Question about licencing fees

TheRod · Post by **TheRod** » Thu Apr 05, 2012 9:45 am

Hi all, new to the board. I figured this would be a good place to get some info regarding licencing fees and legal mumbo jumbo. Received a contract this week for representing my music for film / TV placements. There is a portion of the contract that I am unclear on. First, thing that I need clarification on is in the case of being placed, the contract stipulates a commission fee of 50% from all gross licencing fees (including but not limited to sync fees and master use fees.) This is non-exclusive with a 50% publishing split. I am registered with ASCAP as writer and publisher of all songs. Contract is based in California law.

Could anybody tell me a ballpark estimate of what percentage I should expect in return based on the above. The commission thing and sync / master use fees are the main points I am really unclear on. Does this look pretty standard to you TAXI folks? I think this source is legit but dont want to sign without first asking advise. Thanks in advance for the input...

BruceBrown · Post by **BruceBrown** » Thu Apr 05, 2012 5:42 pm

I'm not an expert by any means, but I think that means that if a tv show or film wants an exclusive on a song they may pay a fee for it.
Let's say they pay $1,000.00 You would get $500.00 and your publisher would keep the other $500.00
Hope this helps. I'm sure others will respond to help you also.
Later
Bruce

TheRod · Post by **TheRod** » Thu Apr 05, 2012 6:42 pm

thanks for the response bruce. anyone out there know about the commission fee situation?

mazz · Post by **mazz** » Thu Apr 05, 2012 7:53 pm

In my experience non exclusive deals often split sync fees with their writers.

TheRod · Post by **TheRod** » Fri Apr 06, 2012 9:27 am

mazz:
so the commission fees sound pretty standard then?

davewalton · Post by **davewalton** » Fri Apr 06, 2012 11:16 am

TheRod wrote:mazz:
so the commission fees sound pretty standard then?

I'm not Mazz

but what you've put out there reads like the most common and standard arrangement out there.

kurtkreimier · Post by **kurtkreimier** » Fri Apr 06, 2012 12:59 pm

The only thing that caught my eye here was that you have all the songs registered with ASCAP with you as writer and publisher. Even with a 50% split it seems the publisher who is pitcing the songs (not you) may want to register the songs to make sure the 50/50 split on the publishing is properly registered with the PRO. This may require new titles for the tracks unless a different arrangement is worked where you collect all the publishing and then send the pitching publisher their share at a later date.

TheRod · Post by **TheRod** » Fri Apr 06, 2012 2:45 pm

You guys rock. Thanks for the information. About to sign my first deal...

Question about licencing fees

Question about licencing fees

Re: Question about licencing fees

Re: Question about licencing fees

Re: Question about licencing fees

Re: Question about licencing fees

Re: Question about licencing fees

Re: Question about licencing fees

Re: Question about licencing fees

Who is online