[Fmpro] Fees by Minute

[Jim Chase]

Peter Alexander wrote:

"I remember a composer in Chicago saying that the going rate was $1000 per minute."

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$1000/min of cue, figuring 30 bars at 120 bpm = $33 per bar.  At that
rate (which is probably chump-change for the top ten film music
composers) the music had better be good!

The PDF file "Commissioning Music: A Basic Guide" contains useful
information that Billy and I have been using as a general guide for pricing.
It can be d'loaded at the site:
http://www.meetthecomposer.org/

The pricing guidelines contained in "Commissioning Music" are least
likely to scare off job prospects, without devaluing the film scoring
biz in general.  ...although Indie Film makers have so far been
unsuccessful in their attempts to break down our front door.
===================

It is no secret on the Fmpro list that I have a day job as a freelance
Journeyman Letter Press Operator.  The "freelance" part means that I
have skill and experience, and will sell these attributes to the highest
bidder.  Call me a Paladin, or a printing whore, but the same mind-set
applies to the music compositions that I create in my free time.

My business partner, Billy Hale, lives exclusively on income received
from scoring Indie film music.  I would be doing him -- and all of you
-- a great disservice if I undercut the market just to get my name on
the credits.  Plus, Billy would kick my narrow arse, and he's a huge
guy, in all aspects!  ;-)

And now, back to our regularly scheduled program...

rjchase
BillyHaleMusic.com