Better give a song to a Library or a Music Supervisor?

[Samwinski]

today 3 more solo pianos were forwarded to a Music Supervisor of a popular Reality TV Show (thanks .
One of the pieces had also a forward and a library wants this song exclusively in their catalog.
I haven't signed yet because these are the first experiences in business and I first have to register with a PRO and still checking this out ...

in the moment I can only sign the library, but if I could choose, what would be the better choice for me:

UK-based Production Music Library with lots and lots of great TV and Film placements - exclusively?
or Music Supervisor of a popular Reality TV Show (didn't tell, if exclusively or non-exclusively)

how long can/should I wait or is it best to just take the first?

[cassmcentee]

Great problem to have Sam!
Usually a Music Supervisor works directly on the TV/Film Program and does not sign exclusive deals unless you become the theme song.
You will also make double the money with a "Direct to Supervisor" placement since they are not going through a library where your deal is normally 50/50.
If you had a tune forwarded to a Music Supervisor, I would wait a bit to see if you are contacted for the placement.
THEN, sign the tune with a library.
my thoughts
Cass

[TerrellBurt]

Direct to supervisor opportunities seem to be better to me personally because there's more of a chance that your music will get used. Wait a few weeks to see if you hear back from the supervisor.

In the meantime, you could also let the library know that the piece they want is on hold right now but that you can do something similar to it. So that way, you're utilizing both potential opportunities in a sense.

[Russell Landwehr]

I would probably sign the one with the Exclusive Library and hope the Music Supe chooses one or both of the other two. If the Music Supe wants the one you sign with the library, you can always let them know it became "off" the table between the time TAXI sent it to him and he contacted you.

That being said, the things Cass and Terrell said are valid points, but I'd worry about putting off the Library for too long... you wouldn't want them to rescind their offer.

Russell

[Casey H]

Usually go for the bird in the hand. Remember that a forward is just a forward-- a chance, but a great percentage of forwards to music supervisors do not result in a placement, just by the nature of the business.

So if you've vetted the library that made you the offer and are comfortable with them as a place for your music, I'd take the library deal while it's in front of you.

JMHO
Casey

[VanderBoegh]

I'm with Casey. I always take the deal that's offered, rather than holding out for the one that might be offered.

~~Matt

[Casey H]

abirdinthehand.jpg (66.93 KiB) Viewed 2129 times

[cassmcentee]

[Paulie]

My experience has been that a bird in the hand is worth about three Kleenex.

[Russell Landwehr]

I was going to use the "bird-in-the-hand" phrase but I was afraid that it might mean something totally inappropriate in Europe...