Job Overview
The vice president of music for a studio or production company is
charged with supervising music in both the production and postproduc-
tion phases, with an emphasis on pre-existing music. Some also hire com-
posers and producers, and oversee the scoring and mixing process.
Special Skills
"Being organized, responding properly, and keeping my word" are
skills film/television music executive Celest Ray cites as keys to her
success. "Listening carefully and fulfilling the requests that either Mr.
[Aaron] Spelling or the producers have is very important." Knowledge
of the music business and a good business sense is important; an under-
standing of music publishing and how record companies work is
essential.
Advice for Someone
Seeking This Job
Some vice presidents of
music are former music super-
visors, and most of them are
overworked and understaffed.
Find someone who needs help
and offer to work for them as
an intern or apprentice so that
you can learn the business.
There is much more to the job
than just selecting music; you
also must know the legalities
of music licensing. Once you
have an understanding of
music licensing, volunteer
to work on student films or
low budget projects to gain
experience.
JOB TITLE: VICE PRESIDENT OF MUSIC
What do you like
least about your job?
"What I like least are the
politics. I don't like it
when deals should
happen, but they don't
because there is a per-
sonal interest in conflict. Or, when one exec-
utive won't talk to another executive because
they don't want to admit that they have to
ask a question."--Celest Ray
What do you love most
about your job?
"What I love the most is picking music and
seeing that what I've selected tickles the
fancy of whoever I'm pitching it to. Then,
seeing it on screen--seeing that it really
works. That's what I love most about my
job."--Celest Ray
VOICES OF
EXPERIENCE
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