Music for film- advice

[astronmr20]

Hi all,

I've been writing, producing, playing, etc for quit a long time.

I've only just recently started wring a lot of "filmey" things, with the goal of eventually doing some film work. Finally, I have a good lead. Actually, it's writer/director with some very good credentials, a lot of indie film awards, etc. He really liked my reel and we are discussing a score for his current project.

So, this is not exactly a "post" question, but was looking for the best place to ask for advice; The film that he will likely end up asking me to score is.... well, not just dark, but from the trailer, looks extremely violent. Now, I have no problem with a violent flick, and actually I have plenty of ideas for creepy dramatic effect with my own style for his visuals. Essentially, though, it looks like this may end up being an indie equivalent of "Hostel."

Now, I'm not "judging" a film like that, because it certianlly has it's value, and I get it.. understand his vision, etc. However, since I see myself as a little bit less of as "for hire," and wanting to look at my film work as more of an "art form,"

I actually ended up asking myself- "do I want to be associated this film?"

I don't want to blow my chances with this director because he's prolific and it would give me a lot of other exposure and leads.

So, breaking into this whole thing, I feel like I'm suddenly considering "turning down" a project for reasons I never thought I'd ever "turn down" a film.

It's a big goal of mine to develop this and do more and more film work. Would love to make this a career someday.

Suggestions?

I have not seen the whole film, and I feel like I should, now that I'm worried about the "content." He's finishing some editing but I understand it's all in the can.

Funny thing is, I generally don't have a problem with horror flicks, but I, and everyone I've showed the trailer to, is... disturbed. Suddenly, I'm asking myself- "is my first real film going to be something that I'd never want my fiancee or mother to see?"

[tribeofenki]

work has its pros & cons. Consider this a must-to-do step for future, different collabs

... stuck'em to their seats !!

[oceantracks]

Originally Posted by astronmr20

Hi all,

I've been writing, producing, playing, etc for quit a long time.

I've only just recently started wring a lot of "filmey" things, with the goal of eventually doing some film work. Finally, I have a good lead. Actually, it's writer/director with some very good credentials, a lot of indie film awards, etc. He really liked my reel and we are discussing a score for his current project.

So, this is not exactly a "post" question, but was looking for the best place to ask for advice; The film that he will likely end up asking me to score is.... well, not just dark, but from the trailer, looks extremely violent. Now, I have no problem with a violent flick, and actually I have plenty of ideas for creepy dramatic effect with my own style for his visuals. Essentially, though, it looks like this may end up being an indie equivalent of "Hostel."

Now, I'm not "judging" a film like that, because it certianlly has it's value, and I get it.. understand his vision, etc. However, since I see myself as a little bit less of as "for hire," and wanting to look at my film work as more of an "art form,"

I actually ended up asking myself- "do I want to be associated this film?"

I don't want to blow my chances with this director because he's prolific and it would give me a lot of other exposure and leads.

So, breaking into this whole thing, I feel like I'm suddenly considering "turning down" a project for reasons I never thought I'd ever "turn down" a film.

It's a big goal of mine to develop this and do more and more film work. Would love to make this a career someday.

Suggestions?

I have not seen the whole film, and I feel like I should, now that I'm worried about the "content." He's finishing some editing but I understand it's all in the can.

Funny thing is, I generally don't have a problem with horror flicks, but I, and everyone I've showed the trailer to, is... disturbed. Suddenly, I'm asking myself- "is my first real film going to be something that I'd never want my fiancee or mother to see?"

There is nothing wrong with having your own standards. And it's not like you'd be passing up a chance to score "JFK" or something....it will be a little film that will come and go like hundreds of others do every year. Work on your craft (you are born with the art but there is a lot of craft to learn) and if you are good and persistent other opportunities will show up. Walking around with a reel of horror music to one unsavory Indie film is not going to have Hollywood doors swinging open anyway

Explain your feelings if the project is offered. Express your gratitude for the opportunity but feel no guilt for saying your heart must be in a project for you to do your best work. If he has any brains, he'll respect you for it.

TH

[astronmr20]

Originally Posted by oceantracks

There is nothing wrong with having your own standards. And it's not like you'd be passing up a chance to score "JFK" or something....it will be a little film that will come and go like hundreds of others do every year. Work on your craft (you are born with the art but there is a lot of craft to learn) and if you are good and persistent other opportunities will show up. Walking around with a reel of horror music to one unsavory Indie film is not going to have Hollywood doors swinging open anyway

Explain your feelings if the project is offered. Express your gratitude for the opportunity but feel no guilt for saying your heart must be in a project for you to do your best work. If he has any brains, he'll respect you for it.

