10 TIPS ON WHAT TO INCLUDE AS A DEMO:
1. TREAT IT AS A SALES TOOL
A demo is not a score. It is a brief advertisement to whet the appetite for filmmakers and others to want to hear and learn more about you.
2. PICK SOMETHING THAT WORKS ON ITS OWN
A demo is most likely derived from 1M1 not 4M3. In other words, use something that is strong as a stand alone piece of music (a main title, a montage, a love scene) not some random action score cue.
3. PICK SOMETHING OTHERS WOULD NEED
If it sounds like tens of thousands of similar pieces of music that can easily be found in a music library, don’t send it.
4. LEAN INTO MUSIC WITH A REAL FLAVOR
Personality in music goes a long way. Be bold. Be memorable.
5. GET TO THE POINT
Slow builds rarely work for a demo. They tend to lead to the listener moving on to something (or someone) else.
6. BE TUNEFUL
Great tunes are rare and make strong impressions. And they can be stated (and restated) in a short period of time.
7. READ THE ROOM
Play your demo to lots of people. Especially ones who are not composers. Get attune to reading their facial expressions and body language to gauge their real level of interest.
8. BE VERSATILE
Demo in a wide range of genres… especially ones that are most likely to hire someone at your level. There are a lot more lower budget horror films, dramas and quirky comedies than there are low budget blockbuster fantasy/superhero films.
9. LEARN FROM THE MASTERS
Listen to playlists of score tracks that work well in making a great impression in a short amount of time. Learn from them.
10. SET YOURSELF APART
Really ask yourself, “Why will this piece stand out from all the other submissions?” Because if it doesn’t, everything else is moot.
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS?