Compose or License?
| Factor | License | Compose |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Lower | Higher |
| Fit to picture | Edited to fit | Written to fit |
| Uniqueness | Others may use it | Yours alone (if agreed) |
| Brand sound | Limited | Can build a sonic identity |
Briefing a Composer
Locked cut
Or near-final timing.
Mood words
Three adjectives.
References
Temp tracks, with caution.
Hit points
Moments music must land on.
Deliverables and Rights
- Stems (separate instrument groups) for mixing
- Short and long edits
- Clear ownership or licence terms
- Usage across media and territories
Avoid temp tracks so close the composer copies them. For audio overall, see our earlier audio and video production guide. For music videos, see music video shooting techniques, and for other assets, video elements.
Why Original Music Can Transform a Video
Music shapes how viewers feel more than almost any other element. Licensed library tracks are convenient, but they are written to fit many videos rather than yours. An original score can rise exactly when your product appears, soften during an emotional interview, and land on the final logo with precision. It can also become part of your brand identity, recognisable across campaigns, events, and adverts.
Original music also avoids a common problem: hearing the same library track in a competitor's video. For brands investing in a flagship film, that uniqueness can be worth the extra cost.
How the Composition Process Usually Works
Most composers start by watching a near-final cut and discussing mood, pacing, and key moments with the director or producer. They may share short sketches or demos to confirm direction before writing the full piece. After feedback, they compose to picture, matching musical changes to cuts and story beats. The final stage includes mixing and delivering files in the formats the editor needs.
Clear communication at the sketch stage saves time later. Agree on direction early rather than discovering disagreements after a full score is written.
Using Temp Tracks Carefully
Editors often cut to temporary music, called temp tracks, to set pace before the final score exists. Temp tracks help everyone imagine the finished video but can create problems. Stakeholders grow attached to them, and composers may feel pressure to copy them closely, which raises copyright concerns. Use temp music as a reference for mood and tempo, and make clear that the final score will be original.
Defining Hit Points
Hit points are moments where music should change or accent the picture, such as a product reveal, a scene change, or a final logo. Listing them with timecodes gives composers a precise map. Too many hit points can make music feel jumpy, so focus on the moments that matter most to the story.
Why You Should Ask for Stems
Stems are separate audio files for groups of instruments, such as drums, strings, and synths. They let the sound mixer balance music with dialogue more precisely and make it easier to create shorter versions later. Asking for stems as part of delivery adds flexibility at little extra cost and is standard practice for professional work.
What Affects the Cost of an Original Score
Cost depends on length, complexity, instrumentation, and rights. A short electronic piece produced by one composer costs less than a long orchestral score recorded with live musicians. Exclusive ownership or broad usage rights usually cost more than a limited licence. Ask composers to quote for the specific uses you need, such as online only or broadcast, so you are not paying for rights you will never use.
Agreeing Music Rights Clearly
Write down who owns the composition and recording, where the music may be used, for how long, and whether the composer may reuse it elsewhere. If you plan to use the music across future campaigns, secure rights that allow it. Clear agreements prevent disputes years later when the music becomes associated with your brand.
From Score to Sonic Brand
Some brands extend an original score into a sonic identity: a short melody or sound used in logos, adverts, apps, and events. Developing this from a successful score creates consistency across touchpoints and helps audiences recognise the brand even without visuals.
Finding the Right Composer
Listen to composers' previous work in styles close to what you need, and ask how they collaborate with editors and directors. A composer who asks thoughtful questions about your audience and story is usually a good sign. Agree timelines that allow for at least one round of feedback after the first full draft.
Original Music Through Editatease
Our video production company in India works with composers for brand films. A video production agency in India can manage briefs and rights for you. Any video production company commissioning music should clarify ownership. Brands call us the best video production company in Bangalore for sonic branding, and campaigns use our composer network as a top video production agency in India.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I compose or license music for my video?
Compose for a unique fit and brand sound; license for lower budgets.
What does a composer need?
A near-final cut, mood words, references, and hit points.
What are stems?
Separate audio tracks for instrument groups, useful in mixing.
Who owns commissioned music?
Whatever the agreement states; clarify before starting.
Music That Fits
Original music fits every cut and builds a brand sound. To commission a score, ask our video production company.
Ready to plan your next video?
Tell us about your project, timeline, and goals, and the Editatease team will suggest the right approach.
Contact Editatease