RakshaThe right score can turn a good film into a memorable one, which is why many producers aim to hire a film composer as early as the rough cut. If you’re deciding where to find film composers online, the best platform depends on what you need: a fully custom score, track licensing, or a hybrid approach.
Below, we break down 7 trusted options, what each is best for, typical tradeoffs, and how to choose a composer who can match your tone, timeline, and budget.
Custom Film Score vs Licensing Music Libraries
- Hire a composer if you need original themes, cue-by-cue timing to picture, revisions, and deliverables like stems and alt mixes. This is best for narrative films, trailers, and anything with specific emotional beats.
- License music if you need a fast turnaround and predictable pricing. You’ll choose from pre-made tracks with clear licensing, but limited customization.
- Use a scoring tool if you want hands-on control and can accept a more templated sound.
If your edit changes often, a composer who offers revisions and stems can save you hours in post.
Best Platforms to Hire a Film Composer Online
1. Twine
Twine is a dedicated creative marketplace built for industries like film, gaming, and media — making it one of the top places to find film composers who can create original scores tailored to your project. With its large network of skilled freelance composers, Twine connects filmmakers with professionals across different genres and styles, offering a range of talent to suit any project. Whether you need a sweeping orchestral score or a minimalistic electronic piece, Twine ensures that you’ll find the right film composer for your film’s unique needs.
Best for: Custom scoring from vetted freelance composers, indie to mid-budget productions.
How it works: Post a brief, review tailored pitches, and shortlist composers by reel, genre experience, and turnaround.
Why clients choose Twine: Creative-specialist talent pool, direct collaboration, and a smoother hiring flow than general marketplaces.
Client tip: Include reference tracks, film length, deadline, and deliverables like WAV, stems, 30s cutdowns, and trailer versions.
On Twine, you can find film composers who specialize in a variety of musical styles and have experience working across different types of film genres. The platform’s user-friendly interface allows you to browse composer profiles, listen to their previous work, and review ratings from other filmmakers.
Twine is designed with creative collaboration in mind, helping you not just find a composer, but build a long-term creative relationship.
2. SoundBetter
SoundBetter stands out as a premier platform for connecting filmmakers with top-tier composers. Known for its extensive network of industry professionals, it offers a seamless experience for those seeking high-quality music production services. SoundBetter positions itself more as a high-end production network. The platform is not only a marketplace but also a hub for creativity, where filmmakers can find film composers who are not just skilled musicians but also understand the nuances of film scoring.
Best for: High-end composers and broader audio pros, mixing, mastering, and full post-audio support.
Pricing model: Typically project-based or hourly, varies by talent.
Why it works: Strong profiles, reels, and reviews help you validate fit fast.
Watch-out: Premium talent often books up early, message with your dates and scope.
3. Musicbed
Musicbed is renowned for its curated selection of music, offering filmmakers access to a diverse range of compositions that can enhance any project. With a focus on quality and originality, Musicbed is a go-to platform for those seeking unique musical scores. The platform prides itself on its commitment to supporting independent artists, ensuring that filmmakers can find music that is not only high-quality but also authentic and original.
Best for: Licensed cinematic tracks for films, trailers, branded docs
Model: Licensing
Not ideal if: You need cue-by-cue scoring tied to picture changes
Musicbed shines for licensing existing tracks, but if you want a custom score, platforms like Twine or Score a Score may be better suited.
4. Filmstro
Filmstro offers a unique approach to film scoring, providing filmmakers with dynamic music that can be customized in real-time. This innovative film scoring platform empowers creators to tailor compositions to fit the exact mood and pacing of their scenes. The ability to manipulate music in real-time is a game-changer for filmmakers, allowing for a more interactive and engaging scoring process.
5. Audio Network
Audio Network is a global music company that provides filmmakers with access to a vast library of high-quality tracks. With a focus on diversity and excellence, it offers compositions across a wide range of genres and styles. The platform is known for its commitment to quality, ensuring that every track in its library meets high production standards.
Best for: Broad licensing catalog with consistent production quality.
Model: Licensing, per track or plan depending on usage.
Why it works: Strong filters by mood, tempo, and instrumentation help editors move fast.
Watch-out: Always confirm license scope for festivals, broadcast, and paid distribution.
6. Score a Score
Score a Score specializes in helping filmmakers find film composers who can create custom scores tailored to their specific needs. Known for its personalized service, it is a favorite among directors seeking bespoke compositions. The platform prides itself on its ability to match filmmakers with film composers who not only understand their vision but also bring their own unique artistic flair to the project.
Best for: Hands-on matching with composers for a bespoke score.
Model: Managed service for custom scoring.
Why it works: If you don’t want to sift through hundreds of profiles, a matching service can speed up shortlisting.
Client tip: Ask what’s included, number of revisions, stem delivery, and timeline milestones.
7. Epidemic Sound
Epidemic Sound is a popular choice for filmmakers seeking royalty-free music. With a vast library of tracks, it offers an affordable solution for projects of all sizes. The platform is known for its commitment to quality, ensuring that every track in its library meets high production standards. This focus on quality is essential for filmmakers who want to create professional-grade content without the burden of complex licensing agreements.
Best for: Royalty-free music for indie films, online releases, and content-heavy teams.
Model: Subscription.
Why it works: Fast searching, playlists, and consistent licensing for many online use cases.
Watch-out: Double-check coverage for theatrical, broadcast, and client work depending on plan.
Film Composer Rates and Budget Checklist
Before you hire, define the scope so quotes are comparable:
- total minutes of original music needed
- number of cues and whether timing must match picture edits
- deliverables, full mix, stems, alt mixes, trailer cutdowns
- deadlines, spotting session date, review rounds
- usage, festivals, streaming, theatrical, broadcast, paid ads
- live instruments vs in-the-box, plus mix and master needs
Final Thoughts
Hiring the right composer comes down to fit, workflow, and rights. If you need a score built tightly to your edit, prioritise platforms that let you hire a composer directly and agree on revisions, stems, and milestones upfront. If you’re under a tight deadline, a curated licensing library can get you 80% of the way there fast.
Ready to start? Post your film brief on Twine to receive tailored pitches from composers who score to picture and deliver production-ready stems.
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