One of the biggest challenges composers face in film composing is shrinking budgets paired
with a demand for expediency and excellence. While the gold standard for most film music
productions is a live orchestral recording, the affordability of such is becoming more remote.
Cinemagic Scoring understands this impossible balance most composers are trying to strike.
In this article, we break down a few ways composers can maximize the budgets they have to
work with.
Understanding Your Needs and Setting a Budget
Assessing the scope of your project will help you allocate the budget more effectively.
Cinemagic Scoring works with a range of projects from feature film scores, to immersive
video-game soundtracks, to short pieces for advertisements, portfolios, and short films.
Understanding the scope will help you allocate your budget effectively, focusing on the most
critical aspects of the recording process.
For example, if you’re working on a feature film score, you may need a full orchestra,
multiple recording sessions, and significant post-production work. In this case, a substantial
portion of your budget should be allocated to securing high-quality musicians, booking ample studio time, and hiring experienced sound engineers.
On the other hand, for a shorter piece, an indie game soundtrack, or a film that calls for a more intimate score, you might only require a small ensemble and a few soloists. In this scenario, you can save costs by reducing the number of recording sessions and focusing on the essential elements that will bring your music to life. Understanding the specific requirements of your project allows you to prioritize spending on the areas that will have the
greatest impact.
Setting a realistic budget will help you avoid overspending and ensure that you have enough
funds to cover all aspects of the recording process.
Maximizing Your Time in the Studio
Once you have determined the scope of your project and ensemble type, the next step is to
maximize your studio time. The last thing you want to happen during your session is to waste
time. There are a few things you can do before your session to maximize efficiency:
1. Meticulous Preparation:
Losing time due to unclear notation, errors in parts, unplayable feats, and any myriad of other problems can be incredibly frustrating and time-consuming. Most of these problems can be completely avoided through meticulous score preparation.
Properly prepared scores ensure that musicians understand your intent immediately and can focus on their performance rather than deciphering parts. Clear and accurate notation
minimizes confusion and reduces the likelihood of mistakes during takes.
Cinemagic Scoring offers score preparation services where we will review and address any potential hiccups before the recording session. This will maximize your studio time and ensure every detail is handled with professionalism, allowing musicians to perform confidently and focus on delivering their best performance, resulting in a higher-quality recording.
2. Utilizing experienced Musicians:
Another way to maximize efficiency is to use musicians with a track record of excellence.
Utilizing musicians who can adapt quickly to feedback and deliver outstanding performances under pressure is crucial.
Cinemagic Scoring partners with the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra (CPO), renowned
for its commitment to excellence and precision. The CPO is South Africa's largest and busiest
full-time professional orchestra, performing a diverse repertoire from symphonic, operatic,
and ballet to commercial concerts. With international tours and a high standard of players, the CPO operates on a level comparable to orchestras globally.
One of the standout musicians in the CPO is principal cellist Peter Martens, who joined the orchestra in 2019. Martens holds a PhD from Stellenbosch University and has studied at the Mozarteum in Salzburg. His collaborations include performances with the Brodsky String Quartet in London and numerous international festivals in Russia, Holland, Salzburg, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Portugal, the UK, and the USA.
In addition to Martens, the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra is enhanced by principal clarinetist Féroll-Jon Davids, who has gained acclaim through prestigious programs in the USA and Austria and has performed with Carnegie Hall-affiliated Decoda. Double bassist
Roxane Steffen educated at the Rotterdam Conservatory and The Royal Conservatory in The Hague, brings experience from her significant roles with the Netherlands Ballet Orchestra and Holland Symfonia. Italian trombonist Andrea Balocco contributes extensive international experience, including performances with the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande and representation at the International Trombone Festival in Paris.
These distinguished musicians, alongside the rest of the CPO, ensure that your time in the
studio delivers the highest quality results. By partnering with such a prestigious orchestra,
you can be confident in achieving outstanding recordings that meet the highest standards.
3. Post-production costs and savings:
Orchestral mixing and mastering requires a sharp ear with an attention to detail. A good
orchestral mix and master can massively elevate the quality of a recording. Cinemagic
Scoring has a team of exceptional sound engineers who can deliver quality services at
affordable rates.
