[Fmpro] ASCAP - AMAZING SCAMMING COLLECTION AGENCY PROCEDURES

[Fernando Rivas]

On my last statement (Nov.06) from ASCAP I received a $38 payment which came
through ASCAP from SOCAN when an episode from the now defunct Rosie O'Donell
show was rebroadcast in Canada which contained a song I wrote for Gloria
Estefan.  On the episode Gloria Estefan was Rosie's guest and she
spontaneously sang, a capella, a verse and chorus of my song (Mambo I, I, I
from the Sesame St. CD Elmopalooza which had recently won a grammy) and got
Rosie and the audience to join in and sing along.

Here's the kicker:
I've never gotten a single penny for the United States showing of that
episode, whenever it aired. I wouldn't have even known about it if I hadn't
seen it. When I contacted ASCAP I was told I would need to obtain the
episode number in order to track down what happened or I can start an
inquiry which would take three years.  I was told I can't contact SOCAN
directly to find out more about the episode which obviously reran in Canada
and was accurately reported and when I asked how much money (ballpark
figure) we're talking about for US royalties on something like this the rep
on the phone had no clue and said no one else at ASCAP would know either.

I also asked for ballpark figures on a show, primetime Disney Channel, I'm
currently scoring, and was told it was impossible to figure it out.  So I
guess that's like saying - we'll pay you when we pay you - and that's IF we
frigging pay you.  I was also told that such information is secret for
members because it involves agreements made with licensees.

New acronyms for ASCAP:

ALWAYS SCREWING COMPOSERS AVOIDING PAYOUT
ACCOUNTING SECRECY CONFUSES ALL PARTIES

Fernando Rivas 


On 11/30/06 9:49 AM, "Tracey Larvenz" <tlarvenz at gmail.com> wrote:

>  From the FM Jobs list:
> 
> COMPOSER SEEKS ADDITIONAL COMPOSERS FOR PRIME TIME TV SPECIAL
> 
> Established composer seeking additional composers to work with to
> create theme and music for prime time television special. Looking for
> a big Hollywood/ Oscars type theme, up-tempo, positive, with a catchy
> melody a la John Williams/Jerry Goldsmith. Also, a more hip version
> of same track, with percussion, loops, etc.
> 
> Additional orchestral tracks will probably be needed for this
> project, and for library of tracks the cue will go in.  This same
> custom music library supplies major daytime shows, plus many
> additional projects in the future.
> 
> Compensation: Upfront fee to be determined, but will probably be in
> the $100 range.   Most of compensation will come from backend
> performance royalties. We split writers performance royalties;
> production company retains publishing.
> 
> Deadline: December 10, but the sooner the better.
> 
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> --------
> 
> The $100 range.  Wow.  Prime time tv special.
>   
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