Music finished!

Tracks sound great, really happy about it.  Might hire the composer to do additional music once I've released a beta of the game to add additional tracks.

Today's to-do list:

• finish storyboarding (more to do for new copywriting stuff)
• finish editing dialogue (sections of the first 50 pages need work)
• Start learning a bit of code so that I can contribute (minimally) to the programming (because I'm going to need to input all the code functions into the text, I have a feeling)

I want to e-mail everyone to start speeding things up, but I should let them take their time...the text isn't ready, so it doesn't matter about the other stuff at this point.

Finalizing the music

The composer has put together some amazing stuff...I'm getting really excited about it.

So far we have:

Two area themes
One battle theme
A 'boss' theme
Battle sfx

Now just need to e-mail the background artist.  E-mailed the copywriter last night.  Had to explain that I'm doing a lot of editing which is normal for a first draft, but hoping the second draft isn't as much editing.  (I can't afford to be held up another two weeks on copy again.)  But he's doing good for just coming on board, and pretty sure this is one of his first freelancing gigs.

I'm going to be working on the game script while I jam to the music, and I need to e-mail the programmer.

I had such a good sleep last night.  It's amazing what a little bit of R&R can do for your outlook on life.

Got the battle theme from the composer

Too epic sounding, so now he has to redo it. 

The sad thing is that he followed what I asked when I originally set out all my ideas.

The problem is that I changed how I felt by time we got through two or three songs.


Yay for me being such a great manager. 

Another e-mail sent to the music guy

He gave me a draft track, already.  Sounds pretty awesome, but I suggested changes anyways.  I want it in minor!  Har har har! 

But he's doing swell thus far.

Sound guy now working on music

He really apparently got what I was trying to say.

Which was nice, since that was a two and half hour e-mail to write. 

Storyboard meeting tomorrow with the new copy editor I'm hoping to take on with me, we'll see how it goes.

Musician interviews are finished

But still torn.  Both are good, both were ok to talk with.  Might have to go with a gut feeling on this, but think I'll ask for a second opinion.

I have it down to two incredibly talented composers

I tried to narrow it down by price...but they're asking the same price!  AHA.  HILARIOUS.

Seriously, the stuff they've made is really, really powerful stuff.

That aside, I'm happy with either that I pick, I think.

This may seriously be the hardest choice I've had to make yet.

=(


I want to hire them all.  Balls. 


OK, recap:


1)  I want classic fantasy. 
2)  I want someone with an understanding of chiptunes for the comedic themes.
3)  I want someone who really wants to work on a fantasy game.
4) I want a really awesome ballad piece that is intricate, so I want someone capable of that.
5) I want someone I can give a chance, my age, if possible. (I believe in hiring in my generation.)

Repeat after me:  Do not let having worked with John Mayer, Hollywood films, International Automakers, A-list film companies, or other people who are amazing.  I want someone who can grow with the project. 

Deep breath.

More music listening....

I wish I could close the bidding, but I can't....argh I now have around 50 bids on this. 

Also, who says, "If you don't hire me, good luck on your binary conundrum?'

Getting even MORE response for the music

Wow, if the game itself is as popular as the music ad I posted, I should be able to retire quite early in life.

Wow people

It blows my mind that I'm getting industry standard professionals applying for peanuts to a freelancer posting I put up 7 days ago.  I have people that have worked on Microsoft projects, Hollywood movies, etc.

I have 41 bids on a site that doesn't even really have a specific area for 'music.'  This is insane.  Plus 35 private e-mails.


Currently shortlisting....

Basque Music

I've been listening to a lot of cultural music as I prepare to hire a musician to score the game, and I really liked this piece.  It's one of the most famous, naturally, but very beautiful.  The Basque musical culture is such a blend of different traditions, it's really enjoyable to listen.

That being said, I have 30 more e-mails to read from people who want the job.  Sigh.