The Gig Hunting Kit

Build Genuine Connections & Land Film Scoring Gigs Online

A self-paced course dedicated to helping introverted composers find and connect with filmmakers through social media- minus the anxiety.

Does this sound familiar?

You feel “fake” and inauthentic reaching out to filmmakers

Networking feels like a catch-all concept and you feel confused about how to do it, especially online. You also don’t feel motivated to “build relationships” and need a deeper reason to take action.

You’re an introvert with social anxiety

You’re afraid of coming off as super awkward and interacting with new people takes a lot of your energy. Because of your fear, you avoid setting up meetings and miss out on opportunities to build trust with a filmmaker.

You’re scared of ruining the relationship with the “wrong” message

The last thing you want to do is send a message that leads to no replies or rubs the filmmaker the wrong way- especially if it’s a promising connection.

I’ve helped composers just like you!

At the beginning of 2024 I ran the first version of the Gig Hunting Kit in a 90 minute workshop and began working with composers 1:1. Here’s what my students are saying:

Do you feel like you’re standing in your own way?

You’ve spent years dedicated to learning composition or music production and now you want to start scoring films.

You’d love to collaborate with filmmakers but are very introverted and know that moving to LA or becoming a composer’s assistant isn’t the path for you.

You start wondering things like:

  • Where do I find filmmakers to contact?

  • How do I get my foot in the door?

  • What do I even say to a filmmaker without sounding desperate?

These are all things that I used to ask myself.

If you’re like me, you might be going through something like this…

  • You find it kind of stressful to meet new people as an introvert

  • You worry about initiating conversations online without sounding forced or like you want something from someone

  • You care too much about what other people think and it keeps you from posting content about you and your music online

  • You have no idea where to find filmmakers other than Facebook groups, job listings, and film schools

  • You’re trying to put yourself out there on social media, but it feels like a waste of time

Many aspiring film composers think that the ones who are “lucky to have friends in the industry” or are “social butterflies” are the only ones that get work.

This just isn’t true.

In 2021, I was a full-time healthcare worker during the pandemic and I landed my first paid gig EVER when I reached out to a filmmaker I found on Indiegogo (a crowdfunding website).

This is me in 2021 sharing the story of how I realized how I could get gigs through crowdfunding sites!

From 2021 to 2023, I worked on nearly 20 projects ranging from podcasts, short films, and feature films all on my own in spite of my introverted nature and social anxiety.

Why I made the Gig Hunting Kit:

You probably know me from my content. Originally, I was just documenting my journey to becoming a film composer and putting myself out there. But when I began landing dozens of gigs online using crowdfunding sites I wondered if anyone else was talking about it.

No one was talking about it from what I could find online.

So I started sharing w/ other composers how I was building connections in a genuine way for free through my content.

Despite how anxious it made me at first, I also started to fall in love with teaching in addition to composing when I began hosting workshops to test if my strategy would work for others.

It did!

Eventually, it got to a point where newer composers kept asking me the same questions.

I quickly realized that I was not alone in feeling anxious about networking.

And so, the Gig Hunting Kit was born!

How it Works

Step 1: Take the course

  • There's 4 modules total totaling 2-hours of content:

    Module 1 - Introduction to the Kit

    Module 2 - Outreach & Messaging Strategy (how to find and message filmmakers)

    Module 3 - Gig Hunting Checklist (how to decide which filmmakers are the best fit for you)

    Module 4 - Tips for the Journey Ahead (making content, setting goals, and when to expect getting your first gigs)

  • Yes!

    P.S. if you have time to watch YouTube or go on social media, you have time to do 1 module a week.

Step 2: Apply what you learned

  • By the time you hit Module 2, you'll know exactly where and how to connect with filmmakers. Be prepared to get some replies!

  • You might encounter some challenges or feel unsure about how to approach a certain filmmaker. All GHK students are welcome to send me their questions!

Step 3: Book your 1:1 session (Complete Package students only)

  • This will bring you to a calendar where you can book a monthly call with me for 3 months,

    Once we get started and you begin to see results, you'll want to keep going!

  • After Module 1, you'll start contacting filmmakers and likely have lots of questions about the DMs you sent, where to take the conversation, and what kind of content you think they'd enjoy.

Here’s 2 ways we can work together to expand your network and land your next gig.

Gig Hunting Kit | Basic Package ($200)

For composers with a more moderate introverted nature who just need a push to start reaching out to filmmakers and landing film scoring work from the comfort of their own home through social media.

Includes:

  • 2 Hours of Video Content

  • 4-Step Outreach & Messaging Strategy

  • Gig Hunting PDF Guide

  • Lifetime Updates

Gig Hunting Kit | Complete Package ($500)

For the more introverted composer looking for consistent support and advice for connecting with filmmakers. Over three months we can work together at a sustainable pace and make sure you’re forming genuine connections.

Includes:

  • Gig Hunting Kit Basic Package

  • 1 x 60 Minute 1:1 Session per Month (for 3 months)

What You’ll Get

Proven Strategies

Apply the outreach and messaging strategy that I share in the course and you’ll be making genuine connections in the part of the film industry you want to compose for.

Introvert Friendly 1:1 Sessions

If learning in an environment full of other students makes you kind of anxious, don’t worry! We will meet 1:1 on Zoom in a more chill learning environment.

Lifetime Access & Upgrades

As I keep adding more modules and offer additional support to students, the price will go up – but not for you! By entering now, you secure your networking education forever at the cheapest it’ll ever be and get access to more 1:1 coaching after you complete the course.

Start Today

Basic Package — $200

For composers who just need a push to start connecting with filmmakers online. Course only.

Complete Package — $500

For composers looking for consistent support connecting with filmmakers via 1:1 in addition to the course.

✺ Frequently asked questions ✺

  • This course is for introverted composers who feel lost when it comes to networking and need help landing their first gigs.

  • Click on Enroll Today and it'll take you to a checkout page to purchase the course which is hosted on PayHip!

  • The course is not taught live and you can go through the modules at your own pace.

  • For life! I also plan on updating and adding more course material as I work with more composers going through the Gig Hunting Kit.

  • Based on past students, I would say in general anywhere between 3-6 months.

    But, if you go through the Gig Hunting Kit and find it's not right for you, send me an email within the first 21 days of your purchase date and I'll send you a full refund. No questions asked.

    cheskamakesmusic@gmail.com