KVR Audio

Daniele Nasuti · Post by **Daniele Nasuti** » Mon Mar 13, 2023 12:27 am

I was contacted by a producer. They want to use my song in their film and they want to do it for free, giving me only the credits (on-screen and IMDB). Is that normal for a composer like me who never did a film so far?

I was thinking about asking 300 $ at least for the Non-Exclusive sync license. Is it too much considering I’m not famous and I haven’t any credits on IMDB?

They said that if it’s a non-exclusive license they want it for free. And give me only the credits. The thing is they want also that I change the piano sound, PLUS they want to make a new version with a new female voice (recorded by them).

So if I tell them I can give only the non-exclusive license for 300 $ and only if they use my original version?
In case they want to change will cost 500 $… Do you think it’s a reasonable price?
(I think it’s kind of big producer, their previous films were about budget 100.000 and another film it’s 10.000.000 on IMDB. But I have no idea what budget is the new film they are doing… could be a flop too, right?)
(Have you ever had experience with chinese films? Do they collect royalties? And after how much time I can earn those?)

PLUS about exclusivity… Could I keep all the rights on my music and original song version, and give them only the exclusivity for that specific new version of the song? (In this case I could do everything I want with my version…)

thecontrolcentre · Post by **thecontrolcentre** » Mon Mar 13, 2023 1:32 am

My advice is ... ask a music lawyer if you're sure the "producer" is genuine.

BONES · Post by **BONES** » Mon Mar 13, 2023 2:39 am

You just have to look at it and decide what it's worth to you. You'll get exposure and full credit, yet you will still be free to use that piece of music for yourself. If they are going ot re-ecord it, then you ar eonly granting publishing rights and, unless you ahve a publishing deal, it's hard to see you getting any money out of anyone. From what you've said, though, I think it might be worth it for the exposure you will gain. Because, at the end of the day, you have nothing to lose so why not do it?

PatchAdamz · Post by **PatchAdamz** » Mon Mar 13, 2023 2:53 am

What films have they produced?

zerocrossing · Post by **zerocrossing** » Mon Mar 13, 2023 2:55 am

Sounds scammy. I’m sure the producer expects to get something for their troubles. Why not you?

Scrubbing Monkeys · Post by **Scrubbing Monkeys** » Mon Mar 13, 2023 3:18 am

So tired of ....do this for free in order to get exposure....expose this.

dayjob · Post by **dayjob** » Mon Mar 13, 2023 3:35 am

lawyer lawyer lawyer lawyer.

can't say it enough. you don't want to surrender your song and the rights to it.. even the performance rights to whoever is going to make a new version etc. that should still be your copyright and you should get royalties for that but a music lawyer can spell it out for you. don't sign anything. don't agree to anything.

lawyer.

Uncle E · Post by **Uncle E** » Mon Mar 13, 2023 4:07 am

Daniele Nasuti wrote: Mon Mar 13, 2023 12:27 am I was contacted by a producer. They want to use my song in their film and they want to do it for free, giving me only the credits (on-screen and IMDB). Is that normal for a composer like me who never did a film so far?

Pretty normal. When I was working in the music supervision department of New Line Cinema, I saw even worse deals than this, composers basically paying to be in films. They made substantial money on the back-end so it was worth it to them. You haven't told us what you'll make on the back-end.

I was thinking about asking 300 $ at least for the Non-Exclusive sync license. Is it too much considering I’m not famous and I haven’t any credits on IMDB?

A small amount like that isn't worth asking for. Either ask for more or figure out if this is going to benefit you in any significant way besides monetarily.

They said that if it’s a non-exclusive license they want it for free. And give me only the credits. The thing is they want also that I change the piano sound, PLUS they want to make a new version with a new female voice (recorded by them).

How much will the credit impact you? Are they a major company? What kind of distribution do they have in place? How many people will see this movie? Is it going to win awards?

Looking at it from a different perspective, can you use the version with their female voice? Maybe you'll get a great vocal out of this, which could be cool.

(I think it’s kind of big producer, their previous films were about budget 100.000 and another film it’s 10.000.000 on IMDB. But I have no idea what budget is the new film they are doing… could be a flop too, right?)

