NBC, ABC, etc won't license from non-exclusive libraries

[Casey H]

The only people who have risk, and even that's not REALLY clear, are those who have the same tracks in multiple non-exclusive libraries.

Matt Hirt and other experienced folks have been advising for years to treat each library as exclusive-- only ONE library for a track, regardless of exclusive or non-exclusive. While I agree, that's excellent advice, I made the conscious decision not to follow it. With a small catalog, I found it just wasn't good for ME with my goals at the time. However, I went in knowing there was risk associated with it. Had I not done this, I would not have had music on close to 20 TV shows, as I do now. So, it worked for me and what I wanted to accomplish for a time… Going forward, I may change my strategy.

Regarding the highly successful library that Dave Walton mentioned, they DID have some issues with one of the major networks awhile back but I believe they struck a deal based on how they re-title tracks-- adding a tag to the original copyrighted title. With THEIR quality and reputation, they may have been able to get by. Whether that will continue for them, I don't know. It depends on how strict the networks get about insisting that the licensing party truly have exclusive rights.

Casey

[boatrider]

I think that while this might generally be true, for reasons such as : many non-exl. libraries need to offer the extra incentive and networks don't want duplicate pitches, an effort to categorize music without confusing re-titles - I don't think it applies to all non-exclusive libraries, especially the top-notch ones, as Dave mentioned, and to my experience, my preferred library is non-exlusive and pitches primarily to network TV shows, feature films and Ads. and I don't see the momentum they've built with high-profile placements being cut down to exclusivity by the end of the year...
Could it also depend on the track? an Indie artist's song, vs. a signed artist's song vs. an instrumental cue..etc, I think this may be a factor too...

[DesireInspires]

Translation: THE SKY IS FALLING!!

WTF?!?

I said nothing about the sky falling.

Anyway, the issue of non-exclusive vs. exclusive libraries is not a big deal. I am making money from both as well. My catalog will grow as a result of my amazing abilities as a composer and businessman.

The results I have speak for themselves.

[Casey H]

My catalog will grow as a result of my amazing abilities as a composer and businessman.

And your humility.

[DesireInspires]

My catalog will grow as a result of my amazing abilities as a composer and businessman.

And your humility.

They say that pride comes before the fall.

[guscave]

Keep in mind that they are only talking about major networks. This library does a LOT of business with cable networks as well. That's were all my placements with them have happen so far and most of these cable networks will continue to buy from non-exclusive. For me what this means is that I will be more pro-active and focused on what libraries get certain types of cues.

Like Casey, when I started I put about 30 songs in over 15 different non-exclusive libraries in order to see which ones worked best for me. Today I'm only working with 4 non-exclusive libraries (2 of them royalty free) and 3 exclusive libraries. Again the trick is knowing which library works best with certain types of music and productions.

[fusilierb]

Keep in mind that they are only talking about major networks. This library does a LOT of business with cable networks as well. That's were all my placements with them have happen so far and most of these cable networks will continue to buy from non-exclusive. For me what this means is that I will be more pro-active and focused on what libraries get certain types of cues.

Like Casey, when I started I put about 30 songs in over 15 different non-exclusive libraries in order to see which ones worked best for me. Today I'm only working with 4 non-exclusive libraries (2 of them royalty free) and 3 exclusive libraries. Again the trick is knowing which library works best with certain types of music and productions.

Word!

[slideboardouts]

One piece, one publisher. It makes sense.

My version of this is a little different. It reads:

"One piece, one publisher, and a per track advance for the exclusive rights to publish my music. That makes sense."

Keep in mind that they are only talking about major networks. This library does a LOT of business with cable networks as well. That's were all my placements with them have happen so far and most of these cable networks will continue to buy from non-exclusive. For me what this means is that I will be more pro-active and focused on what libraries get certain types of cues.

Yes but keep in mind that the major networks own a lot of cable channels. ABC, ABC Family, and the Disney channels are all the same company. NBC owns E!, Style, and plenty others I'm sure. Versus is owned by one of the majors... I think NBC but it might be CBS. These are just off the top of my head. So this decision could filter down to the cable networks as well.

I don't think that anybody's non-exclusive tracks are going to be dead in the water, even if they have the same tracks in multiple non-exclusive libraries. They will get used somewhere if they are good tracks. I wouldn't worry about that particular issue. But there are certainly other things to be concerned about IMHO.

-Steve

[DesireInspires]

I don't think that anybody's non-exclusive tracks are going to be dead in the water, even if they have the same tracks in multiple non-exclusive libraries. They will get used somewhere if they are good tracks. I wouldn't worry about that particular issue. But there are certainly other things to be concerned about IMHO.

-Steve

Awesome. So I will still be making money. That is what I care about the most.