How do you get your soundtrack/score?

M

morisato

Active member
Hi guys,

The soundtrack/score is very important to any film so I'm looking for some insight on what others are doing for their soundtracks/scores. I think there are only 3 ways to go about this, but correct me if I'm wrong.

Option 1: Ignore sound and go silent... generally a bad decision.
Option 2: Find the music and get the rights from the people.
Option 3: Find a person to make the music for you.

What option are you using and how do you go about it? How much does it cost for music rights(probably talking indie here)? Where would you go to look for the music? Where do you go to find a composer? How much do you spend on your composer? Are there any cheaper alternatives that lead to sufficient results?
 
Option 4: Use royalty free stock music.

Option 5: Use programs like GarageBand to create your own soundtrack.

Just throwing them out there - they are options.
 
I have yet to hear any royalty free stock music to be used specifically as a soundtrack/score piece. General royalty free stock music consists of very old well-known classical music that become cliche to use and nursery rhymes, which might be used as more of a sound effect than an actual score piece.

I thought about using GarageBand myself, but realize that it is not a real option. In order to get great results, you need someone who knows how to compose. It's one thing to be able to play music, but it is completely different to actually compose and create. So in that sense, you would still need to hire a composer.

In my opinion, both option are viable, but they dont fall into a category that leads to professional results.
 
Morisato,

There is lots and lots of stock music out there that does not fall into the "old well-known classical music" realm. Check out sites like:

www.shockwave-sound.com

to see all the different varieties of music that are available for a reasonable price.

And, as for not hearing any royalty free stock music being used as a soundtrack/score piece, wrongo. Stock music is being used all the time in low to moderate budget world, and even in the high budget world on occasion.

Phil
 
I can't tell you specifically how to find a composer because I just know a bunch through my work and friends but I do know you can approach music students looking to build a resume about working for cheap. In major cities you can have them lined up around the block and choose the best one that fits your tastes.

Explore local music programs, orchestras, post on Craigslist, etc.

Since you will (most likely) be paying them well below market value it is pretty standard to allow them to retain full rights to the music beyond use in your picture (so they can recycle pieces for other people, sell a track if it finds a market, etc).

Cheers
 
digital juice and smartsound are my favorites. digital juice for the sheer volume and pricing, and smartsound because of the time remapping feature.
 
morisato said:
Option 1: Ignore sound and go silent... generally a bad decision.
Click to expand...
That could well be the best choice for a given situation. After all, there's a lot more to the soundtrack than music alone. I've mixed a few indie features where every second of film was underscored by an inexperienced composer. In one case, half the music was dropped in the mix because it wasn't needed.

The absence of music can sometimes be an effective tool (dramatically).
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top