What Does A Film Composer Do (including Their Typical Day at Work)

Watching the Film

Watching the film is an important part of the process because a film composer needs to learn about the film to create the music. Generally, a film composer will be given a rough cut of the film so that they can get an idea of what the director is going for. This gives the film composer a chance to understand the tone of the movie and come up with ideas for the musical score. 

A film composer might not always have access to a rough cut of the film, though. Even so, film composers will be given materials to work with so that they can be inspired to create a musical score. Over time, a film composer will use the materials that they have been given to create music that they think matches the film best.

Compose Original Music

Composing original music is the biggest part of the job for a film composer. If a film composer is tasked with composing music for a 90-minute film, then they will need to create approximately 45 minutes of music. The general rule is that a movie will need enough original music to fill half of its run time, but this can differ from film to film. 

Actually composing the music is something that will differ depending on the composer who is involved. Depending on the musical genre that is being utilized, a composer might utilize different methods to compose music. Some film composers might start by composing music on a keyboard or piano, but there is no one specific approach for composing film music. 

Collaborate with Other Professionals

Collaborating with other professionals is a crucial element of being a film composer. Film composers need to be able to work with other professionals who are working on the film. A film composer is likely going to need to discuss things with directors and various other people so that the score turns out properly.

Sometimes a film composer might need to alter or cut certain music that has been composed for the film. Working creatively with other people might pose challenges for some, but it’s necessary to try to bring a director’s vision to life as a film composer. Successful film composers have strong voices and opinions, but they must take other professionals’ opinions and desires into consideration.

Successful film composers have strong voices and opinions, but they must take other professionals’ opinions and desires into consideration.

Record the Music

Once the music has been composed, it’s going to be necessary for the film composer to oversee the recording process. Film composers are tasked with recording the entire score for a movie. This can involve going into a studio with several other musicians to record and mix the songs that are being used. 

Some film composers might need to hire out entire orchestras to get the music that they need for a film. Other film composers might go for music that is easier to record with just a handful of musicians. Either way, the film composer will be overseeing the recording process to ensure that the music turns out the way that they want it to. 

Step 1. Study Music

Studying music and learning how to play musical instruments will be a good idea for any aspiring film composers. 

Step 2. Go to College

It could be helpful to go to college to learn more about music and music theory. This can give you the knowledge that you need to find success as a film composer.

Step 3. Start Composing Songs

To become a successful film composer, it’s going to be necessary to familiarize yourself with composing. You should create music and work on honing your craft.

Step 4. Network

Networking is going to be important when you’re starting out and trying to get jobs. Take the time to attend events and meet people in the film industry so that you can get opportunities.

Step 5. Take Jobs

Now it’s going to be necessary to start taking on jobs to build up your resume as a film composer. It might take time to get recognition, and you might not make a lot of money at first. Many film composers get started working on indie films with very small budgets.