Teach on Udemy

Turn what you know into an opportunity and reach millions around the world.

Learn More

Your cart is empty.

Keep shopping

Finding Film Scoring Jobs

Name: Finding Film Scoring Jobs
Rating: 4.8 (90 reviews)

The Film Composer’s Guide To Networking & Pitching

Created byJonathan Armandary

Last updated 11/2020

English

What you'll learn

WHERE to look to find film scoring jobs - online & offline
WHO to approach (and where to find them)
HOW to build your network as a film composer
Exact email outreach techniques (get your emails opened and replied to!)
Skills to begin and hold excellent conversations
To create an incredible showreel, even if you don’t have any movies to work with
How to design a composer website that is built to land you projects
What to charge as a film composer
To deal with (often low-priced) competition
The pitching skills you need to land projects

Course content

5 sections • 29 lectures • 3h 44m total length

Welcome To "Finding Film Scoring Jobs" (Quickstart Guide)6:33
Welcome to the course! In this lesson you’ll learn the entire process that we’ll explore in the course.
You’ll also learn what to expect from the course, what my expectations are of you, and how to get the most out of Udemy’s features.
The Biggest Lies You’re Telling Yourself About Your Film Scoring Career5:58
In this lesson you’ll learn the FOUR things holding you back as a film composer, and what you can do about them.
Ethos For The Course & 8 Crucial Mistakes To Avoid4:24
In this lesson I’ll explain the crucial mindset you need to have when it comes to finding film scoring projects.
You’ll also learn the eight crucial mistakes that composers make and that you should keep in mind as you progress through the course.
Your Music Marketing Fundamentals8:20
This lesson is all about your marketing fundamentals, and we’re going to refer back to these fundamentals throughout the course.
They lay the groundwork for pretty much every interaction you’ll have in your pursuit of film scoring projects.
Module One: Summary & Recap3:20
Welcome to the final video of module one. At the end of each module we'll do a little recap with the key takeaways from the module, as a reminder of the important things to keep in mind as you progress through the course.

Creating Your Marketing Materials2:51
Welcome to module two, this module is all about building your composer website, and creating an amazing showreel to help show off exactly what you can do as a composer.
These are the bare essentials that you'll need before you start putting yourself out there.
How To Design & Build A Composer Website With Purpose15:00
This lesson is all about composer websites. We’re going to cover the whole process, from identifying the purpose of your website, through branding and design, usability, and finally how to actually build and host your website.
Structuring & Creating Your Composer Showreel15:54
This lesson is all about designing your composer showreel. Your showreel is basically a collection of work you’ve done, and it can be presented in a few different ways, which we’ll cover in this lesson.
Module Two: Summary & Recap3:22
Here are the key things to remember and to avoid that we learned in module two.

Who To Work With And Where To Find Them2:46
Welcome to module three! This module is all about the PEOPLE - who they are and where to find them, online and offline.
In module one we learned about the human side of marketing, which fed into how we design and build our websites and showreels in module two. But, those are only tools, and by themselves tools don't do very much. A screwdriver doesn't put IKEA furniture together, PEOPLE do.
So in this module we're answering one of the biggest questions: where do you find projects? But there's a problem with that question. Really it should be: where do you find PEOPLE?
The People Who Hire (Or Refer) You10:47
One of the things many composers struggle with is knowing how to get started and who they should be connecting with in order to find work in the film industry - and that’s what this lesson is all about: who you should be focusing your efforts towards.
Where To Find Projects In The Real World13:50
This lesson I know will be a really big one for you, and one that you’ll be really excited for, because it’s all about where to find the crucial people that you’ll be working with. Essentially, where to find film scoring projects.
Finding Film Scoring Jobs Online11:42
Following on from our lesson on finding projects offline, this lesson is all about the places you can find projects online.
How To Promote Yourself & Your Music13:44
In this video you’re going to learn how to promote your music, including music marketing strategies for social media, job sites, and streaming platforms.
We’ll also explore branding yourself as a musician, and how to better understand who you’re actually promoting to.
Module Three: Summary & Recap2:03
Let’s reflect on the top things to remember and to avoid from module three!

