to do professionally. It’s a decision only you can make, but if you really want this career, then you might want to consider going the extra mile.
Starting Is Simpler Than You Think
If you’ve decided that you want to become a film composer, then the next step is to start simple. No matter what, you’re going to need to start by writing music for fun. It’s important to do this to get your feet wet and establish a baseline level of competence. After all, it’s very difficult to judge how good your work is if you haven’t actually performed it yet. So, grab your instrument of choice (pianos are great for this as many film studios are piano friendly), and start writing. If you’re fortunate enough to get some feedback, then great. If not, then at least you’ll have something to show for yourself when you do get that feedback. Just be sure to hide your compositions from the public. Hacks and spam are never welcome in any artistic endeavor. You’ll thank me for this advice later.
Networking Is Crucial
Networking is crucial for anyone entering the film scoring field. It’s not just about getting a job, it’s about getting along with the people you’ll be working with. This is where you make contacts, learn your craft, and grow as a musician. If you’re lucky enough to get a formal introduction to a prominent film composer, then take advantage of it. It’s always nice to have a leg up when getting your foot in the door. And when you do eventually land a job, then you’ll be able to rely on what you’ve learned and built up during your time in the industry. Having a good reputation is also crucial as it will make you much more employable. The last thing you want is to be stuck in a rut writing the same kind of music over and over again. So, by constantly networking, you’ll ensure you’re always learning and expanding your skill set.
The More You Know, The Better
The more you know, the better. This is the golden rule of any creative industry. If you want to get better at something, then you have to do it. You can’t expect to become the best in the world by reading online how-to’s and watching YouTube videos. You need to put in the hours and the hard work. This is where you establish your credentials as a professional. You start by doing the very basic things correctly, and then you can move onto the more complex aspects of scoring.
There, now you should have everything you need to get started. As long as you do the basic things correctly, then it shouldn’t be too difficult to find success. And remember, if you do end up working in the film scoring field, then it’s only because you’ve worked hard enough to deserve it. And if you don’t work hard enough, then perhaps you should consider another option.