Cinemagic Scoring works in partnership with Milestone Studios, started by Murray Anderson. Anderson has extensive experience that has earned him numerous awards such as Best Rock Album of the Year (for Robin Auld), Best Jazz Album of the Year (for Abdullah Ibrahim), and was the first winner of the Professional Sound Engineer category of the Vuka Awards in 2000. Anderson has also worked with renowned international artists like Annie Lennox, Kaiser Chiefs, Junkie XL, Miley Cyrus, and Queen.
UK composer Michael Lawson praised the post-production work done at Milestone Studios
through Cinemagic Scoring:
"As a composer and producer, I have worked in many of the UK's most advancedstudios. The shared commitment to excellence and the sympathetic manner of the studio staff make the recording experience most worthwhile. I have been delighted with the balanced recording quality of my 'Song for Ukraine' project which Milestone recently recorded, edited, and mixed. Murray Anderson, the owner of the studios, is a legend in the industry and takes an active role as a most experienced sound engineer. He worked so hard on my project, always gracious with tasteful musical judgment. If excellence is a primary goal for your project, I would unreservedly recommend Cape Town's Milestone Studio."
By leveraging the expertise of the sound engineers and facilities of Milestone Studios,
Cinemagic Scoring ensures that every recording session maximizes both quality and
efficiency, delivering outstanding results without breaking the bank.
Draw on Cinemagic Scorings Affordability and Quality
Cinemagic Scoring offers a range of services designed to ensure high-quality recordings at
affordable rates:
Affordable Packages: Our customizable recording packages are designed to fit various budget constraints without compromising on quality. We also offer the option of shared orchestral sessions making it easier to record smaller amounts of music without having to book out the orchestra for the entire day.
Expert Team: Our team of experienced professionals ensures that your compositions receive the best treatment, from preparation to recording to post-production. Cinemagic Scoring covers each aspect of the recording process ensuring you maximize your time with us and receive the most value for your budget.
Remote Recording Services: Cinemagic Scorings remote recording services offer flexibility and cost savings, making it easier for composers to achieve their desired results from anywhere in the world. This saves on traveling time and costs. Composers can join the session remotely and provide live feedback to the conductor and orchestra.
Success Stories
Many composers have successfully worked with Cinemagic Scoring to achieve high-quality
recordings that remained within their budget. Here are a few testimonials and success stories:
• Bruce Retief, South Africa, Composer
" Having recorded orchestras over the past 13 years in various countries, and working with some of the best musicians the industry has to offer in my career as a music producer and film composer, I am happy to say that Cinemagic Scoring is easily on par with the top professionals in the world. From the world-class orchestration which they offer, to the seamless recording sessions and professional and technical competence of the players, I was very pleased with the end result. The pricing was very competitive, and they’re also nice people! Highly recommended to anyone who may have large or small projects which require orchestral recording of a high standard.”
• John Kuhns, USA, Composer
“Gavin Potter and John Walton are professional (and talented) composers who understand how valuable and important a quality recording with a professional orchestra can be, and they have found a way to make it affordable for the rest of us. Their shared-session recording model has been a Godsend for me. They deliver a professional sounding product, and maintain a personal touch throughout the entire process. Composers can even arrange to watch and interact with the session in real- time from anywhere in the world. I have been fortunate enough to use their arrangement services as well. I believe that John Walton’s talent has added an entirely new dimension to my work. I recommend Cinemagic Scoring to everyone that I can, from students to educators to my fellow composers. I can’t say enough good things about them.”
For more testimonials click here.
Balancing budget and quality in orchestral recordings is achievable with the right strategies
and partners. At Cinemagic Scoring, we provide the tools, expertise, and affordability to help
you get the most out of your budget.
If you’re ready to elevate your compositions with high-quality orchestral recordings without
breaking the bank, Cinemagic Scoring is here to help. Our affordable packages and expert
team ensure you'll get the best results for your budget. Contact us today to discuss your
project!
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