[Fmpro] ASCAP bashing

[Mark Northam]

On 4/28/08 1:49 PM, "Robert Stanton" <zolessi at comcast.net> wrote:

> Hello,
> I'm finding this ASCAP business fascinating and troubling at the same time.
> I read that article Mark - thanks for that.  In virtually every film we see
> A.S.C. (American Society of Cinematographers), and A.C.E. (American Cinema
> Editors).  Why isn't there an American Society for Film Composers A.S.F.C.?

There is - it's the Society for Composers and Lyricists in LA, heavily
funded by ASCAP, BMI and SESAC and therefore quiet as a mouse about all the
injustices composers face in the area of performing rights royalties. No
surprise though, they don't want to bite "the hand that feeds." By including
lyricists, who are the ones who are so adamant about maintaining the
second-class payment status for instrumental music, the group is paralyzed
by design, unable to affect any real, substantial change because the
lyricists choke off any momentum composers get. Plus, as I said, their
massive funding from ASCAP, BMI and SESAC creates a huge conflict of
interest in terms of actively and forcefully lobbying these organizations
for any substantial reform for composers.

And don't think this is all an accident... You have to admire how they've
got all of these angles covered.

Mark Northam