Where do you find your composers?

I

InvictusX

Member
Hey, kind of a newb question, but what resources do you use to find a composer for your shorts? I'm looking at craigslist.com and filmmusicmag.com but there don't seem to be that many listings.

The reason I ask is I'm actually looking for work in composing, but can never seem to find any jobs, but others who just start out seem like they're hitting jobs left and right. It's like there's some magical place of convergence for movie makers and composers that I don't know about. So guess I'm just seeking some insight into where I should be looking. Thanks all.

Respectfully,
Michael Johnson
 
here in south africa, a lot of new composers get good exposure at film schools. but of course, thats for free. and im assuming film schools over there dont teach composition for motion picture, like they dont here.

have you tried approaching local production companies with a rate card and a bit of a show reel?

i dont know the american market, but here in SA, thats how most young people get started.
 
You have some very nice music samples on your website but they are hard to find. By looking at your site it doesn't seem apparent that you are looking for work in composing. Maybe a little site redesign is in order. You're work is certainly marketable.

Marlene
 
Thank you both very much for the advice.

Tim: Thank you for the ideas. I doubt there'd be any production companies in my area (very small town of Lexington, Virginia), but I'll start searching just in case.

Marlene: Ah, yes, the site... I actually kind of forgot about it, I've just been linking people to a directory in my webspace, http://www.doubleedgemd.com/Music/Samples. Not very professional though, I suppose I should start working on it. Thanks again, much appreciated.
 
You've got some pretty good stuff on that site I think. Keep it up!

We also just started our own company, but jobs seem to be simply rolling in so far. The way we get jobs is just by telling everyone we know what we do. It's truly amazing how many contacts become available in short notice. It's probably best to invest in the best possible product and service, especially in the beginning. Who cares if you spend twelve nights extra on a job, if the customer is truly happy new jobs will keep flying in! Be as active as possible in spreading the word, have everybody around you listen to your music, send a royalty free 1 minute sample of your best work to production houses etc. Very basic, but very cheap and effective (if you don't have them yet): get some decent business cards :)

We also used our contacts to get composers, and although we only work with three yet it, works really fine to have a composer in the area. It seems that people are running around with camera's everywhere now, so see if you can team up with an editor on trial basis. Oh, and download.com is a very good resource for music and talent. Have your music available there and I'm pretty sure you will get some attention (if you're scared of piracy, it is possible to only post previews).

Let the world know you exist, believe in yourself and what you do...sure you will get there.
 
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