Getting into music for film and television

  • Thread starter Thread starter Erockrazor
  • Start date Start date
Erockrazor

Erockrazor

I mix in (2x) real-time
Fellow bBS'ers,

Recently I have begun making music for film. I have "pseudo" scored two films and one radio documentary. With the success (obviously not on a high level) of my latest works, I've become encouraged to do more. I want to submit songs to tv stations if that's possible. Like make the intro song to a tv show, music for a commercial or video game, or anything along those lines.

Anyone else in this business? How do you build a network? How can I contact tv stations with my music? What do I do to further my chances in this field?

I know these are kind of blank questions but it is not something that I can easily find like the description of a preamp or uses of a microphone. This seems to be a little more obscure, at least on this forum. I'm gonna look for books.

Thanks for whatever help you can offer.

Eric Gieg
 
Last edited:
Hey man.

I'm no pro, but I would suggest jumping aboard any project you can, scoring independent/budget short films would be a good bet. Do it for free for a little while, until you have a sizeable portfolio of works. Then once you have a demonstration of your talent, it's a just a matter of hooking up contacts in the industry and sending them example of your work. Just by working with enough film makers, eventually you will find your way into paid work.
 
its so competetive...as long as you are in it for the music and not the money...then you have a chance.
 
Unless the TV Station produces a local special (as an example a Christmas special - or a news special) - all the TV shows you see are produced by production companies (most of which are likely located in LA) -that is who you need to get your music to. Although most producers/directors already have preferred people they work with.

Commercials (TV or radio) are normally produced by ad agencies (or marketing firms) for a client. Most agencies have in how talent and in house production (the same lost cost computer based studio that allows you to create at home.....also allows the agencies to create "in-house".

I've had some success producing "source music" for film and TV - but I submit my music to a purblisher who in turn submits material to producers, directors, studios, etc. I snet out a lot of material that was rejected before finally getting accepted by this publisher
 
Very nice information here. Thanks for the replies.

It's nice to hear that, even if competitive, it's still possible to get work doing it.

And zazz, I am totally with you on that one. If you're in it for the music, I think whether subconsciously or not, your music will translate better to all mediums.

Interesting to hear that you work through a publisher who works through the other guys.

This is a new world to me. It kind of feels like the first time I was reading about compressors.:eek:

Thanks again, Eric
 
I had to sign off to take care of some work stuff - but a couple of follow-up thoughts - regarding building a network.

On a local level - you can contact the local schools, who may have film/multimedia students. I've done some soundtrack and Foley work for local indie short films, etc. - you never know when something could find it's way to Sundance, etc. I actually won an award for a soundtrack I produced for a local indi short film.

You can also contact local theater groups, to offer music for stage plays. I've done a couple, not a lot of money, but a good network process - many actors and directors of local plays go on to film/TV.

You could also contact local ad agencies to see if they accept outside work. I once offered to do a jingle for a local car dealer on spec. Not only did they buy the jingle, they offered me a staff position (which I had to turn down because I already had a decent day gig).

The Songwriter's Market is a good book to see the various publishers, managers, producers, etc. - it also explains who excepts material and in what format.

Mant people shun Taxi - but I've had some success submitting material to Taxi and they in turn submit it to publishers. Taxi actually dhas access to a lot of film/TV music supervisors, etc.
 
More great information MikeH. Thanks again for chiming in.

Everything you mention seems to say, maybe this should go without saying, but, establishing yourself seems to require a lot of motivation. Obviously contacts don't come to yourself, you have to go get them and you mentioned some good ways that I hadn't thought about. The local theater plays score seems like a cool idea. For that type of thing did you perform already set songs or did you record originals or a mix of both.

This is all very interesting to me, I'm glad there is someone with experience here (and i'm sure theres a few more lurking around).

Might be good for me to start listening to other musical scores and really dissecting them!:eek: .. something I should have been doing much earlier.

You know of any good reads regarding composing music for the media? Any recommendations?

Congrats on the award! :) and thanks for all your advice. Eric
 
Check out "30-30 career" by Wendell Hanes. Great read about making music for commercials. And if you do buy the book, call them up to be on the email list for random projects he sends out and get paid for if your music gets selected.
 
newheights said:
Check out "30-30 career" by Wendell Hanes. Great read about making music for commercials. And if you do buy the book, call them up to be on the email list for random projects he sends out and get paid for if your music gets selected.
Click to expand...

Sounds great new heights. I'm on it! Thanks a lot, Eric.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top