Understanding Music Composer Contracts

Sep 25, 2024

Lecture Notes: Music Composer Agreement and Contracts

Introduction

  • Part three of the lecture series on underscore composers and composer contracts.
  • Importance of reviewing the Music Composer Agreement available on the class Canvas site.
  • Exhibit B is a crucial part of the contract related to the soundtrack agreement.

Key Components of the Music Composer Agreement

Music Composer Agreement

  • Type: Synchronization Agreement.
    • Writing custom music for a motion picture or TV show.
    • Publishing rights owned by the production company.
    • Composer retains the writer's share.
    • Royalties collected through ASCAP/BMI.

Exhibit B

  • Covers non-synchronized rights for soundtracks.
  • Production company requires Exhibit B to use created music in a soundtrack.
  • Soundtracks include audio without video.

Financials and Royalties

  • Initial Fee: $15,000 for composing the score.
  • Royalties: In perpetuity, earned from the writer's share.
    • Applies to future releases and platforms.

Responsibilities as an Underscore Composer

Main Responsibilities

  • Page one details the score, including live musicians and orchestrations.
  • Page 138 discusses spotting the picture, consultation with producers, and more.

Specific Duties

  1. Consult with Producer: Regarding musical style prior to services.
  2. Compose, Arrange, and Produce: Deliver orchestrated scores.
  3. Supervise and Conduct: If necessary, though not a music supervisor's role.
  4. Attend Editing Sessions: Adjust music as needed during post-production.
  5. Prepare Cue Sheets: Complete and accurate, industry-standard format.

Production Phases Relevant to Composers

  • Pre-production: Contract setup.
  • Production: Usually most costly phase.
  • Post-production: Critical for editing and locking the picture's length.

Compensation and Legal Considerations

  • All-Inclusive Fee: Includes hiring musicians; extra costs must be pre-approved by the producer.
  • Exhibit B (Page 2, 4C): Pertains to soundtrack usage.
  • Expenses & All-Inclusive Policy: Detailed on page 3, 5A.
  • Results and Distribution: Outlined in sections 6A-D.

Credit and Legal Implications

  • Credit: Specific conditions for obtaining credit (7A).
  • Representations and Warranties: Ensures composer rights to the music.
  • Legal Responsibility: Composer liable for any unauthorized samples or music used.

Termination and Miscellaneous

  • Various conditions for suspension and termination.
  • Importance of delivery timeliness.
  • Miscellaneous section contains critical legal language.

Conclusion

  • Emphasized the need to read the agreement thoroughly.
  • Suggestions to re-watch lectures and take comprehensive notes.
  • Encouragement to utilize all provided materials for better understanding.