Recent content by PatrickAThompson

Do it! Do it! Do it! I composed the score for a team in Dallas about a month ago. It was a hectic, crazy 48 hours.. Especially on my end, since I never really got to see a final cut until a few hour before the deadline. So, I just went with the genre style I was given and a rough list of...

Ask? Understand that as with any quality product or service, compensation will be required. Professional, educated composers have spent several thousands of dollars investing in themselves, their education, and their gear... and most likely, anyone worthwhile will certainly charge you...

Here's my take on the age-old "Stock vs. Original" music.. Filmmakers who produce films of any length with a story should ALWAYS hire a composer for original music. Here's why: If you've got any story at all - if you've got a good script - the story, emotions, and characters evolve...

Hey there! I just finished a 48 Hour challenge in Dallas last weekend. Even as the film's composer, I found it to be grueling and demanding - but totally worth every moment. So, first, congrats on finishing! I'm not going to comment on the production quality -- but more on the story. I...

What a FUN short! I composed the score for a short film for Dallas' 48Hour Film Project which had its screenings last night. What a LOT of people forgot is the story\entertainment factor. A lot of teams were so bent on "We're gonna make the coolest movie with the sweetest camera.. and the...

Hey everyone! I just wanted to share the experience I had this past weekend. I participated in "The 48Hour Film Project" in Dallas... In an all volunteer setting, each team pulled a specific genre from a hat on Friday evening.. Then, we were all given a character, a line of dialogue, and a prop...

Ok, so I gave up reading through each and every post -- but one thing I didn't see mentioned was acquiring the proper tools one needs to compose. While music education is certainly one of those tools, you also need to consider the hardware and software. Composition is not an easy or cheap...

And that, sir, is the mark of a professional -- constantly learning and trying to improve. I applaud you and your continued efforts. Keep it up!

Can you tell us more about the film? Genre, etc... Do you have a demo reel we could see? I ask because I can't imagine any worthwhile composer doing anything for free unless the project would look great in his\her portfolio. That's a fair question, right?

Hey Miclain! You've got a lot of potential! There's some good stuff going on with your music.. Varied and modern, which is a good thing. If I may be so bold, I'd suggest relaxing your reverb... Don't get me wrong.. Reverb is good. It's our friend... but too much will make your track unusable...

Another Dallas-ite! Welcome!

Every memorable logo comes attached to a memorable score or jingle.. Let me know if you'd like some music for it! Demos here: www.PatrickAThompson.com Thanks!

I think I shot you an email about this via another site. Just something to consider :)

Working with 'friends' is hard... for this exact reason. Been there. Not fun. This is why - even working with friends - I do contracts. Lay it all out there before the first frame is even a sparkle in your eye. This way, there is no confusion or resentment. Hindsight being 20\20 as it...

If that's what the emotion of the film calls for - then, that's what it calls for. It's never a good idea to force a style or 'sound' into a score just because you think it would be cool. Let the film itself dictate what it sounds like and what its needs are... But to answer your question...