theStyg
Member
EDIT: March 15, 2020. Contract is now more favorable than my first reading implied, as it acknowledges that I offer my work as the sole retainer of the performance rights. I have also signed with a PRO. I'm more unsure as to how publishing rights work in this instance and am wanting to make sure I'm doing this right, hah.
I was offered to score a project for an online streaming service. Music composition isn't my full-time gig yet and I haven't had an opportunity like this, though I'm somewhat familiar with the types of royalties that can be granted. I've had more clear-cut opportunities in the past, but never been able to fully wrap my head around how royalties work in regards to streamed productions using commissioned work.
In the contract I've just been provided, I noticed a clause forgoing royalties (mechanical or otherwise). I'm not signed with a PRO (my mistake, wasn't really on my mind until now), and don't know where to start in regards to negotiating this type of thing. I've heard mechanical royalties aren't super common for commissioned work (not sure how much truth there is to that), but I'd like to know about how to ensure publishing rights at least.
I'm sure there are good resources out there, but honestly, there's such a wealth of info and so much of it seems geared towards songwriters/producers who aren't working on commission, self-releasing tracks. As a result, I just have no idea where to start in negotiating these types of contracts for my purposes.
Do I expect life-changing amounts of money from this production? Not really, but I'd like to know how to go about negotiating this type of thing in the future. Any advice for a total noob would be great! Be it for Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, etc...
TL;DR - offered a gig writing music for a streamed production that might be trying to have me sign royalties away. First time doing this, no PRO. Need advice.
I was offered to score a project for an online streaming service. Music composition isn't my full-time gig yet and I haven't had an opportunity like this, though I'm somewhat familiar with the types of royalties that can be granted. I've had more clear-cut opportunities in the past, but never been able to fully wrap my head around how royalties work in regards to streamed productions using commissioned work.
In the contract I've just been provided, I noticed a clause forgoing royalties (mechanical or otherwise). I'm not signed with a PRO (my mistake, wasn't really on my mind until now), and don't know where to start in regards to negotiating this type of thing. I've heard mechanical royalties aren't super common for commissioned work (not sure how much truth there is to that), but I'd like to know about how to ensure publishing rights at least.
I'm sure there are good resources out there, but honestly, there's such a wealth of info and so much of it seems geared towards songwriters/producers who aren't working on commission, self-releasing tracks. As a result, I just have no idea where to start in negotiating these types of contracts for my purposes.
Do I expect life-changing amounts of money from this production? Not really, but I'd like to know how to go about negotiating this type of thing in the future. Any advice for a total noob would be great! Be it for Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, etc...
TL;DR - offered a gig writing music for a streamed production that might be trying to have me sign royalties away. First time doing this, no PRO. Need advice.
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