TAXI.com

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...

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

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

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

mazz:
so the commission fees sound pretty standard then?

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.

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.

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