[Neblix]

I guess my response would be different because I really have no penalty for saying no. (still in high school, don't need to be making loads of money quite yet)

[theshaggyfreak]

I agree with Zircon 100%. The jobs that fall in your lap like this can be great to learn from.

[Chernabogue]

I agree with zircon too.

Make sure that the music fits the action/scene/atmosphere, and it should work.

[dannthr]

Originally Posted by zircon

Heh, yeah, one rule of the film/tv/game industry that I live by is "always say yes". Even if you don't know how to do something, say yes. You will figure it out. Learning how to do things is easy, getting gigs is hard. Also, that's why you have a network. Gario was only half-joking. If you get offered a nice gig and it's too much for you, find someone who can help.

If you don't know how to do something and you say "yes," you better fucking deliver.

[zircon]

That's part 2 of the rule... always deliver

[dannthr]

I tell my students there are three things they need strength in to get work:

Technical Skill:

You have to know what you're getting into, even if you don't know everything, if you don't know anything you're probably going to blow it and even more likely is that if you've never shown that you can do something, they're not going to assume you can.

Apparent Talent:

Talent is the layman's way of explaining creative product. Really, this is a lot of hard work and practice refining your craft and creative muscle, but to everyone else it's this magical sprinkle dust you were born with--you just have to look really talented.

Network:

People don't advertise for this sort of work, at least very rarely, rather they just ask themselves "who do I know who can do this?" Chances are, they know someone, do they know you? Your job is to be known as much as it is to be good and moreover, you're job is to be known for being good.

If you do not have all of these three things, you probably won't get work.

Tough, dry cookies.

[dannthr]

Originally Posted by AngelCityOutlaw

I've never actually wrote music for a film before, just independent games. What are some special, but not obvious differences I need to keep in mind when writing for a movie?

Indie film directors are not like Indie Game Designers.

Indie film directors are so DIY oriented that they put their fingers in everything. They can be really trying and if you're getting paid, it's going to be hard for you to pick your battles.

Focus on serving the film and not the director, make sure he knows this about you, and don't be afraid to stand your ground. Understand that from his perspective, it's HIS film, so you will ultimately have to yield to him, but make all of your choices DEFENDABLE and EXPLAINABLE, so when you do feel like it's important to stand your ground, you have ground to stand on.

Mickey Mousing.

Mickey Mousing is something you don't have to deal with in games.

Pacing and flourish, hits without sacrificing theme or motiv--these are challenges specific to film. The most advanced game engine attempts to get somewhere close to this for film--in film it is perfected.

In games, you fire and forget music loops, in film, you know everything, you are omniscient, and mickey mousing can be very tiring if directors want it all the time.

I've always had more revisions working with film directors than game designers.

Have fun.

[AngelCityOutlaw]

Originally Posted by dannthr

Indie film directors are not like Indie Game Designers.

Indie film directors are so DIY oriented that they put their fingers in everything. They can be really trying and if you're getting paid, it's going to be hard for you to pick your battles.

Focus on serving the film and not the director, make sure he knows this about you, and don't be afraid to stand your ground. Understand that from his perspective, it's HIS film, so you will ultimately have to yield to him, but make all of your choices DEFENDABLE and EXPLAINABLE, so when you do feel like it's important to stand your ground, you have ground to stand on.

Mickey Mousing.

Mickey Mousing is something you don't have to deal with in games.

Pacing and flourish, hits without sacrificing theme or motiv--these are challenges specific to film. The most advanced game engine attempts to get somewhere close to this for film--in film it is perfected.

In games, you fire and forget music loops, in film, you know everything, you are omniscient, and mickey mousing can be very tiring if directors want it all the time.

I've always had more revisions working with film directors than game designers.

Have fun.

I tell my students there are three things they need strength in to get work:

Technical Skill:

You have to know what you're getting into, even if you don't know everything, if you don't know anything you're probably going to blow it and even more likely is that if you've never shown that you can do something, they're not going to assume you can.

Apparent Talent:

Talent is the layman's way of explaining creative product. Really, this is a lot of hard work and practice refining your craft and creative muscle, but to everyone else it's this magical sprinkle dust you were born with--you just have to look really talented.

Network:

People don't advertise for this sort of work, at least very rarely, rather they just ask themselves "who do I know who can do this?" Chances are, they know someone, do they know you? Your job is to be known as much as it is to be good and moreover, you're job is to be known for being good.

If you do not have all of these three things, you probably won't get work.

Tough, dry cookies.

Great advice there, Dan! Appreciate the posts.

Also, the part in bold is so extremely true. That's how I got the opportunity, I worked with one of the actors and he knew the director since high school. The actor likes my music and showed it to the director, who liked it as well. Said actor suggested I try out as an extra and when I arrived, he pointed me out to the director as the "music guy I've told you about". Although he already has a more experienced composer doing the majority of the soundtrack, he felt confident in giving me the opportunity to writing music for some scenes in it. It really is about who you know.

Yeah, it's not a AAA Hollywood blockbuster, but it's a foot in the door and it's one more connection that I didn't have before. Who knows, maybe one day the director and actors will really hit it big....and perhaps that will lead to bigger and better jobs for me as well.

Baby steps.

[Neblix]

Originally Posted by dannthr

If you don't know how to do something and you say "yes," you better fucking deliver.

For the first time I'm gonna have to side with Dan instead of Andy here.

[Garpocalypse]

I guess i'll weigh in on this one.


Never, ever ever ever, ever, evah! let fear of failure keep you from trying something. you'll never get anywhere. If the project leader thinks you are an ill fit for the job, you'll be out. No hard feelings, nothing personal, just business. think about what you will have learned in that time though.

With that in mind, it's a good time to learn effective communication in a group setting. No matter what is said or how it gets said to you, always try to make any criticism that's not going your way look like the result of faulty leadership. Talk often, talk the most, and people will be behind you no matter what you do artistically.

Some people would call it being an @$$ but most would call it survival these days. I mean, just look at this guy http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P88g9GR3NZs

Then look at this guy: http://www.mmafighting.com/ufc/2012/...s-championship
Good luck and let us know what movie it is!

Just for fun: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpT2W...eature=related

See what good communication skills can get you? Everything.