HOW DO I GET MY MUSIC INTO MOVIES, COMMERCIALS, COMPUTER GAMES, ETC.?
- Request a copy of the Texas Music Office's
printout "US Music Supervisors." A music supervisor coordinates
most of the music used in a film, including music selection, licensing
of rights and recording. Many of the choices made concerning music are
predetermined because of the relationship between the motion picture
studio and a particular record label. For example, if Sony Pictures
releases a film, chances are excellent that the soundtrack will be dominated
by Sony Music artists. Don't waste valuable time waiting for a major
breakthrough. Work on smaller projects first, network in your local
area to build up your credits, and in the long run you'll have an
easier time attracting major projects interested in your work. Note:
"US Music Supervisors" is not available for mailing outside
Texas.
- Visit the Texas Film Commission's Job
Hotline for a listing of current projects working in Texas. Mail
your promo pack with your CD to the productions listed. If you are a
composer and interested in scoring a film (as opposed to only providing
songs for a soundtrack), please call first. Many times a composer has
already been selected. Music is often one of the last decisions made
by a director, and although he/she may be filming in Texas, these decisions
may be deferred until the production company returns to California.
NOTE: Many independent films do not have the budget to pay for the use
of popular hits, and thus are often interested in working with someone
who is trying to build up their film music credits for a smaller fee.
- Research contacts before you send material. Your chances of success
are better if the material is suitable for the film subject and is received
by the correct person. Send a cover letter emphasizing two things: who
you are and how can you help them. Film crews are very busy; be short
and to the point. Your packet should include: samples of your work (both
CD and cassette), a bio, and a list of credits. Make sure materials
list your contact information. If you have not received a response,
you can make a follow-up call within two weeks to make sure the package
was received. More than one follow-up call usually moves you from the
possible file to the nuisance file. If you are researching a production
company and not a particular film, always call before you drop by their
office. Make sure they are in pre-production before sending a promo
packet, otherwise it will end up in a file cabinet.
- Services such as Music
Report/TuneData deliver information to publishers and record labels
regarding the soundtrack needs of Music Supervisors. You may also use
TuneData to search for sync and master rights for all types of music.
Note that they are a working site for publishers, record labels, music
supervisors, advertising executives, producers and directors only. This
is not a site for individuals or casual users.
- Contact the Radio/Television/Film departments in area colleges for
information about film students who may need music for their projects.
Also consider checking out the Multimedia Department for students that
may need video art music. Art Departments may have some performance
art majors in need of music for dramatic and/or choreographic works.
Most of these programs have bulletin boards posting announcements and
services. Call the department office to ask if you can post a flyer
that states your desire to work with students. The TMO can provide you
with a list of university, college, community and technical music programs.
- Some local software/game developer companies contract freelancers
for background music. Always call the company before sending unsolicited
material and talk to the Audio Director.
- The TMO can provide you with a list of advertising agencies, jingles/advertising
soundtracks businesses, and radio stations in Texas. As with multimedia
companies, call first to establish their status on freelance work. For
radio stations, contact the Sales Manager in the Advertising Department
for any inquiries.
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