[Fmpro] (no subject)

[Jim Chase]

"The advice I gave (off list) to Kevin Mathie was 10% of the
budget, even before the budget is known."

     ... And none of our business!  That 10% figure is called playing  
hardball.  You had better be able to back it up with product, or  
you'll never work in this town again!  (Who said that?)

     Highest percentage we ever negotiated: 20%  :-)  Unfortunately,  
the budget was $5000, most likely understated. :-(   Realistically,  
10% is not unreasonable for a quality Indie film score, and should be  
the film music industry standard.  If the D/P team throws out a  
lowball figure (likely to start with 0%) do the math, and make sure  
you settle for a living wage before signing.  Remember, you are  
negotiating not only for yourself, but for all film music composers!   
We're all hungry, but sometimes it's better to walk away from a bad  
deal with an empty stomach.  Let them eat needle drops!

     Then again, if you have a family to support (been there) it  
could not be held against anyone to negotiate the best deal  
possible.  I made sure my three girls never had to eat Kellogg's  
Needle Drops for breakfast.
====

     NMPS: I admire Ms. Bergman for her stand against RIAA and DiMA.   
My passive aggressive nature tells me she is not losing much sleep  
over the issue.

Jim Chase
Billy Hale Music