ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines guidelines for finding, onboarding, and working with a composer towards original music for a project. It explores some pointers on how people can go about finding and identifying suitable talent. The chosen composer then needs to be briefed on the project, which includes discussing creative aims and project timelines. The chapter provides a look at different modes of collaboration, taking into account the composer's creative process and workflow. Traditionally in linear media, onboarding and briefing the composer would take place at the start of post-production and involve a so-called spotting session. The director and the composer would meet, watch the film, and agree on music requirements scene-by-scene. The creative dialogue between the project owners and the composer must be open and honest. Every media composer will follow a technologically enabled workflow that leads from the early conceptual stages to the final score, recorded and embedded within the final audiovisual product.
