How to Find and Work With Film Composers

A horror movie is not scary until the composer adds those scary orchestral strings to make an audience jump out of their seat. Figuring out which composer to make that music or noise and then discussing how to provide a score to your movie can be a tricky situation, though. Since you probably do not know as much about music, and he will not know as much about movies, finding that middle ground of discussion can make or break the score to the movie. These steps will teach you how to find the right composer and then how to communicate with that composer.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Film
• Script
• Computer
• DVD player

1. Complete the film until it is a "picture-lock," meaning no more editing will ever be done. Composers cannot time music if a film continues to change its own timing.
2. Figure out the tone or style of music that best fits the film. Some movies sound better with subtle guitar work, while others need big orchestral scores.
3. Post information about the film, and the composer position, on websites like Craigslist or IMDBPro.
4. Before listening to any samples sent your way, discuss the payment plan with each potential composer. You do not want to fall in love with the music of one, only to find out you cannot afford him.
5. Once the field is narrowed, listen to samples. Find the composer who best fits what the movie needs.
6. Never tell the composer what instruments to use or how to do his job. If you plan on doing that, compose the movie yourself. Let him figure out the musical language through conversations with you or the producer.
7. Go through the script and note how the audience should feel at various points. Knowing what reaction or emotion to draw out informs the composer what instruments and styles to use.
8. Make sure the style and language is correct before the composer does everything. Have him send you samples so you can decide if he needs to start over or go ahead and use them.