Those are tiny budgets by American standards but Chinese companies can do pretty amazing worth with small budgets.

lobanov · Post by **lobanov** » Mon Mar 13, 2023 6:29 am

Daniele Nasuti wrote: Mon Mar 13, 2023 12:27 am ... The thing is they want also that I change the piano sound ...

Charge $300 for this job. And give them the rest for free.

BertKoor · Post by **BertKoor** » Mon Mar 13, 2023 7:23 am

Daniele Nasuti wrote: Mon Mar 13, 2023 12:27 am They said that if it’s a non-exclusive license they want it for free. And give me only the credits. The thing is they want also that I change the piano sound, PLUS they want to make a new version with a new female voice (recorded by them).

Sounds like work, and work has to be paid. Is the rest of the crew doing it for credits only as well?

Give them a fair quote, specify what the real costs and hourly tariff is.
You'll see fast enough whether they are then still interested. Or not...

PatchAdamz · Post by **PatchAdamz** » Mon Mar 13, 2023 7:27 am

You will need a lawyer anyway to deal with all the details that play into artist rights.
Its not always as simple as "just let us use it, we will give you credit".

Why?

What if they dont give you credit?
What if they do a re-release or sell it to a larger film company?
What if your tune becomes a popular theme and they have the rights, as connected to the film?
Rights in China may not be the same rights in US,UK,Canada....

Its never as simple as it seems, especially when doing business abroad.
What language is the contract in?

(Thus the importance of an entertainment lawyer.)

BONES · Post by **BONES** » Mon Mar 13, 2023 7:36 am

PatchAdamz wrote: Mon Mar 13, 2023 7:27 amWhat if they dont give you credit?

Then you are no worse off than if you say no.

What if they do a re-release or sell it to a larger film company?

Then there is a good chance you'll get even more exposure.

What if your tune becomes a popular theme and they have the rights, as connected to the film?

They aren't asking for exclusice rights, so he'll still be free to promote it for his own purposes.

Rights in China may not be the same rights in US,UK,Canada....

Basically, there aren't any copyright laws in China. The fact that they've asked is probably just a courtesy. If they want to use it, they'll use it.

(Thus the importance of an entertainment lawyer.)

Yeah, spend $500 on a lawyer to make sure you get your $300. That makes perfect sense. If you are going to get ripped off, wouldn't you rather get ripped off by a movie producer than a lawyer?

PatchAdamz · Post by **PatchAdamz** » Mon Mar 13, 2023 7:42 am

BONES wrote: Mon Mar 13, 2023 7:36 am
PatchAdamz wrote: Mon Mar 13, 2023 7:27 amWhat if they dont give you credit?
Then you are no worse off than if you say no.
What if they do a re-release or sell it to a larger film company?
Then there is a good chance you'll get even more exposure.
What if your tune becomes a popular theme and they have the rights, as connected to the film?
They aren't asking for exclusice rights, so he'll still be free to promote it for his own purposes.
Rights in China may not be the same rights in US,UK,Canada....
Basically, there aren't any copyright laws in China. The fact that they've asked is probably just a courtesy. If they want to use it, they'll use it.
(Thus the importance of an entertainment lawyer.)
Yeah, spend $500 on a lawyer to make sure you get your $300. That makes perfect sense. If you are going to get ripped off, wouldn't you rather get ripped off by a movie producer than a lawyer?

Your assuming a lot of things here.....

One of the benefits of using a lawyer is solid legal advice, as opposed to the ambiguously false assumptions, and the unseen scenarios.

Not to mention, China is notoriously bad when it comes to artist rights.

BONES · Post by **BONES** » Mon Mar 13, 2023 8:01 am

So, given that, why would you bother with a lawyer, who won't know what the laws are in China and will want a shit-ton of cash to find out? If I can manage the rest of my life without having to speak to a lawyer, I'll consider that a big win.

osiris · Post by **osiris** » Mon Mar 13, 2023 1:32 pm

This is a good read :
https://www.diyfilmcomposer.com/film-co ... -you-make/

Especially this: 'A word of warning, though: don’t become “that guy” – meaning, don’t give away your talents for free and get the reputation as the cheap guy in town. And don’t do it with the intention of undercutting the market for other composers. '

I was contacted by a producer. They want to use my song in their film and they want it for free