Depends on the score and the composer. Someone like John Williams likely commands well in excess of $1 million per project, regardless of the film in question. An unknown composer for an independent film could receive anywhere from $5 or $10 thousand and up.

More often than not, the budget for the performers comes out of the composer's fee - so you have to factor that in to the equation as well. Luckily, there's those little royalties to consider, which come from advertising for the film, showings of the film, home video sales, and CD soundtrack sales - and can bring in a considerable amount of money for the composer as well.

shehan23, August 13, 2009; 5:15 PM