Composers Available for Hero Fest - USE COMPOSERS & NETWORK!!!

Norm Sanders

Norm Sanders

Script Wrangler
Film making is a community effort. No one person can handle EVERY aspect of the film and turn out an incredible product ... they can turn out a product, and it may be good, but it won't be incredible. You'll be spread too thin, trying to handle too many things at once vs. just concentrating on what you know you can do VERY well.

I HIGHLY advise the film makers to connect with the composers that have shown interest in scoring films ... have someone who KNOWS what they're doing do your score. Sure, you may know what you're doing as well, but learn to delegate so that you can free up time to focus your energies on other factors of your film by placing trust in other talented people to deliver what you want. You'll grow through the experience of working with others (whether a good or bad experience), and it WILL make you a better film maker for it, which is what these experiences are all about.

Also, keep networking on the board(s). If you see someone that's got a lot of skill in FX, etc., ask them if they'd like to team up with you.

The more networking & team work that can come out of DVXuser, the better for everyone involved ... even for the folks that are only watching the shorts, since they'll likely have higher production value products to watch.

Here are some links for composers (not in any order) who've shown strong interest in scoring your films ... PLEASE utilize them!:



SOME COMPOSERS thread: (lots of samples & names here)
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=49089


Chris Hurn's Thread:
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=48162


Justin Durban's thread:
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=50822


Leo Gardini's thread:
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=50683


Stefan Podell's thread:
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=50410


Herman Witkam's thread:
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=50434


Tiago B.'s thread:
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=50421


Steve Dunster's thread:
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=50441


Stephanie Pray's thread:
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=50497


Luca Thomas d'Agiout's thread:
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=51235


Marko Hautamäki's thread:
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=51192


Sid Barnhoorn's thread:
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=53505



If I missed a composer's thread, I apologize ... just posting what I see on the Hero Fest Forum/Section.

Thanks, and happy film making folks! Looking forward to Hero Fest and some wonderful scores!

Until then,
Norm
 
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Well, since i'm guilty of being a one man wrecking crew, so to say, I would highly encourage everyone to rock every part of their project themself. There's no better feeling that completing something that was a majority your doing.

Case in point, say a film gets a great score for ... well ... score, and they used an outside composer. That's cool, but it in no way shows the ability of the filmmaker to complete their film, just that they can network.

I realize this is the way that things are done in the real world, but also in reality, you could hire an entire team to do the project for you ... and then what have you done? Pretty much nothing.

I guess i'm more in the heart of the true low/no budget filmmaker, trying to make a splash by themself. I think that dvxuser is definitely a great place to network, but i don't like the idea of networking out more than perhaps one of the parts of your film.

The last point i'd like to make is that diving into something that you don't know how to do is the best learning experience you can get, even if it isn't "incredible". The next time you do it, it'll be better, and so on and so forth.

Plus I like to argue with Envision. :)
(What's wrong with thinking a piece of music *just won't fit* aka is too epic for the movie you are putting together?)

In the words of the new beastie boys film - Awesome, I F*ing shot that.
 
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oh, by no way is my post putting down the kick ass composers on this site, you guys roxxor, keep it up.
 
Partially disagree with both of you, partially agree with both of you.

If the music doesn't fit, it doesn't fit. HOWEVER, that doesn't mean you can't ask the composer to create something specifically FOR the content.

Hybridtheory... I don't mean to be judgemental, and I'm not assuming I know you ro anything like that--

Seems you want ALL the credit, and sharing's not your thing. It's totally okay to let people know that you helmed the production of a piece, commanding all to compose a great product...

I'd rather show that than my attempt at being a one-man army.

Either way, Envision isn't far off-- use what you can, especially if you're not PAYING for it. This is how you formulate long-lasting relationships with people that can help make your work look better. Or in the composer's case, people who can make their work SOUND better. (Once you put a lot of this music against images, it'll sound even better.)

Good luck, peoples.
 
That's true, i do realize that the music composers put on the site are samples of their work ... That being said, it's not about the ego. I fixed my earlier post to what i really wanted to say. I think these contests are a great way to bring the learning experience into filmmaking, like writing your own score, instead of shipping it off to someone else. I think something incredible CAN be made in 5 min without creating some film conglomerate.
 
hybridtheory said:
Well, since i'm guilty of being a one man wrecking crew, so to say, I would highly encourage everyone to rock every part of their project themself. There's no better feeling that completing something that was a majority your doing.
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Sure, if someone is so incredibly talented that they can handle the writing, planning, shooting, acting, directing, score, FX, editing, etc. all on their lonesome, and that's the way they like it. More power to them. But I'd wager to say they'll never claim the top prize ... and if they're cool with that, then great. There may be the rare exception, but more often that not, someone who tries to do it all, simply can't do as well as if they'd surrounded themselves with some talented people to share the load.

