Work For Hire Forms

[guest4254]

I've been looking online for a WFH form, and there seems to be an abundance of them, all somewhat different than the other. I have a guitar player, who added a track to a song I wrote and want to make sure he gets something in return for his work. Is it possible to give him a percentage of the song as a co-writer, or does it need to be a monetary amount?

Does anyone have, or can post a link to a WFH form that they use?

[AlanHall]

I've no experience with the contracts. It's up to you (and your collaborator) if you give them writing credits or a paid date. Either/or, not both. What's best for the guitarist, career-wise? Do they want to pursue writing, or are they more likely to make a name as a session musician?

[Casey H]

You can give him a percentage by making him a co-writer/owner at some percentage OR pure work-for-hire where he gets one fee and no further royalties. Like Alan said, it's whatever you and the guitar player feel most comfortable with.

The WFH has the advantage that you'll never have to chase him down for signatures on music library contracts. Co-writers have to sign all agreements along with you. And also, since many songs never make a penny or any earnings get spread over many years, he gets something for his efforts guaranteed up front. So, my vote would be pay him a reasonable session fee and go the WFH route. This assumes that you have the cash available and his fee isn't too bad.

Best,
Casey

[superkons]

You can give him a percentage by making him a co-writer/owner at some percentage OR pure work-for-hire where he gets one fee and no further royalties. Like Alan said, it's whatever you and the guitar player feel most comfortable with.

The WFH has the advantage that you'll never have to chase him down for signatures on music library contracts. Co-writers have to sign all agreements along with you. And also, since many songs never make a penny or any earnings get spread over many years, he gets something for his efforts guaranteed up front. So, my vote would be pay him a reasonable session fee and go the WFH route. This assumes that you have the cash available and his fee isn't too bad.

Best,
Casey

Casey, since the OP mentioned they were looking for WFH forms, I remember you did have a good one (I used it myself, and it worked out perfectly!), so perhaps you could make that available again?