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How to get a job as a film composer
Getting your first gig as a film composer is pretty different from the conventional office job application process. Unlike standard employment opportunities, music-related positions are not advertised on typical job advertisements. The role of composing music demands a highly specialised skill set that isn’t easily assessed through resume perusal or conventional interview queries.
HOW TO GET YOUR FIRST FILM-COMPOSER JOB
Getting your first gig as a film composer is pretty different from the conventional office job application process. Unlike standard employment opportunities, music-related positions are not advertised on typical job advertisements. The role of composing music demands a highly specialised skill set that isn’t easily assessed through resume perusal or conventional interview queries.
See yourselves in the shoes of the director or production company
The first thing you need to do, is to see the perspectives from the other side. See yourselves in the shoes of a director who has just completed an arduous filmmaking journey. You’ve meticulously refined a script, conducted exhaustive casting calls to find the perfect actors with the right chemistry, scouted ideal filming locations, and meticulously planned every aspect of the shoots.
After investing a ton of time and resources into making a film, would you entrust someone you’ve never met to compose the music? Perhaps…, if they are a renowned composer with an impressive track record. However, if their name is unfamiliar, you’d understandably seek concrete evidence of their ability to deliver.
When a production-company seeks a music composer for their project, their initial inclination is to consider their existing connections. Is there someone they already know who can fulfil the role? With the exception of music videos, the music often follows the project’s inception – it’s an integral but secondary consideration. In essence, the project takes precedence. And, if there’s no project, there’s no demand for music.
Hang ouT WITH filmmakers
What does this imply for you as an aspiring music composer? It underscores the importance of being known within the circles of those actively engaged in project creation. If your ambition is to compose music for films, hang out in the company of filmmakers. If video game composition is your goal, align yourself with the world of game developers. Show yourselves as a person who gets things done. Who are helpful, positive and good to be around.
Identify locally-produced films or video games and integrate yourself into their communities. Help out up-and-coming directors with their shorts. Absorb knowledge about ongoing projects, pose relevant questions, delve into their past works, and willingly offer your assistance in any capacity possible. The more you can establish your presence, the more natural it becomes for you to be considered as the composer for their projects.