Job Overview
A music supervisor is hired to oversee all the music that is used in a
production, whether for film or television. The supervisor works closely
with the director in selecting songs, choosing a composer, if one is used,
and acquiring the rights for the production to use the songs. If there is to
be a sound track, the supervisor will secure the record deal and work
with the appropriate parties involved to bring the album to release.
Special Skills
"The ultimate skill is sensitivity," says music supervisor Barklie
Griggs. "When they're looking at a scene in a film, you have to imagine
how that character feels, what is happening in their life in this movie, and
what song could make that scene better; what music could enhance the
feeling. All the while being perceptive about what the director is trying to
convey. Also, knowing every kind of music and remembering songs."
Expanded Job Description
Most days, Griggs arrives at his office between 9:30 and 10:00 A.M. His
first two to three hours are spent listening to music he has selected for a
film he is working on, to ensure that it fits suitably into each scene.
"Between, I jump on my computer and check who wrote the song, who
has the rights, and how much it will cost to use it." Once Griggs deter-
mines that a song works in the scene and will fit the film's budget, he
places the appropriate CD in a pile that he will later play for the director.
In the early afternoon, he phones those working with him on current
projects--publishers, record company people, and directors. He some-
times meets a director at an editing room to play songs for him.
Afterward, he makes calls to find music or to get more specific informa-
tion about a song he is interested in using. He may be involved in negoti-
ating a composer deal, working to get a new song recorded by a specific
artist, or putting together a sound track deal. In the evening, he often
attends film screenings.
Advice for Someone Seeking This Job
"Do your homework," says Griggs. "That means you have to know
your music. It really helps when you're listening to the radio and you
JOB TITLE: MUSIC SUPERVISOR
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