Music for Film Advice

MattFilming · Jul 27, 2015

I am about to begin shooting a short. It has the kind of Dr Seuss theme to it like a narrator, jumpy music, and rhyming. Does anyone know where I can find the music or how do I get the music to match the rhyming pace of the dialog?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Alcove Audio · Jul 27, 2015

There are dozens of composers here at IndieTalk and thousands of others out there who would be willing to create a score for you for free.

MattFilming · Jul 27, 2015

Holy crap really ?People do that FOR FREE ?

Alcove Audio · Jul 27, 2015

Just like everyone else who is trying to break into the biz they will do almost anything for experience. Just don't expect John Williams, Alan Sylvestri or Danny Elfman

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soundslikejoe · Jul 27, 2015

Of course.... you can get anything for free. Directors, Post Audio, DPs, PAs, Producers, Location Audio, Graphics. All for Free!

You just have to be one of those people who's willing to take the risks associated with that.... there are many risks, and that's just one of the reasons projects usually budget wages.

MattFilming · Jul 27, 2015

Where exactly would I post to look for composers?

soundslikejoe · Jul 27, 2015

Also... if you're intending to make the dialog happen in rhythm with the music (that's called sprechstimme), you'd need to do the music during pre-pro and shoot that scene like a musical. If you tried to do it from the hip during post production, you'd be lucky if it was anything better than bad.

Sounds cool though! I love the fun Dr Seuss concept. Good luck!

soundslikejoe · Jul 27, 2015

MattFilming said:
Where exactly would I post to look for composers?

I'd say it's only a matter of time before a few that lurk on here start to send you messages. You also might want to post an ad on Mandy.com or Craigslist.

MattFilming · Jul 28, 2015

soundslikejoe said:
Also... if you're intending to make the dialog happen in rhythm with the music (that's called sprechstimme), you'd need to do the music during pre-pro and shoot that scene like a musical. If you tried to do it from the hip during post production, you'd be lucky if it was anything better than bad.

Sounds cool though! I love the fun Dr Seuss concept. Good luck!

Do you know where I can learn how to do that or is is really complex?

Sound Guy · Jul 28, 2015

MattFilming said:
Holy crap really ?People do that FOR FREE ?

As a composer yes, some of us will do work for free, however, is that fair to the composer who works hard to help breath life into your vision? This is a good video to watch. Remember, treat other's as you wish to be treated. So if you'd work for free, then go ahead and ask a composer to work for free, but if you wouldn't, you shouldn't.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2a8TRSgzZY

If you're interested, I'm available, just send me a message and we can discuss details and I can share my work with you so you know what level of quality to expect.

soundslikejoe · Jul 28, 2015

MattFilming said:
Do you know where I can learn how to do that or is is really complex?

Unless you plan to be a composer.... creating music that works with spoken dialog is what a composer is supposed to do. You would write the dialog/lyrics with the composer's assistance. Then they would create the music. You would have the actors say their lines in a studio and lay it into the music. Then on set, you would have a playback system and record the actors speaking along with the playback. Then in post, you trash your production sound and "POOF" the music and spoken word should sync perfectly with your shots.