what exactly does "needledrop deal" mean?

[gitarrero]

hi folks,I read the term "needledrop deal" several times in connection with music libraries.however, I'm not really sure what exactly this means and how it works.can anybody help me?thanks,martin

[avillaronga]

Remember the old record players? To play the disc you dropped a needdle on it. It basically means pay-per-play, some libraries charge their clients based on the number of plays for a particular track, others use a blanket license that allows unlimited use the track in a particular medium. Antonio

[horacejesse]

Quote:It basically means pay-per-play, some libraries charge their clients based on the number of plays for a particular track, others use a blanket license that allows unlimited use the track in a particular medium. Which of those two practices is more prevalent?

[avillaronga]

Quote:Which of those two practices is more prevalent? My experience with libraries is limited (so far! ) but from the 4 or 5 libraries I've dealt with directly it has been my observation that the higher caliber ones are using the needledrop licensing less and less and some don't at all. I see it more in the lesser quality or not-so-well-established-yet libraries.

[gitarrero]

thanks antonio!

[matto]

Quote:My experience with libraries is limited (so far! ) but from the 4 or 5 libraries I've dealt with directly it has been my observation that the higher caliber ones are using the needledrop licensing less and less and some don't at all. I see it more in the lesser quality or not-so-well-established-yet libraries.I would have to disagree with the idea that it has anything to do with quality. It's true some of the biggest companies don't do needle drop, but bigger doesn't necessarily mean better. Neither when it comes to the quality of tracks, nor their effectiveness in getting placements...

[gitarrero]

...am I right if I assume that needledrop usually pay less (because it is a per use, and if it doesn't get used a lot, then it will be less money) than a blanket license..??

[aubreyz]

Quote:...am I right if I assume that needledrop usually pay less (because it is a per use, and if it doesn't get used a lot, then it will be less money) than a blanket license..??Actually the opposite is true in some cases. Needledrop contracts vary, but many stipulate that fees are due for each use, or each time the track starts/stops in a production. For instance, if a track is to be used in a TV show, a blanket license allows unlimited use. A needledrop will collect a fee for each time the cut is used. Most companies that have needledrop arrangements also offer a blanket for uses over a certain quantity in one project.However, because the rates and contract details vary widely, it's really not possible to categorize either type of arrangement as better than the other.I can tell you this, from the perspective of one who actually pays the fees to use music in some productions... I can usually get a better deal and pay less for a blanket than a needledrop, however the library that I prefer is needledrop, so I will generally pay more to them just because the tracks are better quality.**** Batteries not included. Your results may vary.Aub