Dispatch #D200416DR - signed composers only?

[RobertElse]

Hi all - This Dispatch listing for Dramedy cues (full listing below) has a curious caveat:

"Also, this company is only interested in signing material from composers who have worked for libraries and licensing companies in the past and understand how standard deals work. If you don't have that experience and know the drill on typical deals, then they politely ask that you don't submit to this request."

I know this means they don't want newbies who will drag them through the legal weeds and nit-pick the contract. I understand.

But as someone with lots of forwards but no deals yet, and who would trust a deal from a reputable library and not make a fuss, this restriction seems out of place in the Taxi world.

Are the screeners going to screen my deal history as part of their forwarding criteria? Should I ask forgiveness rather than permission, and go ahead submit anyway?

Would love to hear from anyone on this, especially any Taxi admin folks.

Thanks,
Robert

Here is the full listing:

This company prefers to hear music from composers who are already experienced in the ways of music library deals.

Lots of ORCHESTRAL-Based DRAMEDY INSTRUMENTAL CUES are needed by a U.K. Music Licensing Company with GREAT Worldwide Distribution and lots of awesome placements in Film and TV.
They’re looking for A LOT of Dramedy Cues that can range from quirky and mischievous to playful, sneaky, or quizzical sounding. Please listen to the following examples to get in the broad stylistic wheelhouse of what they’re looking for:

"Desperate Elves" by Steve Barden

“Sneaky Snitch” by Kevin MacLeod

KAPTAIN MUSIC - DRAMEDY STORY

IMPORTANT NOTE: This Company has a high bar and they tend to gravitate towards music that “sounds like releasable commercial Songs” rather than material that sounds like it came from a "typical music library." Also, this company is only interested in signing material from composers who have worked for libraries and licensing companies in the past and understand how standard deals work. If you don't have that experience and know the drill on typical deals, then they politely ask that you don't submit to this request.

Please send in well-crafted, Orchestral-driven Dramedy Instrumental Cues that capture the fun, quirky range of the references above. Your Cues can include Orchestral elements like pizzicato strings, mallets, woodwinds, harp, and pianos. Percussion elements like maracas, castanets, and shakers could be a nice touch as well. Be sure to build your submissions around a central melodic theme or motif, and keep them dynamic and forward-moving by layering other instruments in and out as they progress. Avoid submitting anything that's overtly busy, as it could interfere with a scene’s dialogue.

Your submissions should be 90 seconds to 2 minutes in length, give or take. Non-faded, Buttoned/Stinger endings will work best. Do NOT copy the referenced material in any way, shape, or form. Use it only as a general guide for tempo, tone, and overall vibe. Broadcast Quality is needed.

This company offers an EXCLUSIVE deal, so please be sure the Instrumental Cues you pitch for this opportunity are NOT already signed with other Companies or Catalogs. You'll get 100% of the Writer's share, and the Publisher will get 100% of the Publisher's share. You must own or control your Master and Copyright to submit. Please submit as many Instrumental Cues as you’d like, online or per CD. All submissions will be screened and critiqued by TAXI. Submissions must be received no later than 11:59 PM (PDT) on Thursday, April 16th, 2020. TAXI Dispatch # D200416DR

[cosmicdolphin]

Sounds like they don't want the hassle of a load of back & forth with people who don't know what a standard type deal looks like.

[RobertElse]

So if you were someone with a significant percentage of forwards but no deals yet, would you submit or not?

[Kolstad]

I dont want to work with a library where Id be afraid to ask a “stupid” question. I do have some experience, but Im surprised how they worded this request.

[cassmcentee]

In Life... when there is an opporutnity... TAKE IT!

[TonySollazzo]

Also, this company is only interested in signing material from composers who have worked for libraries and licensing companies in the past and understand how standard deals work. If you don't have that experience and know the drill on typical deals, then they politely ask that you don't submit to this request."

Hi Robert - I've seen many requests with this clause and I've wondered that myself. I know I own all the rights, can create stems, have an IPI, and am not afraid to sign a deal. However what I don't know is what I don't know i.e. what they specifically require.

[RobertElse]

Thanks to all for the replies. After a spell on the fence, I've decided to be a good boy and abide by the instructions in the listings by not submitting. There are plenty more where that came from.
Robert

[andygabrys]

Probably a good call in this instance.

In the future call and ask TAXI directly if you need clarification. On this forum, the admins don't necessarily catch and read every thread or question and respond.

[RobertElse]

Thanks Andy. I thought about contacting them but decided to let it go.
Just spent some time listening to your music - superb stuff, love it. Maybe see you at the next Rally.
Best wishes,
Robert

[ChrisEmond]

I see this trend growing and I wonder how I'm going to be able to create connections with libraries if I can't submit my material. Taxi should find a way to “Certify” it's unsigned members after making sure they understand how these deals work therefore reassuring the clients that they won't have to deal with uneducated Taxi members.
Otherwise, might as well create another category of listings as is the case for Dispatch.