Reach Out! How To Make First Contact & Deepen Relationships2:44
Welcome to module four!
You've come a long way so far. By now you understand marketing philosophy, you have your marketing tools, and you know how to use them by focusing on the right people. You even know where to find those people!
The next step is about reaching out.
So that's what we're covering in this module: how to connect with people, online and offline.
9 Tips To Network In The Film & Music Industry15:10
In this video you’re going to learn how to network in the music industry as a film composer. Or to be more accurate: how to network in the FILM industry as a composer.
These nine tips are going to give you more confidence, more results, and are going to massively improve nearly all your relationships - professional or otherwise.
Communication Skills - Entering, Holding, And Exiting Conversations11:21
Knowing where to find filmmakers and having the skills to network is one thing, but you also actually need to be able to hold an engaging conversation.
There’s a tonne of advice out there telling you to engage with people in the industry, but not much on HOW to actually begin, hold, and end a conversation - so that’s what we’re covering in this video.
Email Outreach Techniques For Film Composers12:03
In this video I unveil 7 tips for writing better outreach emails as a composer.
Combined, these tips will get more filmmakers to actually REPLY to your emails, will get them LISTENING to your showreel, and will help you build more and better RELATIONSHIPS in the film industry.
Developing Next-Level Relationships With Filmmakers6:30
The next thing we really need to talk about is how to deepen our relationships.
There will be people that you meet who you'll only ever have surface level relationships with - where there's no future in the relationship. And that's totally fine. But we need to identify the relationships, we DO want to deepen.
This lesson is about HOW to deepen those relationships.
Module Four: Summary & Recap2:34
Here’s your recap and summary of module four!

Pitching & Landing Film Scoring Projects2:01
Here we are! The final stint - module five.
You've come SO FAR. You've learned about marketing, website and showreel design, the layout of the film music industry, including the people you should be meeting and where to find them, and in the last module you learned HOW to actually reach out to those people.
All that's left is to learn how to pitch for projects and, of course, what you should be charging!
Understanding When & How You're Pitching5:41
In this video we’re talking about pitching.
Specifically WHEN you should expect to have to pitch, and a few key things to bear in mind.
I’ll take you through how to actually put a great pitch together later in this module, but this lesson is all about PREPARING yourself for pitching situations.
Dealing With (Low-Priced) Competition5:13
I often get asked about how to deal with competition, particularly low priced competition or people offering to work for free.
If there are so many composers offering their skills for free, why would a director choose to PAY to work with you?
Really what this comes down to is how you can stand out as a composer and answer the question of why anyone would hire you in the first place.
How Much To Charge As A Composer17:56
In this video you’ll learn how to figure out how much to charge as a composer.
This is advice I’ve gleaned from conversations with working composers, and from my own experience in the film music industry.
I’ll uncover three methods of deciding your rate, and the key things you need to take into account when deciding how much to charge.
Get People To Listen To Your Music3:37
This video is all about making sure that people check out your music when you submit it.
What Makes A Successful Composer Pitch?12:30
In this lesson, we're going to cover how to actually put together a successful pitch, including the key things to consider as you go into a pitching situation.
Following Up & Getting Feedback4:21
Even if you do everything in your power to create an incredible pitch, you're by no means guaranteed to win every project you pitch for.
The more practice you get, the better you'll get at interpreting each situation, and hopefully the more projects you'll land, but just like applying for a job, you have to send in many MANY resumes to find work.
The key is to learn how to deal with the rejection, and how to learn from it. And that's what we're talking about in this video, as well as how to follow up politely after a pitch.
Module Five: Summary & Recap2:14
Our FINAL module summary!

Requirements

No prior professional experience or subscriptions required.
This isn’t a composing course, so you’ll need to know how to compose.
Turn up ready to work, with a positive, action-oriented mindset!