TH

Thanks for the advice, and this is where I was leaning. I do plan on getting a good look at the first cut or the script before committing anyhow.

Indeed, I only started putting out feelers about a month ago, and this came up pretty fast.

I've seen his other work though and it's better than this; perhaps if we don't work together on this we can work in the future. I hope to keep him as a contact if I don't do the score.

[RKMusic]

I think you ought to listen to that voice inside your head. The prospect of being involved with this particular project obviously bothers you. From your description, it would bother me too. I would be honest with the director and let him know where you are coming from. Maybe he can shed some more light on what the final vision will be, which might change your perspective, but probably not. There is absolutely nothing wrong with respectfully turning down a project that doesn't feel right. Especially your first film. Either way, I understand it's a very tough call and I hope it works out for you whatever you choose to do.

[James Meeker]

I have a friend that's been in Hollywood for 10 years now. He started out as a production assistant, and he's managed to make it to 2nd unit assistant director, with the occasional assistant director, or 2nd unit director credentials. Anyways, we talk all the time so I've learned a thing or two about how the movie biz works.

Who cares if the movie sucks?

If you score it, you get a credit. If you get a credit you have something to talk about, and someone might say "wow that movie sucked, but the score was pretty decent." Also--did you stick to budget and get things done on time? That counts for a ton in Hollywood.

And remember, Hollywood is the only place you can fail upwards. So what if the movie got panned, and lost 100 million dollars... here's 200 million to make another movie!

So yeah, score that sucker!

If you don't want the gig, send them my way, I'll do it.

[drBill]

Originally Posted by RKMusic

There is absolutely nothing wrong with respectfully turning down a project that doesn't feel right.

I agree with RKM. Based on your description, that is what I would do as well. This biz tends to peg you into a pigeon hole if you allow it to. If this is not the type of film you wish to score for a living, I would definately pass. Don't worry. If you've got what it takes, other opportunities will open up. The way I decide is thinking to myself "if my wife or kids or a friend walked into the room during any section of the film - would I be embarassed or wish they hadn't". If the answer is yes, the film is not for me. And I suspect this one is not for you.

[bcgood]

If you're a true artist you follow your heart not your desire for money.

I mean that.

[James Meeker]

Originally Posted by bcgood

If you're a true artist you follow your heart not your desire for money.

I mean that.

Yeah, but true artists have to eat too.

Besides, I have nothing against violence or B movies. I think crappy movies are great. Hawk the Slayer rules!

[oceantracks]

Originally Posted by James Meeker

Who cares if the movie sucks?

Well that's the whole point, HE cares.

I would not suggest turning away from a project because it's less than a great film, but when it's a film that turns you off, you are not going to be doing your best work anyway. And you're certainly not going to making great money. And you can show your music in a lot of other ways. There is no upside.

TH

[Jesse Peterson]

Being your first picture, I'd imagine it's mostly up to you how much exposure you want to get for it. It's not just hollywood that won't be knocking on the door, you'll still have to hustle. I'm with you on the artistic integrity bit. But you'll likely have to do many bad films before you get a good one. This may be a great opportunity to learn and manage your time and workflows when it comes to film. I'm on the sound editing side and being able to work with people and do what you say you're going to do on time seems like half the gig. There is a lot to learn and you don't want to be totally green when they ask you to score Gone with the Wind 2. It'll be good to have experience with working it from start to finish. I think you should take the gig and consider it an education that you'll be paid for. People on this board will have your back, I know they did for me.

[James Meeker]

Originally Posted by oceantracks

Well that's the whole point, HE cares.

I would not suggest turning away from a project because it's less than a great film, but when it's a film that turns you off, you are not going to be doing your best work anyway. And you're certainly not going to making great money. And you can show your music in a lot of other ways. There is no upside.

In my opinion, true professionals are not affected by this. That's what makes them a pro.

Superstars can pick and choose. In reality, mere mortals have to take what they're given, or manage to take for themselves.

In the wise words of Tom Savini--"the more you do, the more you GET to do."

[aracu]

I don't particularly agree with the philosophy that you should do something
you don't want to because it is more "professional".

Another way of looking at it though, is if you don't like it and can do without
it, then charge a lot to do it, enough to make it worthwhile.