Deal or No Deal? What's the etiquette here?

shellsings · Post by **shellsings** » Sun Aug 25, 2013 7:27 pm

Ok so... I submitted a song to a listing, the person screening was also the person who ran the listing, calls my co-writer and asks if the song is still avail, wants to pitch right away. It gets forwarded . Then the person asks for another song style and we send in one that fits. This person tells us they want to sign both songs to a short term exclusive deal and is pitching them asap.

Well long story short, I have not seen the contract yet. its been over a month, and my co-writer has contacted this person twice via email. I want to call this person tomorrow and ask again if they are still interested as I could be pitching these songs elsewhere.. In fact I pulled one song from another publisher before it was signed because we liked this deal better.

So, I am trying to get their number and call them directly. Do you think that is ok to do or should I send a polite email? Or should I get TAXI to look into it. I mean its hard enough to get a deal, and I am holding these songs for this person.

Thanks !

mikeymike2000 · Post by **mikeymike2000** » Sun Aug 25, 2013 9:02 pm

Hi Shell,

There are no hard and fast template answers that will apply but....

Based on what you are saying if this were me I would just pitch these songs elsewhere since they have not sent you an agreement yet.

If they had news or a potential deal that would make them money they would be burning up your phone/email. When you don't hear from people that is because there is nothing to say. Especially when your co-writer sent an email or two already, I think it is best to leave it be and move on.

Since you didn't sign anything with them yet, nothing is official and if there are other opportunities for these songs I would send them out and whomever is the first to send you an agreement would be the person to go with.... unless you get them both on the same day, then you can figure out who will be the best agent for the song.

***DISCLAIMER: unless you already have a relationship with these people, a verbal "Jersey Boys Agreement" is worth absolutely nothing in Hollywood (between strangers). If you have at least one song with them already then my above comments change to: call them up and ask like you mentioned, but it sounds like that is not the case there cause you would already have their number.

CrimsnSyrn · Post by **CrimsnSyrn** » Sun Aug 25, 2013 9:27 pm

Hi Shell,

I don't see what it could hurt to contact TAXI and see what they think. If it turns out that this person is flakey and the deal falls through, TAXI might want to know about it anyway because they might want to reconsider running for listings for them in the future. Just MHO.

Good luck, I hope it all works out for you. Let us know what happens!

HectorRContreras · Post by **HectorRContreras** » Mon Aug 26, 2013 3:35 am

Dear Michelle,

I like your Instrumental : "You Make Me Feel Beautiful".

Take care. Blessings, Hector

shellsings · Post by **shellsings** » Mon Aug 26, 2013 5:01 am

My co-writer has had songs with them before, and has the number.

I think I will do one more courtesy call before sending elsewhere.

Just a bummer tho.. cuz I wanted to report the deal to taxi..

Kolstad · Post by **Kolstad** » Mon Aug 26, 2013 7:28 am

I don't know about etiquette, but changes frequently happens in the licensing world. Maybe the project suddenly put out new briefs, and the music didn't fit anymore.. maybe the owner got ill.. maybe they are working to get the songs into another project, but want to wait to get back to you untill they know for certain..

Make it a win-win, so they don't have to take music they can't sell (if the project have changed). Be interested in how you can supply them with what they need, even if their needs change.

With danger of sounding like a pollyanna.. just saying, think positive (thats the best "etiquette" I know of). Of course you should still inquire, but the publisher has already shown they like your music.

DesireInspires · Post by **DesireInspires** » Mon Aug 26, 2013 12:55 pm

How much money are you getting for the deal?

If you are not getting any money, forget the deal. If the money is low or moderate, forget the deal. If the money is high, continue to work until the deal is settled. Also continue to shop the music around for a higher paying deal.

It is best to let the money dictate the terms.

shellsings · Post by **shellsings** » Mon Aug 26, 2013 1:23 pm

Just an update

Got in touch with the agent today and they want to work with us and get our songs in their catalog. So I am expecting an email with details and we are talking tomorrow in more detail.

So a little persistence pays off and politeness

Casey H · Post by **Casey H** » Mon Aug 26, 2013 2:16 pm

shellsings wrote:Just an update

Got in touch with the agent today and they want to work with us and get our songs in their catalog. So I am expecting an email with details and we are talking tomorrow in more detail.

So a little persistence pays off and politeness

Great to hear! Lots of luck to you and that co-writer of yours!

Casey

mikeymike2000 · Post by **mikeymike2000** » Mon Aug 26, 2013 7:15 pm

That's awesome!

Congrats, Shell and your co-writer.

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