Can the writer of a screenplay also create the music, if so how?

Question

I'm writing a screenplay that takes place in the 90's but it has 80's rap in it. If I do the dialog, story, plot, etc. Can I also choose certain songs for the film, or do I just have to write to the producer what type of music I would prefer? If I can choose the music, how do I write it with the screenplay?

Answer 1

Usually I think they get consultants to find the music for projects, which will find choices the director will either approve or disapprove. In general the director has the leverage as to which music is being used. The producer will most probably not really care, unless there is some sort of angle to be exploited for audience. You gotta realize the director is the person who is supposed to have the creative control. The producer will most likely want to keep the co$t down. So basically, if this is a low budget production the producer will most likely want to keep a lot of legendary tracks that will co$t an arm and a leg out of the picture. If you however were to use something royalty free music which will improve the storyline, I am certain your suggestions would be heard.

If you basically want to have a certain kind of music ensured played in a film already at the typewriter-level you need to anchor it in the storyline somehow. The characters talk about the music and make choices because of the music. Basically noone will really care about the creative input of the writer once the script is bought. Unless you are a bigtime screenwriter with power and leverage. The kind that has already written several box office hits and has won an Oscar.