What does it take to be a professional composer? [INTERVIEW With Spitfire Audio's Paul Thomson]

What does it take to be a professional film, TV or games composer? Paul Thomson should know. He's been doing it for almost 30 years and now he's published a new that lays out what you need to know to succeed in this demanding and competitive profession. Fellow composer Guy Michelmore caught up with him and together they explore the ins and outs, ups and downs of life as a working film and television composer.

The Professional Composers Guide By Paul Thomson (£49 - 50% discount for education)

[kayceparkinson]

A friend of mine told me yesterday that I should pursue this career after listening to one of my pieces and that I would make a ton of money. I don’t think she knew how many fine media composers there are jostling for a project. The message from you and Paul on this video, and Christian Henson on his blog is that it’s kind of like the films and media industry in general; people don’t make as much money as you might think but the real reward is in the creation. Thank you for posting this.

[roogrey]

A superb interview. Never quit, that's the key (no pun intended!). The day you quit could be the day before you were destined to write the piece of music that would change your life.

[glitchbot]

Sincere thanks for your advice and your time, gentlemen.

[xyirx]

When I heard "Paul Thomson", I instantly hear "from Spitfire Audio" in my head. It's almost like his last name to me now. I think I have been watching too many Spitfire Audio walkthrough videos....

[markbellinger]

Thank you guys, some priceless guidance here, there is always going to be a score that only YOU can ever write.

[warrenography]

So much fun, hooray, it's like having one's favorite youtube presenter and favorite sound library creator in the same video... last one standing is great advice. Thanks Guy!!!

[Motortriker]

Stickabilityness: I remember when I studied in another of the creative arts at college, we heard from a guest speaker from Magnum photos. The first thing he said was that none of us would make a living from photography; possibly one, but probably none. That was not based on seeing portfolios, just from statistical experience. And he was right: only 1 from my course is a full-time pro photojournalist today. He wasn't the most naturally gifted (I was 🥴) but he was determined and just kept on keeping on. His work improved and he kept pushing without being pushy.

[BenoitVanhoffelen]

For me, one of the best rule to keep preciously intact, is to never give up when you, as a music composer, have any issue possible before or during a project ! Totally agree with your great chat guys ! 🙏😃

[corentinmusique]

Really nice. Thanks for this interview

[nathanmarshallmusic]

Thanks to the both of you! Where would we be without you?

[guymiddleton]

Great to listen to you both chat. Inspiring, honest and what I needed to hear. Thanks!

[chrismoule]

3:29 - indeed so: it sound really, really obvious, doesn't it, especially when you write it down as I am doing now [but not when Paul is saying it, of course], but it is absolutely true. I can hear a variety of influences in my own work - though I believe that I have my own voice as well - that are entirely the product of the music that heard and played as I grew up. And that voice has changed accordingly over time.

9:53 - Oh yes - I nearly cried.

[timolebeck]

Haven’t watched the video yet (still at work)… but I‘m very exited!

[liknyne]

Finally, a Spitfire crossover. Love it.

[FLHofficial]

Excellent interview. Two of my favorites "youtubers" talking to each other, that's great.
"The future of orchestra": As drum machines never replaced real drummers nothing will replace a real orchestra or a real instruments played by a real humans as a vox humana register on a church organ was never replaced by real singers. Or the opposite.
And a real orchestra doesnt' replace a real synth, a real sliced tape or a sampler.
We just have more tools. And it's a good thing as long we have talent and inspiration. That's the hard part.

[PoiticayNcorrect]

Lord knows I have an excess of sample libraries and of them all, Spitfire Audio libraries are my favorites by far. Especially their Spitfire Symphonic Orchestra, Chamber Strings, and Spitfire Studio Orchestra. All three sound simply gorgeous "straight out of the box" with minimal to no tweaking. But the ability to tweak is there in spades for those that choose to do so. Especially in the professional versions.

[jonathonwaltercox]

Also, I bought the BBC Orchestra Professional edition and absolutely love it!!

[MartinJG]

0:35. Fantastic, Paul. 'Per ardua ad astra'. And there was I thinking you were a chorister who graduated with flying colours from the rarefied realm of an abattoir. Great to know there are a few rounded players out there. Good stuff, Guy. PS - 19:50. Yep. Truism of life and sometimes feels more like the survival of the thickest.

[jonathonwaltercox]

That was a fantastic interview! I like the quote about 99% of people quitting. It kind of puts my 20 years of struggling to find projects to work on into a different perspective!

Keep up the great work Everyone!! :-)

[westheartmusic]

Great stuff guys - keep doing what you are doing - so valuable to us budding creators 🙏🏻