Matt, no insult was intended, Humour, good or bad is still free, yes?
While i try to understand what you're doing, and i assume this is an investment in the future, i'm less inclined to see this as a barter of sorts, and that's not because of your offer of work in return, but a confirmation of the ever degrading confirmation of the professional status of orchestrators, etc.. It's not enough that work gets a little harder to find, but that those who have a lot of cash to invest in film, and make large profits, see orchestrators and other related crafts as less than worthy of a decent return, simply because they don't have to pay them as much, and don't consider them important enough.
Have you noticed the trend in Horrowood, for example? The same themes appearing like pages in a comic book in an ever decreasing pool of originality, and risk taking? Same thing happens in the concert world, with many orchestras and their administrators absolving themselves of the cultural responsibility of introducing new work alongside the standards, simply because the standards put bums on seats and put cash in the pockets of all concerned immediately.
It's a short term view, and while i'm not pointing the finger at you, the more freebies that are eagerly accepted, the more the bigger players consider themselves free of blame for the scenario they created, of lowering the professional standing of the craftsmen and women who help bring a creative effort to life. Personally, i don't think you've done yourself a favour here, because if a director can't find the finance for the composer/orchestrator on top of the other musical costs, then either you're not exactly treating this as a business, or you're supremely confident this mighty effort on your part will pay dividends. And it tells you something about the standing you're held in by the fellow, doesn't it?
Another question to ask here is, if the director is financing this himself, and one would assume he's tried to source the cash from investors first, why wouldn't they give him the cash?
Good luck.
Christian, film making has become expensive all over the planet, lol.
But i wonder if this scenario actually has an opportunity within it. As audiences get bored with the formulaic stuff, they may start to look beyond the mainstream, and in doing so, encourage investors to take a further risk or two, in the pursuit of healthy returns. Breaking the back of the cabal controlling theatres, cinemas, and corporate filmaking won't be easy, but if their profits dip far enough from audience boredom, then the structure may change.
Just my 8mm's worth!
Alex.