After arriving in LA, what's the next logical step?

[Tyler Johnson]

John, I just checked my iTunes and 'Main Titles' from The Bourne Identity OST has a play count of 938. Safe to say i'm a big fan of your work. Thank you for doing this, it's a great pleasure. Anyway, down to business.

So, i'm moving to LA. What's the next step? I hear a lot of composers say it's best to start out scoring TV, indie projects etc. How would I go about getting into this position? I'm not sure how I'm going to go from where I am now, to having my music on the big screen. Do I just go knock on the doors of TV networks and offer myself as a composer? Is there a hangout or spot to meet people in the industry? Do composers often take on interns, or assistants? Have you ever had an assistant to make you coffee etc? If so, how would I go about contacting composers for this reason? I know this is a broad question, but any information would help.

Thanks John, you're a great composer!

-Tyler

[John Powell]

So, i'm moving to LA. What's the next step? I hear a lot of composers say it's best to start out scoring TV, indie projects etc. How would I go about getting into this position? I'm not sure how I'm going to go from where I am now, to having my music on the big screen. Do I just go knock on the doors of TV networks and offer myself as a composer? Is there a hangout or spot to meet people in the industry? Do composers often take on interns, or assistants? Have you ever had an assistant to make you coffee etc? If so, how would I go about contacting composers for this reason? I know this is a broad question, but any information would help.

My best advice is - try and be better than everyone else.... and if you are not, then write more, learn more, listen to more, study more, think more, stay up later than anyone else until you are. I'm not being flippant - it's a hard business to get into and there are a lot of great composers out there.