You just need to find some work, simple as that. And it is a fact that in LA there is a lot of work being done. There are also quite a few people chasing that work. But a career as a composer in TV,Film or Radio can happen anywhere there is media, provided you have dedication, talent, some friends or supporters and some luck...not sure which is most important. people have to get to know you and your music. The quality of the relationships you build is - I believe - more important than the quantity, so it really doesn't have to be LA. You don't mention your location, calaf5, but if you want to compose for art films, TV or radio most major cities will have opportunites.
I was a touring musician for years, then my band -(Three Mustaphas Three for those who really know) gradually went on long-term hold when everybody fell in love with girls in different countries...aaah, that's another story, but:
I'd always wanted to compose,had written songs, arrangements etc....I suppose I'd been preparing myself without really being aware of it. And I badly wanted a job.
I took some scenes from movies, composed my own music for them. Learned my sequencer well (Notator at the time),learned about MIDI and Audio, programmed and edited sounds. One day,a friend who was working for an advertising agency gave me my first commercial gig when their regular composer was too busy. I listened to everything the director and the editor had to say, put my heart and soul into it. It went well and gave me some confidence (and some cash!).
I was so nervous setting a fee - but the fact is, most people have a budget anyway and you're either happy with what they pay, or you have to haggle, or refuse the job. Isn't it great to get PAID for making music? Be willing to work for free though, or just costs, if you think it will help and you know your client genuinely can't pay. A very important part of the work is learning how music can enhance any kind of performance, so experience is the best teacher. A forum like this is a great resource, too.
As time went on, I made a contact in TV through my girlfriend who was in the business. A producer hired me to do some cover songs for a series (so they wouldn't have to buy the rights to the originals). I did a decent job and he recommended me further. And so it goes on. Once, I actually got a job from some people I'd never met who I'd sent my demo to a whole year before. Just be there....wherever you happen to be, find the people who need music, offer yourself; a break will probably come and then it's up to you what you make of it.
So good luck!
Nigel
I was a touring musician for years, then my band -(Three Mustaphas Three for those who really know) gradually went on long-term hold when everybody fell in love with girls in different countries...aaah, that's another story, but:
I'd always wanted to compose,had written songs, arrangements etc....I suppose I'd been preparing myself without really being aware of it. And I badly wanted a job.
I took some scenes from movies, composed my own music for them. Learned my sequencer well (Notator at the time),learned about MIDI and Audio, programmed and edited sounds. One day,a friend who was working for an advertising agency gave me my first commercial gig when their regular composer was too busy. I listened to everything the director and the editor had to say, put my heart and soul into it. It went well and gave me some confidence (and some cash!).
I was so nervous setting a fee - but the fact is, most people have a budget anyway and you're either happy with what they pay, or you have to haggle, or refuse the job. Isn't it great to get PAID for making music? Be willing to work for free though, or just costs, if you think it will help and you know your client genuinely can't pay. A very important part of the work is learning how music can enhance any kind of performance, so experience is the best teacher. A forum like this is a great resource, too.
As time went on, I made a contact in TV through my girlfriend who was in the business. A producer hired me to do some cover songs for a series (so they wouldn't have to buy the rights to the originals). I did a decent job and he recommended me further. And so it goes on. Once, I actually got a job from some people I'd never met who I'd sent my demo to a whole year before. Just be there....wherever you happen to be, find the people who need music, offer yourself; a break will probably come and then it's up to you what you make of it.
So good luck!
Nigel