Tom Rackham's Lounge Discussions

Hello Everyone on Stage 32, My name is William Xifaras and I'm a film actor out of the Northeast U.S. Just wanted to say to those starting out: Anything is possible (not to mistake that with anything is easy). I was released from state prison in my 40's, after spending 5 years locked up for Intimidation of a Witness. The crime was in relation to a shooting of a pimp/ drug dealer who later said I intimidated him not to testify against the shooter. I took it to trial and lost... although it's a long story, I won't bore you further with details. Upon release my college degree had little value due to the now felony conviction that went along with it. I had to find a new means to support myself and my family. I began to act and take film acting classes. Learning this new trade by acting in college student films. Little by little I noticed the positive feedback in addition to more auditions. This was 8 years ago, and now, although I'm far from where I would like to be, I've been cast in a few major motion pictures as a principal performer (speaking role). Some of the films I've been cast in include: Ted 2, The Equalizer, The Heat, and The Town (although you won't see me credited due to my role was in a Massachusetts state prison and Dept. of Corrections wouldn't allow me in to shoot it). The Director's and stars I've worked with included: Ben Affleck, John Ham, Harvey Keitel, Paul Feig, Sandra Bullock, Antoine Fuqua, Denzel Washington, Seth MacFarlane, etc... Sitting in a prison cell at middle age, I never thought this would be a reality. So, anyone thinking they can't do it, or that it takes too much time, or there are too many sacrifices involved, etc., remember anything is possible with a little luck, some hard work, focus, and a genuine desire to do better. Nothing of value is easy and anything is possible. Best of luck to all of you. William X

Some of you know, I have made it to the point in my career where I am at the free or paid crossroads. We each get here at different points. Some start here - others like me build up a resume and then get here - in my case 8 IMDB credits (after the two shorts I just scored finally get entered :) ). Below is what I just posted to FB. It is NOT directed at any film in particular so if you know me as a crew member, this is not about your film. I post here since (1) it has always been a controversial topic and (2) all us composers have this issue at one time or another. A great post below "A Must Watch!" with the video does provide some different 'perspective'. I post here purely for educational purposes (and not a 'complaining session'). There may be some nuggets here for you if you have not yet made it to your crossroad or you are currently there like me. ===================================================================================== This post is not concerning anyone in particular so don't 'read anything into this that I don't say'. I have been scoring for films now for over 5 years and yet to earn a penny (though I did graciously accept a gift certificate last night from a filmmaker whose short I scored - very considerate and thoughtful). So I have decided it is time to pass that crossroad and move on in my career. Music like any other intellectual or product/service commodity has value and those who create it need to be compensated. I understand that many filmmakers have little to no money and can only offer credits. But honestly, imho, that is not my issue. Now I have been scoring shorts for free since it is practice for all involved and we use it to demo our abilities and products. Shorts generally end up at competitions or festivals and don't generate any revenue. But that is where I draw the line. When it comes to features or documentaries, I will not work for free. I may, depending on whether I have an existing relationship, be willing to defer my payments. However, I WILL NOT have an agreement/contract that says I get paid IF the film generates money. That is not my issue/problem. Once the film leaves the free US-based festival arena, I want to get paid (or soon thereafter). The beginning of this has been rough going. I have been hired for a feature but after 3 months I am still waiting for a contract. I will not deliver music to any feature without a contract. Then in the last two weeks I have been contacted twice for features. The first wanted me to work for free until the film generated revenue - no thank you. The other told me they need music - film has been done for a while. They have no budget. I am waiting to hear back after I said I will not work for free. Writing music for shorts typically requires 3 to 7 minutes of music. Features require typically 30 to 60 minutes of music (sometimes more). A whole different 'ball of wax'. Let's see where this road will take me.

Hey everyone, new to the site and just wanted to say hi! I'm a composer, specialising in screen - a selection of work is available to hear here - https://soundcloud.com/tomrackham - or you can head over to my profile and see a list of credits, as well as links to various pages. Looking forward to getting to know some of you and hopefully working together on some great projects! T