Complete Guide to Film Scoring: The Art and Business of Writing Music for Movies and TV

A Step-by-Step Guide to Film Scoring

This comprehensive guide is essential for anyone interested in the business, process, and procedures of writing music for film and television. Learn step-by-step the Berklee College of Music approach to the art of film scoring, including such topics as the film-making process, preparing and recording a score, and the business side of film scoring, including contracts, fees, publishing, royalties, and copyrights. Learn first-hand from interviews with 21 film-scoring professionals, such as Michael Kamen (Mr. Holland's Opus, Brazil), Alf Clausen (The Simpsons, Naked Gun), Alan Silvestri (Forrest Gump, Contact), Mark Snow (X-Files, Millennium), and Elmer Bernstein (To Kill a Mockingbird, Airplane, Rainmaker).

The second edition has updated information about the technology of film scoring, new insights into finding work in the industry, plus two additional interviews with film composers Harry Gergson-Williams (Shrek, Kingdom of Heaven) and Marc Shaiman (Hairspray, The American President).

"Offers fascinating insights into the world of music for film... good for someone who wants to get a broad introduction to the process and business of film scoring."

—Sound on Sound magazine

"Often, when writing a film score I wish I had studied the art sufficiently to avoid reinventing the wheel. This book is a valuable addition to the world of music?interesting, informative and inspiring."

—Michael Kamen (Mr. Holland's Opus, Brazil)

"This is a splendidly-constructed reference manual with a winning combination of technical expertise and the human touch of a film composer's life experiences. It will serve as a great motivator for all composers burning for a career in the film industry."

—Alf Clausen, Emmy and Annie winning composer (The Simpsons, Naked Gun)

"I've spent my entire professional life working with composers, from the most talented and successful to those just beginning their career. This guide has captured it all, from the history of film music to modern-day trends, as well as providing invaluable information about the music business."

—Nancy Knutsen, Vice President, Film & Television Repertory, ASCAP

"An insightful, enlightening, and comprehensive resource for anybody interested in pursuing a career as a film composer."

—Doreen Ringer Ross, Assistant Vice President, Film & TV Relations, BMI

"Provides an insight into the art of film scoring music for films in unusually clear and concise language."

—Elmer Bernstein (To Kill a Mocking Bird, Airplane, Rainmaker)