MAJOR PROJECT: Finding a Composer

I knew that once we had shot the film, my role as the Producer would be less hands on and would require me to work with Josh as the Editor and oversee the edit, working in a creative way only. Whereas, it is Josh that will be undertaking a more technical and hands on role at this stage. I decided to pitch the idea to Josh and Ellen regarding hiring a Composer to write the credit track. I felt that having a piece of music that was unique and created with the production in mind would really lift the film. We had already decided that there would be music at the end of the film for the big reveal that would lead into the credits, and so I felt it important that we had something that would fit the timings and mood of the film.

Initially, Josh and Ellen were unsure about the idea as we had already exceeded the budget for the shoot. However, they agreed to have an advert sent out with a guide price that we could negotiate. I began by posting a job on Mandy.com, which is where I sourced our actors from. On this website you can tailor it to the role you are looking for and I knew from previous experience that you could look for composers and music professionals. I put a detailed description including what the film was about and what we were looking for from the composer. I also included a guide pay for it with subject to negotiation as I wasn't sure what the candidates would be willing to work for and I knew that I had to keep the costs down at this stage if I could. 

Advert for Composer

After posting the advert, I waited for some emails regarding applicants and was pleasantly surprised to have received 15 applications for the role, most of which seemed promising with plenty of experience and interest in the film and role. I discussed these briefly with the group before emailing the one that I felt seemed the most interested in the film and also had his own website with some great work to listen to. Since then, I have sent him the rough cut with the timings for the credit track so he can begin working on it. In the meantime Josh found a temporary track which fits quite well with the timings and the mood that we want to convey. Therefore, I told the composer that this is close to what we have in mind, but with an original twist. In terms of pay, the composer said that he was happy to work for a small income to gain some contacts and do some more freelance work for his portfolio.