hybridtheory said:
Case in point, say a film gets a great score for ... well ... score, and they used an outside composer. That's cool, but it in no way shows the ability of the filmmaker to complete their film, just that they can network.
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Sorry, that's inaccurate. Saying that someone who has a talented person other than themselves handle the score in no way shows their ability to COMPLETE their film? That's just ... well, I won't go there. Anyway, that's like telling a general contractor, "Yeah, it's a beautiful house, but since you weren't responsible for personally putting on the siding & roofing yourself, it doesn't prove that you can complete a house on your own". Sure they can ... they just did ... who cares that they didn't put every single nail in themselves?


hybridtheory said:
I realize this is the way that things are done in the real world, but also in reality, you could hire an entire team to do the project for you ... and then what have you done? Pretty much nothing.
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I know, I know ... you like to do it all on your own. Cool for you. So obviously you believe the folks like Brian Grazer & Jerry Bruckheimer and others pretty much do nothing. That the role of a producer is cake, and actually no work at all.

Okay.


hybridtheory said:
I guess i'm more in the heart of the true low/no budget filmmaker, trying to make a splash by themself. I think that dvxuser is definitely a great place to network, but i don't like the idea of networking out more than perhaps one of the parts of your film.
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I'd like to think that I'm a pretty true low/no budget filmmaker, and I'd certainly like to make a splash for myself as well ... I'm not doing this just to pass the time, that's for sure. For PANDORA, we spent a whopping $350 hard dollars, $250 of which was food for the cast/crew. Everything else I bartered my services for locations, craft services/labor, etc.

Even Robert R., yes the REBEL WITHOUT A CREW, now surrounds himself with talented folks to help out, as he simply can't do it all. Likes to keep his hands in as much as possible, but he knows his limits. And some would argue that in some cases when he handled something himself, he should have had someone else do it ... but that's debatable.
 
Envision said:
Sure, if someone is so incredibly talented that they can handle the writing, planning, shooting, acting, directing, score, FX, editing, etc. all on their lonesome, and that's the way they like it. More power to them. But I'd wager to say they'll never claim the top prize ... and if they're cool with that, then great. There may be the rare exception, but more often that not, someone who tries to do it all, simply can't do as well as if they'd surrounded themselves with some talented people to share the load.



Sorry, that's inaccurate. Saying that someone who has a talented person other than themselves handle the score in no way shows their ability to COMPLETE their film? That's just ... well, I won't go there. Anyway, that's like telling a general contractor, "Yeah, it's a beautiful house, but since you weren't responsible for personally putting on the siding & roofing yourself, it doesn't prove that you can complete a house on your own". Sure they can ... they just did ... who cares that they didn't put every single nail in themselves?




I know, I know ... you like to do it all on your own. Cool for you. So obviously you believe the folks like Brian Grazer & Jerry Bruckheimer and others pretty much do nothing. That the role of a producer is cake, and actually no work at all.

Okay.




I'd like to think that I'm a pretty true low/no budget filmmaker, and I'd certainly like to make a splash for myself as well ... I'm not doing this just to pass the time, that's for sure. For PANDORA, we spent a whopping $350 hard dollars, $250 of which was food for the cast/crew. Everything else I bartered my services for locations, craft services/labor, etc.

Even Robert R., yes the REBEL WITHOUT A CREW, now surrounds himself with talented folks to help out, as he simply can't do it all. Likes to keep his hands in as much as possible, but he knows his limits. And some would argue that in some cases when he handled something himself, he should have had someone else do it ... but that's debatable.
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I knew you'd break it down more accurately, that's why I just typed something quickly.

=P

But, in his defense: A director DOES choose what music goes into their piece... so if someone says "It's too epic for my piece", well then... that's the call.
 
Kholi, I'm not commenting at all about taste in music ... as you clearly pointed out, they're just samples to show the skill & ability ... something else could easily be created.

And I personally don't care if Hybrid uses a composer or not ... in a way, I hope he doesn't :evil:, since this IS a competition.
 
man, i just got owned. Point Envision. 1-0.

just a few points. Who said it's all about the prize? I'm here to make a consistently make better films than my previous ones. And trial by fire has work well for me so far. My sci-fi film was my first jump into the realm of DVXfests and holy christ did i learn what not to do in 5 min.

Which brings me to my next point, i was framing my argument specific to this contest, where there are no producers with million dollar budgets.

You got me on the general contractor bit though, nice work. But again this is a five minute film. If I had someone else writing, scoring, editing, etc... my film, i wouldn't feel right claiming ownership of it. Or if someone was like ... "nice music", if feels a lot better if it was your work.

Thought you said you spend like $2k on pandora? Maybe I'm imagining things.
 
