$$ for Trailer Music

D

davidblumenfeld

Active member
I'm working on a trailer for a documentary I just began. The purpose of the trailer is to raise funding for the film and will be going out to foundations and other funding organizations. I asked an "aquaintance" if I could use one of her songs for the trailer that really fits perfectly with the imagery and theme in exchange for credit in the film- I said once I get some funding, we'd work something out for the film usage. She wants $500 for usage in the trailer, which I don't have and seems a bit extensive, but I really don't know what is the going rate for this type of thing. Also, what are rates for film usage? Thanks. Any advice??
 
Re: $$ for Trailer Music

Is she an established, professional musician/recording artists? Or is she just trying to get her footing as a professional act?

The reason I ask is that if she's not a professional recording artist, (on a record label with a few records under her belt) $500 is a lot to ask. If she's an established artist then $500 doesn't seem TOO far out of line.

If she's not an established professional I would suggest offering her a lower amount (say $300) to be paid with a portion up front ($100) and the balance ONLY upon securing funding for the film.

I'm a professional musician/recording engineer for my "day job" and I totally understand the rationale behind paying musicians (who are hard-working artists just like us) for their work. If she's an established act the rationale for paying greater amount is that the presence of her music will help attract funding; so, make her compensation dependent on that. Tell her you'll pay the first $300 in installments, ($100 up front, the second third as you start to secure funding) and then you'll pay her a greater maximum ($750) IF, and ONLY IF, you secure 100% of your targeted funding for the film. Your rationale is, if her music helps you seure the funding, you're more than willing to pay her more than what she's asked for, but if the project doesn't get the funding, then you won't pay her as much.

If she doesn't agree to either of these terms, then MOVE ON! There are LOTS of other muscians/recording artists out there.

Hell, if she won't go along with this email me. I'll write you a composition and record it for you for strictly a future payment IF you receive all your targeted funding.
 
Re: $$ for Trailer Music

great idea! Thanks! What are "normal" rates for usage in the actual film? for using one or 2 of her songs? She does earn her living in music and has a fairly limited (Jewish, Hebrew Music) audience, but its the similar audience that I will be approaching, so, it wouldn't hurt me to have her credit on the film...
 
Re: $$ for Trailer Music

One other thought I had was to try to barter with her - offer her some headshots that she could then use as promotional material (not for CD's covers-just for her own promos) in exchange for this usage. (I'm a professional photographer). I also can plug her new CD to my journalist clients - I already did this and got her a nice review in one major newspaper a few months ago...
 
Re: $$ for Trailer Music

Did you charge her a PR placement fee?

No?

She should be a little more grateful...

Matt
 
Re: $$ for Trailer Music

You could definitely barter with her. The fact that you got her ONE review, depending on the magazine/newspaper it was in, is already a pretty big perk for any musician. She probably has NO IDEA how much it takes just to get a thoughtfull review.

I don't know her, but I run into people like this in the music business frequently. A few compliments have a way of giving musicians an over-inflated sense of their own importance and value in their field. If she doesn't see the value in you helping her get reviews, just invite her in to the offices of the music editor at the magazines you have contacts with and let her see the review requests they get on a daily basis. She should be humbled and thankfull for ANYthing you can get her.
 
Re: $$ for Trailer Music

Gossamer,

I agree completely.  Hell, based on what folks used to charge when I was in the game full time, this guys placement fee for a review could have easily cost a label what she is proposing he pay her to use her music.

All throughout history all creative types have had to come to the realization that they were equal parts artist and whore.  It may sound harsh, but it's reality.  Those who cling staunchly to the artist side only wind up being waiters/waitresses who also "create".  In this case she's not even being asked to "sell out".  She just needs to appreciate the value of what you've done or what you could do.

If her music could be that much of a boost to your effort and is well known among those who would watch/fund/purchase your film, I might consider this.  If there is any chance that the film will be sold on DVD, why not offer to sell it as a package with one of her CD's?  She would be responsible for the creation/replication of the CD.  You would be responsible for the film and DVD production.  You would both cross promote and share in the profits if there are any.  

Just a thought....

Matt
 
Re: $$ for Trailer Music


it seems half the people want holywood money and the other half are very grateful for an opportunity to get their stuff out there.

matthew
 
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