music scores for independence films

[blinkrocker3]

I was wondering if anyone knew of a way to get in touch with indie film makers who need a score for their film. Are there forums similar to this one for film?

[richiebee]

I found the forums related to independent movies to be very saturated with composers (some good, some bad, some that are just absolutely incredible and you wonder why they're not conducting an orchestra in Hollywood).

I gave up. For me the choice was approach the local independent movie market or look for some other outlet for my music. I tried the local market (which is small, but does exist), but the problem is that they all want music that is traditional to the area I live in, and me not being a local would find it impossible to compete with the local musicians who have it in their blood. The alternative that I took was to write for a library. Sure the pay out sucks, but its still good experience, and when you write enough, you can sit back and watch the money trickle in. You aren't bound by the (often unbelievably) short deadlines that the media likes to give composers, nor are you bound to write anything particular. If this is an issue, then just make up a scenario to write for. I would never try and make a living from it, but I have made some pocket money from it and it keeps the creative part of my brain working. I can create short ideas as well as longer more developed ones and I can sell really simple concepts as easily as complicated masterpieces (!).

Of course the fact that the payout is really low is a problem for financing my studio. I do other work to make it up - audio editing is easy and there's a demand for it. Not many people do it, so the money is decent.

[Bigduggieface]

I'll tell a story of my experiences in independent film.

In a city I was once living in, I was a part of a fairly large circle of artistic types. I befriended an independent filmmaker who was dabbling in little 20-minute experimental videos. I donated some of my time and resources to score a couple of them.

I made some mistakes, and more importantly, I learned a lot. I think this kind of no-risk, blind experimentation is a great way to learn. With film scores, one is forced into a very confined situation. The music must be of a particular mood and of a particular duration. The composer is a servant to the necessities of the storyline and the visuals. This may be difficult for some egos.

I am also a great lover of B-movies (aka. low-budget independent films), so I've always got my feelers out searching for a way to find another good B-movie.

My local independent university radio station had an occasional "movie news" segment. One day I heard them mention that an independent film studio that I was familiar with [whom shall go nameless] was about to start a new film, I sent them a short letter and some of my music on CD. I was hoping to put some of my experience and new sampling software to work.

The studio liked my stuff, and they sent me .mpg video files to put some music to (as an experiment). I did so, and the collaboration looked like it would be successful.

Eventually, they sent me a VHS tape (hey, we're talking independent films here) of a rough cut of the new film. I loved the movie. We agreed on a price. A very small price. Very small indeed. But it would be a chance to be the chief composer and music director of a 90-minute film with a good probability of decent audience exposure.

Eventually the film and my score was completed and I'm quite proud of the results from everyone involved. This is one of the reasons I love independent cinema. The people involved with the project were devoted to the project, not just the paycheck. I realized that everyone involved in the film was as 'talented' and experience-driven as I. That is, eager, yet inexperienced.

The way I see it, independent film companies have virtually NO money. If you plan on making money scoring independent films, forget it. If you, as I feel I did, use the experience as a means to an end, go for it. Use it as a step towards the majors.

Don't forget that independent doesn't mean it's crap. Today's independent often leads to tomorrow's blockbuster! Whether it's independent music or independent film.

[blinkrocker3]

thanks a lot for both your inputs. Money is definitely not as valuable to me as experience right now because I'm still pretty young and not in need of much money. Although I've never gotten too into indie film and I don't know anyone who does it, I love music and have always wanted to at least try doing scores. I'm sure there's some sort of indie film community in my town because we have a Big Ten university and host the Roger Ebert film festival every year. I'm just curious how I can get in touch with these people. Location of the film doesn't matter to me because I can do everything online.

[paul999]

This is very tough indeed. I have come close to, but never landed a decent film contract. My studio has started to film video's for clients who have record with us. But then again this is how I built my entire business. When I wasn't allowed in the sand box I built my own and invited the rest of the talant that wasn't allowed in the sand box. Before I knew it we had the biggest party.

[EnSkorSang]

Try writing to film students. Many uni's have media/film courses and there are many film schools around the world and students will almost always have to make a short film for their final projects. Write to them or even go there and stick up posters offering your services for free. You might get lucky and end up writing some music for a talented student who goes on to be a professional filmmaker..