Film Score Composition

[Liev]

Hi Mr. Gibbs, I'm a fan of your work. Keep it up!

I was wondering if you had any kind of advice for some one who has ambitions to become a film score composer (like myself)... schooling, interning, mentoring, anything really!

[Ribbs]

Thanks for the compliment, Liev.

Schooling is a good start - I have a degree in classical composition from Berklee. That said, I have been surprised to learn how many very successful film and television composers have little or no college schooling. And as well there are many many highly educated composers unable to find work in the field. Interning or getting a job as a composer's assistant can be very educational and, at best, actually helpful in getting that all-important first scoring job or two. I've had many assistants over the years - most haven't lasted long enough (for one reason or another) to take full advantage of the opportunity, but a few have benefited greatly and quite directly from the experience.
A more overarching piece of advice I have for you is this: immerse yourself in film, as much as you do in music. Figure out why the films you love work so well and how the music has contributed to that. I've never been one to listen to soundtracks divorced from film - to me it seems like studying only the windows of buildings. Film score is not designed to exist on its own - it sometimes can do so beautifully, but that is not the purpose. So watch (and listen to) every film you can. Whatever success I've had as a composer has come from love of film first.

Thus endeth the lesson.

[Liev]

Thanks very much for the valuable advice!

Liev

[Jacqueline]

I realize this thread is over a year old but I was wondering if you still take on assistants, and if so what the process would be to establishing that? I'm currently a student at Full Sail in Orlando and I am so incredibly interested in score. I would love the opportunity to work with you.

[Ribbs]

Well Jacqueline you may be in luck - I am currently looking for an assistant. Send me your resume thru the contact page on my website with your contact info if you are interested.