Description

--- “Where do I look to find a film scoring job? How do I get started?!” ---

There I was, an “aspiring film composer” faced with the daunting task of finding my first paid film scoring project.

“Where do I start?!”

“Where can I look?!”

“Am I even ready?!”

All these questions were running through my mind.

I was desperate to become a “legitimate” film composer. To get paid for the work I loved doing. To get the recognition I felt I deserved for my music.

But to do that, first I had to find an actual film scoring job to work on!

Maybe that sounds familiar?

Maybe you’re honing your skills day after day, knowing that you need to get out there and find real projects. To get paid for your craft.

You dream of hearing your music blaring out of the speakers in a movie theatre. Of winning the coveted “Best Soundtrack” award at a film festival.

But maybe you’re like I was, and you just don’t know where to start. And the thought of reaching out to ANYONE before you feel “ready” scares the life out of you…

You keep telling yourself:

“Once I can afford all the equipment, I can get started”

“There are too many other composers who are better than me”

“I just don’t have the right connections”

“Where do they even advertise film scoring jobs?”

“I’m an introvert. I’m not good at talking to people, or reaching out to people”

So you just keep composing for yourself. Dumping your music on YouTube, hoping that someday a miracle will happen, you’ll go viral, and your inbox will go wild with job offers.

But deep down you know that’s not how it works.

Trust me when I tell you: I know the feeling.

When I first started searching for film scoring jobs, it was like I was practising archery blindfolded - I couldn’t even see the target, never mind hit the bullseye.

So I took a step back.

I started to think, to strategise, and to study.

And when I started my search for the second time, I was prepared. I knew where to look, what my plan was. I just had to test it out.

Before long, I was talking to my first real-life “client” (although I prefer to call them “friends”).

And then my second…

...my third…

...fourth…

…my fifteenth!

The projects and referrals kept rolling in. Before long, I had more projects than I could handle!

And so I could start choosing the ones I wanted to work on...

...that’s when the award nominations started. And the award wins!

All because I took that step back, and thought about the right approach. Not just doing the “same-old-thing” and hoping I’d be discovered.

The truth is that there’s a way to get started on this path today.

That’s what my course, “Finding Film Scoring Jobs”, is all about.

Since those first tentative steps into the film scoring world, I’ve spent my life dedicated to helping other composers. I realised people weren’t able to take the step back that I did.

They “couldn’t see the woods for the trees,” as the proverb goes.

And so I pivoted into teaching at University, and then I founded soundtrack.academy - to share what I’d learned, and to help aspiring composers take that all-important “step back.”

To help them see the bigger picture.

But what exactly do they need to take a step back from?

Well, five things are holding most composers back:

--- Number #1 : Never Feeling Ready ---

I’ll let you in on a secret:

No one ever feels ready.

I’ve interviewed dozens of professional composers, and almost every single one of them says how unprepared they feel for each and every project they take on.

It’s called “imposter syndrome” - and it’s holding you back.

Take comfort in the fact that even the people you admire and aspire to be like still don’t feel ready for their next projects.

You are ready. As ready as you’ll ever be.

--- Number #2 : Not Having The Gear ---

What equipment do you need to score a movie?

Here’s the entire list:

something to record with
something to edit that recording with

That’s all.

Having the latest and greatest sample libraries and the most powerful computer might help with your workflow, but it definitely won’t help you find film scoring jobs.

I don’t know a single composer who ever landed a project based on their equipment.

But I do know composers that have scored films with next to no equipment whatsoever.

Even famous composers.

You already have all the equipment you need. You just have to use it.

--- Number #3 : Not Enough Time ---

If your water heater broke down tomorrow, how much time do you think you’d need to arrange a plumber, to deal with the logistics of letting them in/out, researching and purchasing any parts you might need, clearing space for them to work, etc.?

According to a study by Laura Vanderkam, one woman spent seven hours dealing with that exact problem.

You probably don’t think you have seven hours spare each week, but if you had to make something a priority, I’m sure you’d find that time.

