Film Directors determine the music's function in a production. Filmmaking is a collaborative process, and the role of Composers who write for film is to support and enhance another's vision. A good score cannot necessarily save a bad film (it does not have the same influence as other key production factors), but a bad or inappropriate score can ruin an otherwise good film. However, writing music for films enables Composers to reach mass audiences, and film soundtracks also exist in their own right, as separate entities from the film, e.g., they may be performed as concert pieces, or released on vinyl, CD or tape.

As well as Composers, there are various other music roles in the film industry, ranging from those responsible for performing and recording music, to organisational and business roles, e.g., managing contracts and obtaining rights clearances. Most of those who carry out these roles, if they are not actually musically trained, have an extensive knowledge of, and interest in, music. A wide range of music-related courses are available at various FE and HE institutions, many of which offer training in the new technologies which are now a key feature in any music production.

The key roles in this area are detailed on this website. Other occupations may include: Musicians' Contractor, Music Researcher, Music Arranger, Orchestrator, Copyist, Songwriter.