Overview
We are seeking a composer to develop a restrained, emotionally precise score for a grounded psychological drama with thriller elements.
The film explores identity, violence, and the cost of protection through stillness, silence, and internal conflict. Rather than a traditional score, we are looking for someone who understands how music can exist in tension with silence—subtle, controlled, and deeply unsettling.
This is a paid opportunity to collaborate closely with the director and producer in shaping the sonic language of the film from an early stage.
Responsibilities
- Collaborate with the director and producer to define the film’s sonic identity
- Compose original score that enhances psychological tension without overpowering performances
- Work with minimalistic, restrained musical approaches (texture, tone, silence, space)
- Spot the film and identify where music should enter—or intentionally not
- Revise compositions based on creative feedback
- Deliver high-quality mixes suitable for festival and distribution standards
What We’re Looking For
- Experience scoring film, especially drama / thriller / arthouse projects
- Strong sensitivity to pacing, silence, and emotional restraint
- Ability to create tension through minimalism rather than heavy scoring
- Proficiency in DAWs (Logic Pro, Ableton, etc.)
- Open to experimentation (ambient, textural, hybrid sound design + score)
- Strong communication and collaborative mindset
Tone & Musical Direction
The score should reflect:
- Stillness and emotional pressure
- Internal conflict rather than external action
- Sudden, controlled bursts of intensity
- A sense of inevitability and moral ambiguity
References may lean toward:
- Sparse, atmospheric scoring
- Sound design–driven tension
- Music that feels observational, not instructive
Project Context
The Picture follows a reformed immigrant forced back into violence to protect his family, exploring the cost of survival and identity.
The film is performance-driven, with tension built through silence, proximity, and time rather than traditional action beats.
Additional Notes
We are especially interested in composers who:
- Understand restraint over spectacle
- Are comfortable with ambiguity
- Can treat music as an extension of character psychology
Pay: $1,500.00 per week
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Parental leave
- Relocation assistance
Work Location: In person
