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An interesting conversation at work tonight ... A lady I know has a daughter who's putting together a radio ad for her business and is in need of some unique music. She asked me how much I'd charge for something like that. Not knowing the details, I really didn't have an answer. What sorts of questions should I be asking her? The only thing I mentioned was that synch fees vary tremendously, as I explained what a synch fee was. I DO think she wants this music only to be associated with her product/service and not used elsewhere.

What would YOU do ...? How much would you charge? Am I entitled to mechanical royalties if I register the song with a PRO? Etc.

Thanks,

What you are describing is a jingle. I don't know if this is typical or not of most jingle's but I randomly found this web site when I googled jingles.
http://www.thejinglecompany.com/faqs.html

Thanks Len!

Sounds like a good start. What to charge will be the hard part ...

Pete...
In the past I've done local jingles for small companys and played on national TV jingles....It all hinges on the $$$ ....So what it boils down to are two questions 1. what is their budget? 2. is that worth it to you? You might be able to even charge an annual reuse fee, but most people (small buss owners) are really oblivious to intellectual re use etc etc....

Bill Hullett

Thanks Bill,

I'd really like to make one for this woman, but I can't get her to talk more about the budget and details at the moment. She wants the "world" but something tells me she'll settle for a free, generic, royalty free thing (in which case my job is done).

Would you know if she DID pay me a few bucks, if I'd be entitled to royalties every time it was aired? Assuming I registered it with ASCAP of course.

Thanks again,

Yes, you should get royalties for airplay. Still getting a yearly check from my PRO for the ads I did when I started out producing music. Some of these ads still air and I'm getting a night out with dinner and movies each year from the royalties

That sounds good to me, SongCat!
Thanks,