Bryan Michael Cox on Getting Paid Quickly as a Producer

David Whiteside on August 2nd, 2010

Bryan Michael Cox is a dope producer, but I will have to disagree with him 100% on this point. Breaking into film composing is 100 times harder than trying to break into the record world. There are tens of thousands of cats trying to break into the film composing world every year. The reason why you rarely hear of new composers gives testament as how difficult it is to break into that business. Most film composers have to break into the pop world before they can even dream of getting a job scoring films. Just look at Hans Zimmer and Danny Elfman, both are from 80′s pop bands.

Robin Reeves on August 13th, 2010

WOW this was great info!
One thing I can’t do is disagree with the person that’s actually making it happen in life. I feel that it is tough to get recognized when your first approaching the industry regardless of how long you’ve been producing music and especially with me being a girl. I’ve been wondering if producers have been getting recognized through movies or jingles and now I know! I’ll be on Google all night to find my resources. THANKS

jim on August 15th, 2010

I think he might of meant to put that focus on doing TV music. It’s definitely easier to get a check nowadays for a commercial/tv show than an album.

Michael Hensen on February 4th, 2012

Now on the other side when you really think about it in terms of numbers, Its more about the skill and art of production that matters. But if you were to think of it on a strictly numbers basis(and I’m talking opportunities)… BMC, is actually right on the money. I think a lot of producers who have already done it can attest to this. (I know I can)

I have been seeking recording deals and recording contracts since 1996. I landed initial record label introductions in 1998 and 1999 with Warner Bros, and also Atlantic Records. They both didn’t want to sign a deal with me, but did want to hear more material. Since then its been alot harder because of the nature of the Recording industry changing, more and more other opportunities are going to be where your break is.

The number of TV, Film, Soundtrack music and commercial use music opportunities far out weigh the opportunities that you might get as an artist, or producer showcasing your material to a label. Again in terms of numbers, (this isn’t fact just a guesstimate) but its probably something like 1 to 50 chance ratio. For every possible one opp you’d get to get your music in front of a Major label exec, you’d probably have 50 chances to score a deal in publishing, scoring, Music for Film and TV, or even New Media Background music opportunities. It also seems like its more about developing potential relationships nowadays then it is about the 1 great song.

Don’t stop believing the opportunities exist! I have had 4 placements on MTV, through MTV Networks Supervisors, via a company called Manifest media. There are quite a few people out there who will work with you.

Take it ez!
peace,
-=Mike