Absolutely true! It is a film business and our career “success” is entirely based on the success of the film. Take it from me, 20yrs in and 100% most of my films no one has seen or heard of. That not about music quality it is entirely film quality that has dictated my career “success”.

Too large a budget, they want the same— do what was successful for others or other films, don’t “rock the boat”. A marvel film or a rom-com has music expectations that a John Cage type score may not work for. Both situations lead to banality (but fun and often paid well or keeping publishing).

I feel “originality” or unque score is really what many do want but it really depends on budget! Too low— they want a score they can’t afford (ie Zimmer or Williams or large successful film sound) to fix short comings in their low budget film…

However… as you know.. often what the scene should make us feel is either not in the script, the acting or how it is filmed does not work of make us feel anything so music can help. In many scenes music can really help the audience— Goldsmith seem to get these scenes often