There are a lot of composers out there. If I were a filmmaker, how might I go about picking one for my project?
1. WATCH A LOT OF MOVIES.
Start discovering which scores you connect with and why. Take note of the composers who consistently create scores you admire.
2. LISTEN TO A LOT OF MUSIC.
There is no shortage of soundtracks. Emerge yourself in them and discover your favorites.
3. ASK AROUND.
Look for recommendations from other filmmakers.
4. REACH OUT TO AGENTS.
Discuss your project and what you think you are looking for. They will make suggestions and send you examples of their clients’ work.
5. TAKE MEETINGS.
Based on where you are at in the process, give the folks you are meeting the script, some key scenes, a sizzle reel or the whole film for them to see and discuss.
Meet as many composers as you want.
Discuss the story, characters and dramatic ideas of the film. Don’t get too caught up in musical language.
Discuss other movies and scores. Discuss potential approaches. Discuss working methods. Discuss vision.
6. FOLLOW YOU GUT.
Picking a composer is like picking a mate. Both specific and intangible impressions compel you towards a choice.
How much do you love their music? How much do you trust them to deliver what you need? How simpatico do you feel with them?
7. FIND COMPELLING REASONS FOR A COMPOSER TO WANT TO DO YOUR FILM.
If you are aiming for more established composers or ones seemingly out of your price range, figure out what is in it for that composer to score your movie.
Your film itself may be so good or so special that the composer would want to be part of it. Or it might be an opportunity for him/her to work in a different medium or genre.
What’s in it for them?
8. ASK FOR DEMOS IF YOU WANT.
If you feel a demo is important to you, ask for it. It is up to the composer whether they want to write one in each circumstance.
9. CHECK REFERENCES.
Reach out to filmmakers who have previously worked with your top candidates and discover what there experiences with them were like.
10. DISCUSS REALITY.
Talk about the recording budget and make sure you are on the same page regarding expectations. Go over schedules. Discuss how you would work together including getting together, playbacks and revisions.
Picking a composer is like choosing any key person on your team. Learn as much as you can upfront and then listen to your head and your heart in figuring it out.
