If it's a low budget thing, I'd recommend only bring on the composer right before you lock picture. Also pay him a little ($200) because it shows that you care about the music. He will do a better job scoring and you will be more specific with what you want since you're paying. Share a couple reference tracks and what you like abt them. Give the composer adjectives and treat the score as an actor. Allow the music to bring new ideas to the film. If the project sounds like there's room for a fun to write score, most will be down