EXS 24 Logic Sampler Users Group

>I have what seems to me an odd question to have to ask.  I'm working 
>on a film score and the director keeps chopping my music up.  He says 
>he likes the music. ...then he cuts bits and pieces out of it making 
>it sound like a mess...... and when the music runs short....because 
>he's cut bits and pieces out of the score.....then I"m supposed to 
>rewrite....leaving the pieces chopped out....  We're doing this on 
>almost every scene.  It's like he's using it like library music.  I 
>don't get it....why hire a composer if you're going to chop the music 
>up.
>
>I've never run into this before.....Is this common practice.  I feel 
>like I"m in the twilight zone.  Some how I can't imagine Ridley Scott
>chopping up a Zimmer score.....?

Julie, my sympathies to you.
I have worked with many directors and though they have certainly 
asked for changes where appropriate or required, this has never 
happened to me. What your guy is doing simply shows disrespect for 
you as a composer, and for your music.

An experienced (and polite) director may try out edits in your 
absence, then play you his "new cut" in order to brief you better for 
a more final version. It is obviously a  process of growth, within 
limits. I always ask for a final cut of the picture whenever time 
allows, simply to avoid having to re-write, as this editing process 
disturbs one's musical form and ideas.

I would have a good talk to to him and explain (as non-aggressively 
as possible) that what he is doing is counter-productive to your 
creative flow.

Another solution I have found is simply to charge extra for every 
revision. This soon stops unnecessary or frivolous editing.  :-) 
(Obviously this must be negotiated when you quote fees)

Regards - Colin