Rate to score short film

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nrgband
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Rate to score short film

Post by nrgband » Wed Nov 16, 2022 1:00 pm

I'm getting ready to score a short thriller/suspense film, about 45 minutes long, and I need to know what I should charge. So this is super beginner level but didn't know if you know anybody who might know that kind of info.

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hummingbird
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Re: Rate to score short film

Post by hummingbird » Wed Nov 16, 2022 5:42 pm

That is a question that is not easy to answer, here are some resources
- https://www.strongmocha.com/2022/01/17/ ... ilm-score/
- https://vi-control.net/community/thread ... ilm.65885/
- https://evenant.com/how-much-you-should ... our-music/

I would recommend that you don't sell yourself short. Ask for something, and make sure to ask for screen credit, and talk about who the music belongs to, whether there will be a sound recording, and so on.
"As we are creative beings, our lives become our works of art." (Julia Cameron)

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VanderBoegh
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Re: Rate to score short film

Post by VanderBoegh » Tue Nov 22, 2022 9:04 am

Yep, tough question for sure. And unfortunately, if it's a small independent production clocking in at 45 minutes and approaching a new composer, my guess is they don't have much (or any) budget for music composition. At least, not in the amount that justifies the effort.

You can approach them with a realistic and fair price tag, and it will still be waaaay more than they can afford to spend. They're probably looking to pay you a couple hundred bucks total, because that's all they have. Even more likely, they're hoping you'll do it for free, as a "resume builder". This, at least, has been my experience with independent film producers.

It's usually not worth the effort to do these things unless - 1) you know the people and don't mind working for them for free; 2) you want to build some credits and don't have any other options at the moment; 3) you just want to hone your chops and get some practice in. But if you're looking for monetary compensation for your time, you probably won't find it here.

Just a guess.

~~Matt

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