NYC+: Music for Feature Film

[JazzJunkie]

I am in post production of a feature film right now and am searching for music from independant bands who will give me the rights to use their music. If you are in a band or know someone who is please pass this message along.

Open to all types of music. Contact me through e-mail: coran860@aol.com

Compensation: credit/exposure

(Disclaimer: Please note the date on this post. If it is older than 15 days then chances are that the solicitation is no longer valid.)

[hearsay]

what bullshit, I suppose he wants the band to also pay for studio time to record the music for his film that he'll own. If they don't even have the budget to pay a composer/musician(s) then I doubt there will be much exposure either.

[JazzJunkie]

Okay, before everyone starts in here...

I think, in general, these types of requests are looking for pre-recorded music, and often to be used more as sound effects than as part of the score (i.e. background mall/store scene music or those types of things.) Stock/canned music is pretty cheap these days, so perhaps the intent is to give rather than to get. (Just speculating, as I know nothing about this particular situation.)

Also, I post theses types of queries more as networking opportunities than as a pay-dirt situation. If you think of it in terms of: who is this person? who do they know? do they have other projects? do they have a cute sister? then you begin to see a more up side. (And if you're having trouble finding an up side these days -- period -- then I understand, but maybe looking a little harder will prove worth the effort, you know? )

[Dennis Gonzalez]

Most filmmakers who started off unknown and small and are now huge at the box office started off this way...and the musicians who trusted and were patient are now reaping the benefits.

I realize musicians have been burned by filmmakers before, and it pays to be cautious, but sometimes these filmmakers will come through with success and fame and money.

[hearsay]

I'm not faulting you JazzJunkie. I would have no problem giving pre-recorded music to a promising film-maker for free, the problem I have is the compensation shouldn't be "credit/expsoure" (are you serious?) but some small percentage of the royalties that your music in a movie would get if and when the movie ever makes any money. If the film-maker can't even commit that much then it strikes me as taking advantage... and bullshit!

[graypencil]

Originally Posted by hearsay

I'm not faulting you JazzJunkie. I would have no problem giving pre-recorded music to a promising film-maker for free, the problem I have is the compensation shouldn't be "credit/expsoure" (are you serious?) but some small percentage of the royalties that your music in a movie would get if and when the movie ever makes any money. If the film-maker can't even commit that much then it strikes me as taking advantage... and bullshit!

While Dennis has made somewhat of a valid point about beginning film makers "taking along" those who helped get them started, I'm afraid Bret's viewpoint unfortunately reflects the more usual reality ( in my experience, anyway ).

EVen if these guys are looking for a lowball pastiche source music type score consisting of prerecorded materials, at the very minimum they should offer:

1. a modest sync fee for the music

2. file cue sheets with the appropriate PRO ( BMI/ SESAC/ ASCAP ) for all the music used.

3. and THEN, of course , the appropriate composer ( and publishing ) credits.

Unfortunately, there *are* reasons why musicians give deals like the fish eye ..

BTW: NEVER accept a deal where the producer offers you X points ..of the NET profit ( big red flag !! )

[JazzJunkie]

Thanks Dennis, Phil. And Brett, of course I know your comments weren't directed at me. I just don't like to see people get upset. And business being what is, you almost have to run down every friggin little lead these days --if it appears to be a loser-user situation then just quickly dump it and move on to the next rock...