In my last post, I discussed some key steps that composers can follow if they want to compose music for podcasts. Allow me to expand upon that post and talk about a website that I frequently use to locate opportunities in entertainment. I primarily use Casting Call Club. This site offers paid and unpaid working opportunities for people in multiple facets of entertainment projects: from screenwriting and animation, to voice acting, audio engineering, and music composition.It is a good resource for composers who want the experience of networking with people in different entertainment backgrounds. The site currently offers paid courses for those interested in learning more, but I want to go over some of the basic rules for how composers can properly use it to their advantage. This discussion will be divided into two parts.
Profile Etiquette
1. Include your educational background and links to previous relevant projects that you have worked on in the past: things like music for podcasts, animations, live action videos, comedies, or dramas.
2. Specify the gender, type of language fluency (if collaborating with people from overseas), type of audio equipment, and music software that you use. This helps to get your “Composer” profile noticed by others, because it demonstrates your experience in the field.
3. Indicate price ranges and quotes for the kind of music that you create. Remember to be reasonable with the pricing and be willing to negotiate the price range with whoever is interested in commissioning music from you our collaborating with you.
4. Take into consideration the extreme socioeconomic circumstances of a given situation, like a global pandemic that has left most people broke. Although it is generally considered a bad idea in the professional world to do free work all the time, sometimes that may the only available option. In situations like that, composers must take the opportunity regardless and adapt.
5. If necessary, add a disclaimer or set of disclaimers explaining the kind of work that you will not compose for. It is usually a good feeling when a composing opportunity arises, because that usually means another project that can be added to your resume or CV. However, composers should also exercise caution and have some limits to what they do. In my case, I try to avoid composing music for material that would be considered “NSFW,” or “Not Safe for Work” (See “Contact”): especially in this era where practically everything on social media is scrutinized.
The next post will focus on what to do in the "Audition" phase of applying for a Casting Call Club opportunity. Some parts might wound similar to what I mentioned about composing for podcasts. I assure you, though, that there are some differences between the processes.
Profile Etiquette
1. Include your educational background and links to previous relevant projects that you have worked on in the past: things like music for podcasts, animations, live action videos, comedies, or dramas.
2. Specify the gender, type of language fluency (if collaborating with people from overseas), type of audio equipment, and music software that you use. This helps to get your “Composer” profile noticed by others, because it demonstrates your experience in the field.
3. Indicate price ranges and quotes for the kind of music that you create. Remember to be reasonable with the pricing and be willing to negotiate the price range with whoever is interested in commissioning music from you our collaborating with you.
4. Take into consideration the extreme socioeconomic circumstances of a given situation, like a global pandemic that has left most people broke. Although it is generally considered a bad idea in the professional world to do free work all the time, sometimes that may the only available option. In situations like that, composers must take the opportunity regardless and adapt.
5. If necessary, add a disclaimer or set of disclaimers explaining the kind of work that you will not compose for. It is usually a good feeling when a composing opportunity arises, because that usually means another project that can be added to your resume or CV. However, composers should also exercise caution and have some limits to what they do. In my case, I try to avoid composing music for material that would be considered “NSFW,” or “Not Safe for Work” (See “Contact”): especially in this era where practically everything on social media is scrutinized.
The next post will focus on what to do in the "Audition" phase of applying for a Casting Call Club opportunity. Some parts might wound similar to what I mentioned about composing for podcasts. I assure you, though, that there are some differences between the processes.
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