Milking The Pro's - Part 3

Jared Faber scored 3 seasons of Nickelodeon's "As Told By Ginger" and composed its theme song, sung by Macy Gray. Visit him at www.blindlemonmusic.com.

Friedman: What's the hardest thing about being a TV animation composer?

Faber: Deadslines. I am expected to score an episode a week when in production on a series. There's really no margin for error. Most animated shows are very music intensive. It's a lot of music to come up with in a week and then do it again the following week.

Friedman: What's the biggest perk?

Faber: I find it really fun when I meet someone who actually knows one of the shows. When I'm working, it always just seems like some little project that only me and the other people working on it know about. In fact these shows are on TV around the world and are seen by millions of people. I really get a kick out of meeting someone who is a complete stranger and knows one of my shows.

Friedman: Why did you choose to do what you're doing?

Faber: Just trying to make a living making music. It wasn't that deliberate; just got lucky and found an outlet that works for me.

Friedman: How do I get to be where you are now?

Faber: I've been lucky. I've met some good people along the way. I've tried to stay in contact with people. I'm not a real hustler by any means but also I've not been afraid to ask people for what I want. I always try to come through with quality work. I think my real answer is to be looking for and always available to opportunities. Do the best work you can do with any opportunity that comes your way so that you are a valued asset to the process. To me all of those things are obvious, though. There's no place to send your resumé to become a composer for film/TV as far as I know. Be creative not only with your art but with your approach to working. Be flexible and understand that your role is to serve the overall project and not your ego. At the same time be strong in your creative convictions. Try to bring a point of view, an aesthetic.