I agree with Norm...working alone is not the best way to get a great result...I as a composer can tell you my and other experiences with orchestras - whille you are composing at your home in your computer you are alone and everything regarding interpretation a sound belongs to your effort only , but when you piece goes to real players some kind of magic becomes true because other humans always improve interpretation of you music , and most of the time they even "say" things with their intruments that you´ve never meant with your score...I think we are all humans making our projects to other humans , so , the relationship with other people is crucial for "the best" result you could have!!!
I particularly admire the people that makes everything in their movie , but regarding orchestral music that is my area , if I were a director instead of composer I would never dare making such a score due to the fact that composing for orchestra require a whole life of full time studing almost daily...and even in this way , before many many years of great effort you still thinking that you´ve got unknown universe of knowledge in front of you!!!
There´s no way to your project get worse with others influence because if you like the new idea from your partner it´s ok and than your work will be improved than , but if you don´t like it you don´t put the suggestion in your film and nothing alse is lost or worse...two heads think better than one , and so on!!!
Opening your mind to other people will only teach and improve your knowledge...this is the way how we become better professionals and humans:)!!!
 
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Hi Norm,

Thanks for the nudge! I was feeling like no one wanted my help at all. I feel that Hero Fest can be a rewarding experience for both the film makers and for the composers. Networking is always great and we all have a lot of new opportunities to do so.

Thanks again,
Stephanie :)
 
moviemaestro said:
Hi Norm,

Thanks for the nudge! I was feeling like no one wanted my help at all. I feel that Hero Fest can be a rewarding experience for both the film makers and for the composers. Networking is always great and we all have a lot of new opportunities to do so.

Thanks again,
Stephanie :)
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No need for the composers to feel that way--

Believe it or not, a lot of us arent' even at a stage where we can begin thinking of music (especially me.)

=P But I'm sure that you guys'll get picked up when the time is right.
 
Yeah, you're imagining things on that $2K thing, Hybrid ... 235 Studios (fka waltind) and I split the $350 tab, which I got a check from him later for his half ($168 - so really our totaly was less than $350).

If you add up all the deferred contracts (we went ahead & put everyone - cast & crew - on deferred pay, just to be fair --- so if we ever made anything, after we rec'd our expenses back, they'd get paid before we'd see a profit), then it could probably hit into the $3K range.

A good producer just knows how to wheel & deal, and get things done ... I've seen Ralph Winter take a shot that was budgeted for X amount, and within an hour & a half figure out how to shoot it for a fraction of the price.

It's not about the money, it's about making a quality product ... the best you can ... and knowing your limitations & where other people have strengths.

Technically, the producer is the one who owns the film. When a picture receives BEST PICTURE, the top award, it goes to the producer(s). All the other awards are broken down for the individual people (i.e. best directing, best screenplay, best editing, best make-up, best FX, best score, etc.). Each person can rightfully call it "their film", as they've got a stake/ownership in it to a degree.

Like a General Contractor who's ultimately responsible for the construction & quality of a home, so the Producer is ultimately responsible for the "construction" and quality of the film.

And while I agree that with each attempt you'll only get better (if not, why bother?), there's also an infinite amount to learn from working with others & what they may bring to the table. Many times, someone else will think of an idea that I simply love better than my own, and would never have thought of had it not been for them.

For the talent I'm directing now, for example, they may ask me how I want them to deliver the character ... I may give them some pointers, but I'll usually say "Show me what you've got first, and I'll let you know if I don't like it". Sometimes, they'll deliver it in a way I never would have stated to do, but end up loving in the end ... sometimes not, and I'll let them know my specifics at that time.

Anyway, best to you, Hybrid, I'm sure you'll put out a quality project.
 
moviemaestro said:
Hi Norm,

Thanks for the nudge! I was feeling like no one wanted my help at all. I feel that Hero Fest can be a rewarding experience for both the film makers and for the composers. Networking is always great and we all have a lot of new opportunities to do so.

Thanks again,
Stephanie :)
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Stephanie, Kholi nailed it. 235 Studios and I were just probably ahead of the game for securing our composer now. There's probably going to be a lot more hustle & bustle in another month or so, as they're either beginning to film, or have finished filming. I wouldn't be surprised if there's some last minute panicks as well, where people are begging for composers the last week of the deadline. :)
 
Envision said:
Anyway, best to you, Hybrid, I'm sure you'll put out a quality project.
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Word. I wish it was time to shoot ... And to third that composer statement ... i have a feeling people will be scurrying for music in about a month from now.
 
