Tom Rackham: Music composer in Lincoln, United Kingdom.

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.

Hi Tom. I'm RB, Founder and CEO of Stage 32. As a screenwriter, producer, actor and filmmaker, I know first-hand the challenges all creatives face finding work, landing representation, launching projects, securing funding and simply making the connections that will make a difference in their careers. That's why I created Stage 32. Since our launch in September of 2011, the community has grown to 400,000+ members representing every country on the planet making Stage 32 the social network uniquely populated with the most creative people on Earth.

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Thanks, and have a creative day!

RB

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Hello Tom -

Welcome to the community! I'm Amanda Toney, the Managing Director at Stage 32. Since 2013 I've been proud to oversee Stage 32's Next Level Education, which provides you the most up-to-date tools necessary to become a better creative.

Over the years Stage 32 has worked with over 500 industry executives and professionals to teach online webinars, classes and intensive labs exclusively for you - our Stage 32 community. We bring you instructors who have worked directly on some of your favorite films, TV shows or theater productions to teach you in-the-trenches information that you won't find anywhere else on producing, directing, financing, writing, packaging, acting and more.

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I encourage you to take the next step to continue learning and expanding your career by clicking here, or clicking "education" on your top menu bar.

I'm grateful you've joined the Stage 32 community. Please let me know if you have any questions!

Amanda