The internet is an invaluable resource for finding auditory clips to insert into your film. For a fee, you can purchase the right to use these pre-recorded sounds and download them instantly onto your computer. Be aware that some sites charge more than others, and often the difference in price is staggering. If you know that you will be animating for some time to come, you may decide to purchase a collection of music or sound effects. Many websites will sell you a volume of several disks, usually categorized by theme, which you can then keep at home and use as many times as you wish. These disks can cost several hundred dollars, so make sure that the investment will be worth it for you in the long run. Some of the companies that sell such music libraries include SoundFX.com, CSSMusic.com and LeonardoSoft.com.
A much less expensive way to purchase royalty-free sound can be found by browsing some of the many websites that sell individual tracks. Do you need a realistic gunshot? You can listen to hundreds of samples before selecting the one that is just right for your film, often for only a few dollars. Would you like to add a howling, desolate wind in the background? You can select and purchase that track separately, and layer the two sounds in post-production. Sounddogs.com and Soundrangers.com are both excellent
websites to use when choosing royalty-free individual tracks. These companies even allow you to type keywords into a search tool to narrow down specific effects. If you want to add a tense background score to a stop motion horror film, you can let your imagination run wild by using adjectives such as “frightening”, “foreboding” or “ominous” and watch as the music selections appear for your review.
As you purchase individual tracks, you will find that your collection quickly grows into a customized library. A good rule of thumb is to always keep an eye out for sound-effects discs in the music section at your local store. These can often be found for a bargain, and will allow you to expand your resources that much more.
If you decide that you do not have the budget to pursue these options, or can afford a few sound effects but not a musical score, you may want to add an original work to your film. Spend some time listening to unsigned artists who post their music on websites like Soundclick.com and Electromancer.com. You will be able to email musicians and let them know about your film, and the chances are good that many of them would be thrilled to have their music be a part of your project.
There are many ways to acquire music and sound while staying within your budget. The search for these effects is always exciting and can become quite addictive. Whatever the case, you are sure to find suitable tracks for your film.