Has anyone written scores of their own??

[firstsoundent]

Its pretty difficult finding work scoring films in Hollywood. I was wondering if anyone new of any places to find these types of opportunities besides taxi, mandy, etc??
Not to long ago I stumbled on a place that actually does though and I've actually been able to work on some really great films so I just wanted to let everyone know about it. They are called The Composer Collective (I am a TeamScore member):
You can check it out for yourself. There are some really awesome opportunities.
http://www.thecomposercollective.com...osersignup.asp

Cheers!

[reith]

I do have a friend who's worked with Hans Zimmer in Hollywood. He started by setting up a website up to which he loaded some of his music, then emailed around with details of his site - more just a cold sell. Zimmer latched on to one of the pieces, visited London, talked to Chris then invited him out to Hollywood. It was all very quick - he was there about 3 weeks later. Now the work's done he's back in England finishing his doctorate.

He claimed he loved the general experience - Hollywood, the exceedingly long hours, the extra work he did as a pianist to set against the low fees for the music, etc., but he didn't like the composing "machine". Too much like a factory (and for all that, unless you're a big name, the money won't pay the rent hence needing to do something else like playing an instrument).

In contrast, I have composed for small local films / groups where things are very different. I've got terrific satisfaction from working with the people as much as the composing. It's great fun sitting there - sometimes in a pub - going through a storyboard or a sequence already shot and on PC talking about how to deal with it; me, timing it with an old-fashioned (sweeping hand) stopwatch and such things. Then you get drawn into the production side, even how to turn an idea into a shooting sequence - but more particularly playing the music: improvising at a piano and asking "is that about right?", doing mock-ups on a sequencer (or if only a few instrumentalists are needed, playing along with them, rehearsing) and such.

A couple of times things never materialised as the groups hoped: budgets, limits on location shooting, various things, but it has never been less than great fun working with people to come up with music. It isn't too difficult to find movie groups or societies or just get to know people through your ordinary musical contacts. I did a little five-minute-r for a local stately home on the basis of recommendation. It'll happen sooner or later. I suppose for me, it's what music is about - being part of things rather than composing in isolation then hoping for the best. Besides, you do come up with music that at the very least has a cinematic context. This will of course get onto your website as part of your resumé, ready for when you email round the big names, should you ever wish to join the Hollywood music factory!

Good luck!

[firstsoundent]

Hey Reith,

Thanks a lot for the detailed information. I find talking with composers and learning the different stories of each makes it easier to continue with the same determination and love of making music that keeps me doing this.

Happy Holidays to you!

Best,
Alan

[Boneman]

And Reith should know about these things, he is one bad-ass composer round these pages!

[glass000]

Yes I do
I have compose for the entire film of Dracula - 1931 with Bella Lugosi as my diplomatic exam in my collage this year once the film has no original score.