7 Reasons to Hire a Film Composer

Many modern filmmakers find themselves asking these important questions - is original music essential for my particular film? Will hiring a composer save me time in post production? Why hire a film composer in an age where stock music and online music libraries are so prevalent?

A composer certainly isn't necessary for every form of visual media, but in an era of short form content and easily digestible art, the benefits of film scoring and it's impact and advantages on storytelling have never been clearer.

Emotional Impact

Whether it's building tension, highlighting a characters subliminal feelings, or evoking a strong emotional response from your audience, the music in a film is your greatest tool for emotional storytelling. Audiences feel more than they consciously realize, and music controls that feeling on a subconscious level. A good composer is a master at the vocabulary of musical emotions, and will deliver goosebumps wherever the film allows.

A score tailored to your story

Stock music will always make your film feel a bit generic and detached in some way or another. With a professional score, the characters and essential elements of your story suddenly have themes, and the moods you're trying to convey unfurl with their own voices. With a narrative arc to match each scene, original scoring makes your film feel more cohesive and professionally crafted.

An aspirin for the headaches of post production

Composers understand how to “hit” dramatic beats, sync to picture, and creatively problem-solve around editing changes. You no longer need to rummage through sound libraries for hours and toil over the proper placement of music to suit the needs of your film - a composer is professionally trained to know what works and exactly how to do it.

Artistic value and production quality

What are your hopes for your film after it's completed? If you have any intention of submitting your film for festivals, competitions, or awards of some kind, be sure that a professional score will almost always boost your chances. Festivals, critics, and audiences recognize the difference, and strong music can even compensate for budget limitations in other areas.

A sonic identity for your film

Think of any film that resonated with you and cemented itself as an iconic piece of cinematic history - The Social Network, Jaws, Spirited Away... These films all had well-composed scores that became founding elements of their film's brand. Like any catchy melody from Taylor Swift or Chappell Roan, you want your film to echo in the minds of your audience long after their screening is over.

A collaborative partner in storytelling

Think of the film industry's most iconic duos - Christopher Nolan and Hans Zimmer, The Coen Brothers and Carter Burwell... these successful directors and composers recognized the value of a long-term professional relationship between director and composer. If you find the right composer for your film, chances are you'll consider them again when another project comes around. Composers are tasked with listening to and understanding the director and producer, and providing insights into a story that otherwise would be left undiscovered. A composer is not just a technician—they’re a creative partner who can enhance your vision, offer story insights, and bring fresh creative ideas.

Licensing Advantages

When it comes to commercial distribution, streaming services, and festival eligibility, licensing music can create a bigger headache than any other task in filmmaking. While hiring a composer may seem like the more expensive choice, the trouble it saves you becomes more than worth it in the long run.

On the market for a good composer?

As a composer of over ten years, I am always accepting inquiries when it comes to exciting projects in film, TV, and other visual media. With composer credits on projects ranging from heartwarming animations and quirky comedies to pensive dramas and visceral thrillers, I've developed a musical vocabulary in almost every imaginable genre. I have my degree in Screen Scoring from Berklee College of Music, and further education from the Film Scoring Academy of Europe. My music has been performed and recorded by a variety of award winning orchestras and ensembles, from string quartets in Boston to 38-player orchestras in Bulgaria.

Reach out directly at ionasfinser@icloud.com if you'd like to chat.

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