[Fmpro] A friend's film

[Mark Northam]

Hi Steve -

I have 2 suggestions:

1. Go ahead and grant a license (sync and master) to your friend - whatever
nickels or dimes you could squeeze out of her, given her budget and your
existing relationship, would not be nearly as valuable as furthering a
relationship with a filmmaker who can give you an endorsement (which you
should immediately post on your website!) and recommend you to her
associates. The "do it for free once, you'll always be known for doing it
for free" axiom likely won't apply here because she's an existing friend -
and of course you'll swear her to secrecy about the "free" aspects of the
deal. 

You can download free license and contracts samples from the Film Music
Magazine FAQ and resources section at:
http://www.filmmusiccontracts.com

2. Don't make the deal for free! Really. There is a psychological thing that
happens when people get something for free - they tend to abuse the right.
So that there is some sort of exchange, if she can't pay you cash license
fees, let her take you to dinner, or buy you a six-pack of beer, or
something - anything of some sort of value. It may sound silly, but many
composers I've known over the years have said that having SOME sort of
exchange as part of the deal makes it a healthier deal in the long run. It
also gives you something to laugh about in the future with that director as
you build your relationship, whereas giving your valuable music away for
"free" is not something that is usually laughed about.

Hope this helps -

Best,

Mark Northam




> -----Original Message-----
> From: fmpro-bounces+markn=gmocorp.com at nxport.com [mailto:fmpro-
> bounces+markn=gmocorp.com at nxport.com] On Behalf Of Steve Alex
> Sent: Tuesday, July 15, 2008 1:04 AM
> To: fmpro at nxport.com
> Subject: [Fmpro] A friend's film
> 
> All,
> 
> Im looking for some advice.
> 
> I have a friend who made a film, and wants to use my music for a few cues.
>  There's no money in it. And I know I should stop right there.
> 
> This would be a favor.  The most that I'll likely get out of it is a
> couple people buying a CD, and maybe a performance royalty credit if the
> movie gets played on some local cable channel.
> 
> When I initially said she could use my music (3 years ago), it was just
> one song that I particularly didnt mind becuase it was kind of a
> throw-away track.  Now she says she has cues from 4 of my songs!
> 
> As a friend, is there any way to grant license to allow her to use the
> songs?  I want to help her out, but at the same time I don't want to give
> my music away.  How much should I ask for make it right for me, and help
> out a friend?  She says the whole film cost $6K.  Should I be inclined to
> ask for points, in case the film miraculously makes a profit?
> 
> I read this list most every day,and you guys are usually full of great
> insight, and info.  I'm hoping some of you will offer your opinions to
> help me decide what to do here.
> 
> Thanks,
> Steve
> 
> 
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