Sound Designer / Film Composer for 8-Minute Cinematic Short Film

We are looking for an experienced Sound Designer and Film Composer to create a professional cinematic score for an 8-minute short film. The film is already edited and locked. We will provide: Final film/video file Existing music tracks and references Individual music stems (where available) Creative direction and emotional notes Your role is to transform the film's emotional impact through professional scoring, music editing, sound design, and audio mixing. Responsibilities: Analyze the film scene-by-scene and identify emotional beats. Create a cohesive cinematic music score that supports the story. Edit and arrange provided music and stems where appropriate. Add crescendos, swells, transitions, tension-building moments, and emotional releases. Ensure music evolves naturally with the narrative rather than remaining static. Create seamless transitions between scenes and musical themes. Use silence strategically when it improves dramatic impact. Balance dialogue, narration, music, and sound effects. Add subtle sound design elements where beneficial (atmospheres, impacts, risers, transitions, textures, etc.). Enhance pacing through audio design. What We're Looking For: Strong portfolio of narrative film scoring. Experience with fantasy, drama, romance, adventure, or cinematic storytelling. Excellent understanding of: Emotional storytelling through music Orchestration and arrangement Tension and release Musical motifs and recurring themes Dynamic range and pacing Sound design integration Film mixing and mastering Ability to identify where: Music should lead Music should support Music should disappear Sound design should take over Desired Creative Approach We are not looking for wall-to-wall music. The ideal composer understands: Character themes Emotional arcs Crescendos that feel earned Moments of wonder, tension, romance, mystery, triumph, and loss Strategic use of silence Proper scene transitions Layering and development of musical ideas across the film We want the score to feel like it was written specifically for the film, not simply placed underneath it. Deliverables: Final stereo mix Music-only mix Separate stems (Music, FX, Atmospheres, etc.) Project files (preferred) 2 round of revisions included To Apply - Please provide: Links to examples of film scores you created. Examples showing emotional transitions and dynamic scoring. Your typical workflow for scoring a short film. Estimated turnaround time for an 8-minute film. Fixed-price quote. Bonus: Include an example where your score significantly improved the emotional impact of a scene. We are looking for someone who can elevate the film emotionally and make every scene feel intentional, immersive, and cinematic. to prove you read up to here - start your bid with the word "elephant"