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Hi,

I would like to eventually compose music to film and I would like to know where to start. Are there any websites where I can download clips to practice? Also, I am using Garageband for my DAW. I might eventually upgrade to Pro Tools or Logic. I would like to do piano/orchestra/choir stuff but I will also like to try some acoustic guitar instrumentals for film and television. Any suggestions on how and where to get started? Thanks for your help.

Ooooooh, this is a big subject, and you want to know it all, of course!
I'm a rookie myself, so no big revelations from me.

Just wanted to give you a link to a database where I've found some trailers for download. I save them on my computer, import into my daw, deactivate sound, and then the experiments start.. mmmmmmwahahahahaaaaaaaaa!

http://www.movie-list.com/index.php

Not all are downloadable, and I'm sure there are other/better sources as well.

I've also found iTunes to be a great place to figure out genre specifics.. http://trailers.apple.com/#section=genres

The forwards section of this forum is also a nice place to get yourself aquainted with the music that'll match the listings, and will give you an idea of where the bar is too.. at least for forwards..

Here's a link to game trailers.
http://www.gametrailers.com

I don't have a lot of time to write right now but wanted to throw another DAW into the mix. I would recommend Digital Performer. It is wonderful for scoring films.

Also, there a quite a few feature films that have long scenes where there is no music. I don't think there's any music the whole time Tom Hanks is on the island in the movie Cast Away. Also, "The Patriot" (Mel Gibson) has *lots* of scenes with no music. It's *much* better to be able to practice with dialog, effects, all the sounds of the movie rather than scoring to a muted video clip.

Thanks for all of your help everyone. Working on a piece now.