For writers of music for film, tv and other media

Pete Thomas in his studio.

Photo: Simon Warren

SELLING YOUR MUSIC - AND YOURSELF

Networking

This suits the extrovert. It requires being on the same social scene as the media folk who might employ you, and the ability to talk to them without turning into a gibbering wreck. However, it’s not cheap: the clubs and drinks are expensive. You need to be able to survive in this environment without getting drunk and falling over (unless your intended client does!). Make sure you are knowledgeable about all aspects of media, not just your own field of film scoring but general media knowledge such as who directed what, the Oscars etc. You don't necessarily need to target directors - assistant directors, editors and production assistants are all very useful contacts.

If you are the shy type, it’s still possible to get yourself known. Consider getting a job as a bartender at or near a film or TV studio - if you’re lucky a desperate director will stagger in late one night having just fired a composer. You just happen to have your showreel handy. This sounds a bit unlikely but I have heard of this working. Otherwise any kind of job or work experience for a production company could be useful:

Apprenticeship (aka Teaboy or Teagirl)

You may be able to get a job (or more likely these days, unpaid work experience) either directly for a composer, for a music agency or for a studio that does soundtrack recording. In this situation you may be grossly overworked, treated like dirt or totally ignored, but if you can keep cheerful, helpful and useful eventually you will get a chance to move up the ladder. Don’t be pushy, just wait for that moment when everything is going wrong and inspiration has dried up - they’ve run out of ideas late one night and suddenly turn to the teaboy/girl and ask your opinion. Try to have a good suggestion... (And make sure you can also make a good cup of tea!)

Being Visible

If you can perform, get out and do as many gigs as possible - ideally with a band that plays original music. Sooner or later there will be someone important in the audience. It worked for me.

Direct marketing

This means sending out letters, CVs, multimedia, showreels, emails etc. It may appear to be like junkmail so make it as personal as possible. There are several ways to prevent your letter ending up in the bin:

• Find out what work is available, subscribe to current production lists - see Cuesheet
• Take note of end credits to find out who people are at film and media companies making productions relevant to your style. It can be worth contacting not just the director but the lesser mortals: Very often the editor and/or music supervisor chooses music
• Write or email personally, not Dear Sir/Madam
• Follow or precede the letter with a phone call. This is more likely to succeed lower down the pecking order (assistants and receptionists may be flattered that you consider them worthy - and often do have some influence). Be polite and professional sounding.
• Originality - think of a way to make your letter or showreel stand out from the crowd.

Advertising Yourself

The best thing to do these days is to learn web authoring and multimedia technology. Create an attractive, informative and/or witty website. Even if you don’t yet have any work to boast about, a website can help to promote you personally. A website can introduce you as a personality and can help make people aware of you and remember you.

Pete Thomas 2008