Finding projects is one of the most time-consuming but also the most important parts of film scoring. Without projects, you aren’t a film composer.

So you can make time. You just have to prioritise.

--- Number #4 : Not Having The Right Connections ---

Connections are made, not given.

So you might not have the right connections…

...YET!

But you can, and you will.

Very few composers are born with connections. They all develop connections over time.

Start building those connections today.

--- Number #5 : Going Alone ---

Most composers are afraid to ask for help. Afraid that if anyone does give them advice, it won’t be real advice (after all, why would anyone reveal their “secrets” to the competition?)

But the fact is that figuring this stuff out on your own is hard.

You have to figure out where to find people and projects.
You have to figure out what to say when you reach out.
You have to guess your way through pitches until you finally (hopefully) figure out what works.

All of that is time wasted.

Time that could be spent composing - because your outreach is targeted and efficient.

No time lost.

“Everything Jonny has done (over the years that I’ve known him), has truly been for the betterment of the film scoring community as a whole. I think he’s covered the straightest forward method to success in this industry in today’s environment. The path he lays out is clear and Jonny ensures that it’s all very straightforward.” - Sean Staples (Composer)

“I sent my first outreach email following your structure from the course and already I have got a hopeful result!” - R. Noble

“[The course] provided me with the necessary kick up the a** to tidy up my web presence. Having reached out to [a filmmaker] community, I’m now in receipt of a stack of video footage for a more unique video showreel. In turn, this has provided me with some industry contacts I wouldn’t have had before the course.” - R. Hicks

In “Finding Film Scoring Jobs: The Composer's Guide To Networking And Pitching” you’ll discover how to find and land film scoring projects.

More specifically, you’ll learn:

WHERE to look to find film scoring jobs - online & offline
WHO to approach (and where to find them)
HOW to build your network as a film composer
exact email outreach techniques (get your emails opened and replied to!)
skills to begin and hold excellent conversations
to create an incredible showreel, even if you don’t have any movies to work with
how to design a composer website that is built to land you projects
what to charge as a film composer
to deal with (often low-priced) competition
the pitching skills you need to land projects

Enrol today and get:

Lifetime access to the “Finding Film Scoring Jobs” video course
Downloadable worksheets to help you take action
The complete system to finding and landing film scoring jobs

Now is the time to take action and start finding film scoring jobs.

Click the “Buy Now” button to enrol today.

--- Your Rock-Solid, 30-Day, 100% Satisfaction Guarantee ---

Try “Finding Film Scoring Jobs” for 30 days…

...100% RISK-FREE.

If after taking the course you still don’t feel ready to go out and find film scoring jobs, then I’ve not done my job. And you shouldn’t have to pay for a job not done. That’s why you’re protected by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

The best part is this:

If you think there’s a “slight chance” Finding Film Scoring Jobs can work for you, you should enrol today.

Because you can take the course, try the material, see if it’s right for you over the next 30-days. No need to guess. Use the material, and see for yourself.

If it works, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a fully-fledged film composer. You’ll be building strong relationships with filmmakers, and finally feeling like you’re making headway into the industry. If it doesn’t work, all you have to do is apply for a refund and you’ll get your money back. No hard feelings.

So that’s why I’m happy to offer this risk-free 30-day guarantee.

--- Don’t wait! Hit the “Buy Now” to begin your journey towards becoming a fully-fledged film composer today! ---

Who this course is for:

Film composers who want a successful film scoring career
Composers who want a better website and showreel
People who are ambitious and willing to put in the work to realise their dreams

Finding Film Scoring Jobs

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Course content

Welcome! Quickstart Guide & Marketing Fundamentals5 lectures • 29min

Creating Your Marketing Materials4 lectures • 37min

Who To Work With And Where To Find Them6 lectures • 55min

Reach Out! How To Make First Contact & Deepen Relationships6 lectures • 50min

Pitching & Landing Film Scoring Jobs8 lectures • 54min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: