You need some music in your film. So my advice? Go out and party!

That's right...

Although there are many ways to acquire a musical score for your production, I'm going to promote this one... Go to your local "live music" bars, have a few drinks and check out the local talent. Especially check out the groups who play original music. There are many unknown, local bands out there who kick ass! And even when they don't, often, they have one or two songs that are really catchy. Sometimes, the less popular the group the better.

Unknown bands are like unknown filmmakers; they're hungry! They want their creations to be appreciated. It's commonplace for bands to have a CD copy of their best stuff ready for demo purposes. If you like what you hear, talk with one of the members after the show. Tell them you're an Indie Filmmaker, scouting for local talent, and ask them for a copy of their music. Remember, you're offering them an opportunity, so if they're foolish enough to ask you to pay for it, forget it!

Most are smart enough to give you a copy of something. When they do, don't make any on-the-spot promises. Get a phone number, go home, sober up and listen objectively.

When scouting for musicians, be aware of the individual members of a group. Some "cogs" are just, flat out, talented. You might want to catch them alone. It's great to find one or two cool musicians who will work with you and lay down some tracks. One person may do more for your soundtrack than you could ever imagine.

If you're a musician looking for a way to get your sound out there, you could do far worse than laying it down in an independent motion picture. Copyright your stuff, record it as a "soundtrack album" and market it with the movie.

Finally, any musicians associated with the original musical score need to sign a "music release statement" and "reimbursement agreement." Even if it's just a favor, everything must be in writing.

Word.