Senior Film Composer & Orchestrator

Placements24; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 250,000 - 450,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Freelance compensation package

Creative freedom

Travel for key project meetings

Software licenses support

Work on diverse film projects in theWC

Job summary

Placements24 in George, Western Cape seeks a Senior Film Composer & Orchestrator to score and orchestrate music for an international film slate. The role demands a sophisticated musical palate, collaboration with directors and music supervisors, and a track record of released film scores.

The candidate will compose, arrange for various ensembles, oversee sessions, and deliver final assets on schedule, leveraging advanced DAWs and notation software.

Qualifications

• Proven track record with released film scores.
• Strong orchestration and arranging abilities across diverse genres.
• Expertise in notation software and DAWs.
• Excellent communication and collaboration with directors.
• Degree in Music Composition, Film Scoring, or related field preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple scoring projects.

Responsibilities

• Compose original scores for feature films, shorts, and documentaries.
• Orchestrate and arrange for orchestral, chamber, and electronic ensembles.
• Collaborate with directors, producers, and music supervisors.
• Use DAWs and notation software such as Sibelius, Finale, Cubase.
• Oversee recording sessions with musicians and engineers.
• Develop understanding of film genres and their musical conventions.
• Conduct mock-ups and provide audio references for approvals.
• Manage project timelines and budgets for scoring.
• Ensure timely delivery of scores, stems, and masters.

Skills

Film scoring

Orchestration

Music theory

Arranging

DAW proficiency

Collaboration

Education

Degree in Music Composition or Film Scoring

Tools

Cubase

Pro Tools

Logic Pro

Sibelius

Finale

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious independent film production house based in George, Western Cape, is seeking an exceptionally talented Senior Film Composer & Orchestrator to score their upcoming slate of critically acclaimed projects. This pivotal role requires an artist with a profound understanding of musical storytelling, capable of crafting evocative and emotionally resonant scores that elevate cinematic narratives. You will be responsible for composing original music, arranging and orchestrating pieces for various ensembles, and working closely with directors and music supervisors to ensure the score perfectly complements the film's vision. The position demands a sophisticated musical palate, technical mastery of modern composition software, and the ability to manage multiple scoring projects simultaneously. This is a rare opportunity to leave your mark on the international film scene from the scenic beauty of the Western Cape.

Key Responsibilities

• Compose original musical scores for feature films, short films, and documentaries, tailored to specific scene moods and narrative arcs.
• Orchestrate and arrange musical compositions for various instrumentalists, including full orchestral performances, chamber ensembles, and electronic soundscapes.
• Collaborate with directors, producers, and music supervisors throughout the pre‑production, production, and post‑production phases.
• Utilize advanced digital audio workstations (DAWs) and notation software (e.g., Sibelius, Finale, Cubase) for composition and production.
• Oversee and manage recording sessions, liaising with session musicians and engineers to achieve the highest quality sound.
• Develop and maintain a deep understanding of film genres and their associated musical conventions.
• Conduct mock‑ups and provide creative audio references for directorial approval.
• Manage project timelines and budgets for all scoring assignments.
• Ensure timely delivery of all musical assets, including scores, stems, and master recordings.

Requirements

• Extensive professional experience as a film composer, with a significant portfolio of released film scores.
• Exceptional skills in musical composition, harmony, counterpoint, and orchestration across diverse genres.
• Mastery of industry‑standard music notation and DAW software (e.g., Cubase, Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Sibelius, Finale).
• Demonstrated ability to create compelling emotional impact through music.
• Strong understanding of film production workflows and the role of music within them.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Experience conducting or leading musical ensembles is a plus.
• A degree in Music Composition, Film Scoring, or a related field is preferred.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive freelance compensation package, commensurate with the seniority and scope of the role. You will have the unique advantage of working on diverse and exciting film projects from the beautiful setting of George, Western Cape. We provide unparalleled creative freedom and the opportunity to collaborate with talented filmmakers who are passionate about their craft. Support for necessary software licenses and potential travel for key project meetings is included