That amount sounds very healthy for an indie label. Enough money to justify the
DVD rights too. For majors they have so much overhead that they need huge
amounts. Majors usually have a list of the songs with costs for the rights and
its pretty straight forward.
However, unless you think the song is absolutely amazingly perfect you can
probably find music for free or nearly free. Experimental or not its not
realistic to make any profit off a short film. But the film will have a life
that will give the musician exposure to audiences they might not normally get.
The question is whether you think the film with this song is worth the $1000,
if you absolutely can't live without it then yes but if there are other
soundtrack options then why drop so much coin?
Years ago I was able to secure festival rights for free from a local band with
an international reputation. The indie label they are on was in the U.S. and
basically said 'yeah whatever' signed my little release form and that was that.
Indie labels are often just a few people in an office so its possible to get
things done that way.
The thing no one talks about is that since you have no dvd or broadcast chances
you could've probably just used the song with no one knowing. Festivals don't
investigate if you've got the song rights or notand record labels don't send
spies to experimental film screenings.Since you contacted the label this is not
really an option anymore as they are now aware of your project but its worth a
thought in the future.Youtube is full of videos with songs with no secured
rights.
John
________________________________
From: zach vonjoo <zu...@yahoo.com>
To: "frameworks@jonasmekasfilms.com" <frameworks@jonasmekasfilms.com>
Sent: Monday, September 9, 2013 9:41:12 PM
Subject: [Frameworks] Fees for music rights.
Hi All--
I'm in negotiations with a musician and label at the moment, and
they've asked me to suggest a fee for music rights.
I don't have much money, but if pressed may be able to raise as much as
thousand dollars. Is this a "low-ball" amount? I've asked around and it's
been suggested that I try to get master rights for free, but I don't feel right
about that.
This is only for submitting to festivals, not DVD rights. It's an experimental
short, and unlikely to net me any funds.
Thanks!
Zach
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