wow hybrid is getting hosed right now. lol. ill say something in his defense. i work with hybrid on almost every film he does so i dont think he means just leaving it all to him self....well he is a bit of an egomaniac so maybe that is what the means haha. i think what he means is going out and hiring others outside of your personal realm WHO ARENT GOING TO BE PRESENT to get the job done. i emphasize those words because we are kind of turning into an argument between autuerism and theatre and i dont htink thats what hybrid is saying at all.

ill use the example of Similio. that film was amazing no doubt, but the guy hired people all over the continent to get things done. now i dont argue at all that hes not a great producer or "composer" of his piece because its obvious that he really made everything come together seamlessly. its just that both hybrid and i kind of wondered if he was missing out on other experiences.

also, while similio turned out beautifully, this may not always be the case.

the main point im trying to make is that hybrid isn't against working with others because he is always ready for me to give and shoot down ideas, its that he and i like to be there part of each creative process in making a film and if we give the song up to someone that isnt even going to be around then we are not only missing that experience (as hybrid said), but can also easily end up putting pieces together that dont fit.

what im trying to say is htat there is a difference between what you were saying about a dialectic between you and the actors and the composer etc, and getting a song from a composer who hasnt seen your work but just knows its a hero movie or whatever. that isnt collaboration. instead of 1+1 = 2 it can easily be 1+1 = 1+1 without skill.

you can certainly argue that there can be a collaboration between you and the composer, but if they are 100s of miles away and the person doing the voice over is on the other side of the country, and guy doing sfx is in another country then collaboration is extremely difficult. if you are skilled enough you can pull it off as similio has shown, but most people here arent that skilled. and i think hybrid was trying to make the point that people need to learn how a film gets put together and what works by themselves before they have to put pieces together that may not fit without skill and these contests are a great way of getting that learning experience and seeing what THEY can contribute on their own.

and even with skill or knowledge, having people are adding their own interpretations in a vacuum from every one else, as you know as a composer and musician, can just turn out to be a bunch of noise.
 
For when the time comes, would it be possible to have a sticky topic that has references to each composer's thread (like the first post in this thread, but lock the topic, so there are no replies). That way, the producers can find a complete list of composers all in one place. Someone would have to handle updating the single post as new composers list themselves here.

Otherwise, we're all just going to be bumping our own threads occasionally... :)

- Stefan
 
xpac84 said:
what im trying to say is htat there is a difference between what you were saying about a dialectic between you and the actors and the composer etc, and getting a song from a composer who hasnt seen your work but just knows its a hero movie or whatever. that isnt collaboration. instead of 1+1 = 2 it can easily be 1+1 = 1+1 without skill.
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I couldn't agree with you more on the above ... getting "a song" from a composer who's not seen your work, is on the verge of stupid. First, if you were just getting pieces from people, then yes, you may have pieces that don't fit.

Perhaps there's been some misinterpretation in this forum/threads ... these composers aren't posting these score samples to simply have them used as a piece in someone's film. While they may be open to it, if requested, I'll guarantee it's not their intent. The samples are to give you an idea of what they can do. If you LOVE the theme you hear, and want that in your film, then they can build from it, making that the central theme, etc. Otherwise, they can just create something from scratch for your specific film.

But bottom line, if you work with the composer the idea is that they're scoring the ENTIRE film. So there's no issues of pieces not fitting together, as it's one artist doing the score (in collaboration with what the director/producer(s) want), just like there should only be one Director of Photography, one Director, one Editor, etc. While one person can take on more than one role, it gets sticky if you're trying to have multiple people share the same role.

So again, ONE composer. Do it yourself, cool ... but do it all, or have a skilled composer do it all.

Oh, and do it AFTER your final picture lock. That way, it's never an issue of a composer who's not seen your work. They've seen your work, and are in fact scoring to perfectly match the moods you intended based on subtle actions from the actors, camera movements, pace of the editing, etc. And, they'll work with you along the way (ideally) to submit it in pieces, so if it starts to go in a direction you don't like, it can easily be changed ... or they'll build a rough sketch for it, and if you like the melodies & main underlying sounds, they can continue to fill it in with more sounds for a full & rich score ... whether that be for romance, suspense, action, horror, comedy, etc.

And great idea, Stefan, it'd be nice if there was a sticky with all the composers ... I'll PM Barry_S/Jarred about it.
 
I can understand the do it yourself mentality, especially among us smaller filmakers. However I stand by the idea that bringing in people who are more experienced than you and letting them to their job, will allow you to have a better product.

Special effects for instance:
I can give them pointers, but I don't know how to create it all and make it look realistic. There are people out there who can take what I want, embellish on it more and make if better than I had ever hoped.

Networking works real well when you network with people you trust.
 
coolio Norm! Man, Some of these composers here are just friggin' badass! I'll say it again.. If you guys can't find someone here to score your film and make it film festival worthy, somethings' wrong with you. :)

/ju st in
 
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