A film composer works with a team to create a score that enhances the film’s atmosphere and dramatic tension. They need to have good recording skills, music software, and be able to orchestrate music. Freelance work is common, starting with student films or small productions. The composer works with the creative team to establish basic ideas for the score and determines where music should be added.
A composer works with a director, producers, sound crew, and musicians to create a film score. In addition to writing music, a modern film composer needs to have good recording skills and music software, and be able to orchestrate music. Since most songwriters are freelance professionals, the day-to-day requirements of the job might include looking for new jobs, meeting a film’s creative team, composing, or looking for musicians.
The job of a film composer is both a creative and a technical position. Creatively, the composer must be able to understand a film’s atmosphere, story, and dramatic tension in order to create music that fits and enhances the final product. Technically, a composer must be able to write the music, perform it for the creative team, and create an orchestrated version for a group of musicians to play.
Music software has become an important tool for scoring and can make a film composer’s job considerably easier. Some programs allow users to connect pianos or electronic guitars to a computer and transpose the notes played onto a written staff. Composers may also need to use recording software and understand the correct use of microphones to create the best possible version of a score.
Most songwriters work freelance, which means they have to work hard to find jobs and advertise their skills. Some start by creating a demo recording of different compositions to present to project directors and producers. Many begin professional careers working on student films or small independent productions, often for free. This tactic allows a composer to find up-and-coming filmmakers and begin to establish a reputation and list of credits. Upon completion of some professional work, the composer will be able to find an agent who will help him find jobs in exchange for a percentage of the earnings.
When hired, the composer sits down with the creative team to establish basic ideas for the score. A composer can be hired while the film is still shooting in order to begin work on the main musical themes, or it can be started after recording is complete. Once the film is cut, the composer and director go over each scene to determine where music should be added, how long it will last, and how to create the desired mood and effect. Once the music is written, a composer can oversee the hiring of orchestra performers and even conduct recording sessions, although larger productions may hire additional professionals for these positions.
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