I'm hanging in there Dave, thanks for asking. I am truly soory for being blog-less these days. There been a couple of reasons. A I started a new dayjob and had to move..again for starters. Then I lost out on several projects which got me down. My last few blog on there started to have a dismal vibe which I didnot want to prtray and I started feeling guilty that I was writing about nothing. I was a little depressed...slightly uninspired to say the least. I just felt like I didn't have anything to offer that actually pertained to music. I really should get back to it...you are not the first to ask and I really feel terrible about it.
I have not given up of course, but I have been slowed down. the new job takes up most of my time during the day so my composing is relegated to days off or a couple hours at night.
So thats that in a nutshell. I am happy to share any info I may or may not have and by the way, thanks so much for the compliment of top class composer. I know I can be if I ever get the chance, so until I get the chance lets call it potential.
You know it funny as I write this, I am thinking I can just post this whole conversation as the Return of the Blog!!! Whatdya think..lol
As far as your market research, I'd be interested in hearing more of what you are planning, in private of course, but will share the little i know on the topic. I did som of the same research when trying to figure what to charge for myself...it ain't easy to figure!!
I have heard ALL sorts of numbers but from what I have found is this.
--When starting out...you will work for free. Money will be discussed but that doesn't always mean you end up getting it.
--There is also a pecking order...the more you do, the more you get...generally. Also the rates are tied directly to the budget generally. From what I read...2-3% of the budget for the composer, at least for indy film...so 1 mil film budget+20-30 grand for the composer..and this is the fee only for the composer..additional budget must be figured for recording ,productiomn, post production etc.
UNTIL....you become a "big boy" like HZ or JNH or JW, in which you can get upward of 3 million as you fee, plus the other stuff. (Heck I saw a line budget for "The Village" that put aside like 40 grand for "MIDI file conversion" AND they PAID n engineeron top of that to actually DO it)
I forget the link I found it in , but if you search "film budget" and look for "The Village" you can find what I did..it was the only one I could find publicly, and was amazing to read. Incidentally, on that film, James Newton Howard was the HIGHEST paid person after the producers, and M.Night, (aside from actors) at 3 million .
As for me...I did 2 indy features, a short film and backing ground music for SEC Sports/XOS Digital highlight films last year. Also a couple of indy trailers, music for local dance studios but thats about it... I lost three other films within a month early this year, yeah one was for Lucasarts and I was up against Howard Shore to score it..the movie got shit canned..i was not thrilled, since Shore ultimately could not do it..it was mine. Now THAT would have been good on the blog!!! LOL
Ask me anything you'd like and with your permission I would love to post this on the blog to crank her up again...I will edit it of course. Let me know...
I am trying to get inspired again and to find projects, but it aint' easy. I have made contact with a guy who edits trailer and will be doing one soon for him. Also, my filmmaker friend is in LA mow and really making strides and that will help...we are pitching Dreamworks on a project they are interested in...Yaaaayyyy..budget!!!!!
I hope that answer some stuff for you, and I'll be waiting for the reply :)))))))
Take care,
Todd
ps...tell me a little abut yourself...background, blah blah ..you know ;)
