ASK & DISCUSS INDEX

9 years ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin

Hi Ben,
I can't speak for anyone else, but I know composers are one of the groups I have no trouble finding. I think it's an oversubscribed sector to be frank, and that's probably why you're not getting the engagement you hope for.

If word gets out that a film is in production, I get calls and emails from lots of composers and their agents even during early preproduction. First film I mentioned (not advertised, but was casting years ago), I got a dozen composers approach me speculatively through this site. Most recently I had a project I didn't advertise, but a composer read the 'in production' bit of Variety where a finance company mentioned that they were lending against a film, and got his agent to call. That agent tracked me down and my personal mobile number and called trying to get his guy on the project even before we had a production office set up!

As I say, I can't speak for anyones experience but my own, however it may be indicative of the wider role.

9 years ago - Lee 'Wozy' Warren

I agree with Paddy. I can't think of any other group, bar one I'll mention below, that regularly email or call speculatively about projects. This is good in some ways as it shows a can do approach to finding new business. Some people though just blanket canvas producers with no personalisation and hope that some of it sticks but unfortunately it shows. But it does get a bit tiresome at times. I have a feature for next year that I'm producing and already have had two composers contact me before I've even announced the project. Goodness knows how they found out - those ingenious chaps!

I also get a lot of VFX offers (although not through SP) and if any of them had done their homework the'd know I own a VFX company and do it all in-house.

However, you are right when it comes to not receiving responses to adverts. I would say that 25% of the time I'll get a response if I contact someone. But I kind of expect that as part of the course and not let it bother me. Their loss I would say, and I move on.

My 2c worth.

Wozy

9 years ago - Paul Campion

I'm the same, I've been working with the same composer for years, but I'm constantly getting speculative emails from composers, definitely more than any other group.

I do think if someone's made the effort to apply for a position, especially if it's expenses/low paid, it should be good etiquette to at least send a reply, even if it's a no.

9 years ago - Dan Selakovich

I used to get composer CDs about once or twice a month if I didn't have anything going. Many more if I did. (This is outside of shooting people). As most of my work is uncredited and basically secret (I fix movies in trouble), I must be on some list somewhere. As I'm not a producer, but an editor (mostly), I honestly don't know how composers or their agents know to send me stuff. I have to say that it's pretty clever on their part. In the end, editors don't have much power beyond suggesting someone to the director or producer, but I I would suggest it if I thought the composer was talented.

Given that, I'm not surprised SP members don't contact you. I always try to find the time to send a "Sorry, but..." email if I advertise for a part or position if I'm not overwhelmed with submissions. But often, even a P.A. job can get hundreds of CVs.

9 years ago - Matt Turner

Hi,

Looks like some members have offered some answers / ideas about this.

Sorry to hear you aren't having so much luck so far. I would definitely stick with it, as from our side, we can see a good amount of activity regarding composers / projects being sourced etc.

Other than this, if you/anyone have any ideas about what we could do to improve the situation for composers on SP, that would be welcomed.

Matt
SP

9 years ago - Benjamin Pearson

Hi,

Thanks everyone for your responses,

I didn't want it to come across as a negative plea from a desperate composer! But having re read my post I can see it come across a bit like that.

Thank-you everyone for all your responses, it's just great to hear everyone else point of view.

I understand that not everyone is going to respond and say yes.

Matt - I think it's a fantastic site for composers and I was just curious to know how people used it alongside their website and other forms of correspondence. I was also interested to know, on average, how many composers apply for an advertised job on shooting people.

But really I think I just have to keep working and writing!

Best

Ben

9 years ago - Tim Benjamin

Hi Ben,

Yes, I have thought about letting my subscription lapse. However, generally I think it's worth it (and it isn't expensive, after all).

I don't often apply for composition "opportunities" via SP, and in fact there don't seem to be very many listed. But when I do, I've had a better rate of my messages turning into actual projects on SP than on other sites that are more focused on just getting work. On the other hand, if unsuccessful, people hardly ever seem to reply with "no", on this site or any other, whether the work is paid, or not. Yes it's a bit rude, but there we go, if one is bothered by that, then one is in the wrong game!

What does irritate me however is the regular advert on SP for "50,000 free music tracks". I know that lots of people want to use production music - fine (especially under time pressure). And I know that lots of desperate composers (and photographers) want to give their work away on sites like that one for peanuts or less - also fine (but there are more reputable music libraries out there). But on a site - SP - that wants to build a community of film-makers, and that should include composers, well it really annoys me. We want to encourage directors to reach out and meet composers that are doing really interesting, high quality things (sometimes!), and vice-versa. Not surprising that people don't reply or even post ads if they think they can get the same goods instantly for free, without the trouble of speaking to someone, on that kind of site. Wouldn't it also annoy people if there were constant ads for Shutterstock et al? Why bother making good footage when you can get 50,000 free shots here for no effort!

Rant over - for now - apologies for the slight thread-jack but I think the issues are related.

Cheers!
Tim

9 years ago - Yen Rickeard

I use SP to keep an eye out for composers. Much better to have music made for your film than trying to fit film to off the shelf stuff.
I have a few who I know and like, but different films need different types of music.
When I need someone new I get in touch with composers from Shooters who sound like what I need.
Sadly, I still haven;t made a BIG film yet, so fingers crossed for the future.

9 years ago - Franz von Habsburg FBKS MSc

They're probably all de-composing...

9 years ago - Alejandro Bonatto

Hello Ben,

Yes, I know how frustrating can it get. However, it is better to be than not to be...
I also find quite helpful Facebook groups and networking events.
I guess patience is an important part of the music making bussiness. Don't give up!