

Collaborating on film music
Let's take a little dive into collaborating on film music. How does it look like - in real life, with a real project?
01
The first meeting
A creative project requires a lot of trust, therefore, I think, personal chemistry is very important. Let's get to know each other in our first meeting! Additionally, we will define our project finish line. Some of the most important questions are:
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What exactly is the end product?
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How exactly should our collaboration look like? Who will provide feedback, and when?
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With what kind of total music budget are we working for the composition, production and recording?
02
Gathering inspiration
We will work together to create a sound universe in which the production should live in. How should the music sound? Should it be genre-specific our out-of-the-box? Part of this step is researching other media projects that inspire us. Let's share our joy and find out in which direction the music should go.
03
Feedback, Feedback, Feedback
After our project kick-off, we will do as many rounds of feedback as necesarry to create the best soundtrack possible. It is this collaborative effort that I always look forward to the most. Let's throw everything against the wall and see what sticks! I love the process of turning our vision into a musical reality.
The different approaches to creating a soundtrack:
Synthesizers and Sample Libraries
Music from "inside the box" does not need to sound mechanical. Sample Libraries, combined with attention to detail in programming and effects, can sound magnificent these days!
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And on a different note: Electronic music can be a great fit for certain projects! I am sure you have heard of Blade Runner...
Of course, working with professional musicians is the non-plus-ultra. To make that possible with smaller budgets, hybrid productions are great. A small number of instrumentalists will be able to breathe life into the music, but you don't necessarily need to hire a whole symphonic orchestra.
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Nevertheless, the hybrid approach is more expensive then working exclusively in-the-box. For example, when working solely on the computer, you don't have to create sheet music or hire recording engineers.