Hi guys

I'm getting quite a few requests off small media companies to write music for specific projects. They are quite small/ low budget projects so I'm trying to come up with a reasonable amount to charge for my services.

The music I've written for tv/ film so far has been placed after it was written so I'm fairly new to commisioned work and would be very grateful for some advice on the best way to approach charging/ quoting for my time.

Is it usually charged by the composer per minute of commisioned music?
I'm thinking the best approach would be to retain all rights and licence my work to the media companies. Are contracts bertween composer and production companies signed before the edit is locked off?

A few months ago I spent 2 days in the studio writing 3 pieces for a short film (about 6 minutes in total). The producers were very happy with it and had great feedback at the premiere. The only problem is I have no idea how much to invoice them!
cheers

 

well done for getting the work in the first place...

best to ask what sort of budget they are working with, this can give you an idea of what to charge plus it puts the emphasis on them rather than you with regards to money

 

Without knowing your location it's difficult to supply you with specific advice regarding appropriate rates of pay. Nontheless, please accept my sincere congratulations on securing yourself some great exposure for your work. Well done!

It's sad to see that you weren't offered formal terms before you committed your valuable time and talent. Next time, be sure to agree your fee before you do any work. Any production company worth its salt knows very well that they have a legal obligation to pay everyone whom they employ the basic minimum wage. This, however, is the least of a busy Producer's worries.

First, though, you need to be satisfied that you were employed and not simply hanging about, or volunteering for the sake of a bit of work experience. There are some simple tests that determine whether or not you're an employee, self-employed or a volunteer but I won't go into that here. Secondly, if you're happy to make a free gift your products, you're perfectly entitled to do so. The difficult part, as you now find, is requesting a post-mortem payment for something that you've already freely given away. Don't bee too upset if the Producer's response is, "Don't let the door bang you in the ass on your way out."

How much you charge for your time and creativity is entirely up to you. You may go way above, or way below, what's considered to be a fair payment for your contribution. Whether or not you'll get it is another matter. Should you ever dump a late invoice on my desk without no backing documentation (i.e. a previously agreed committment), I'll respond with precedent and work down from there. For example, from the UK Musicians Union public information source, I understand that the lowest annual income from a commissioned work was £1. No doubt someone can better that by charging just £0.01p.

Of course, if you're holding a signed agreement, you'd have me by the short 'n' curlies. No worries though, 'cause I'd would have already accounted for the that anticipated spend from my production budget. In other words, your money would be safely put aside for you to take away whenever you wish post completion and delivery of the work.

If you wish to delve deeper into pursuing a career as a UK musician and not dig too many deep holes for yourself you might like a quick look at http://www.prospects.ac.uk/musician_salary.htm

 

Thanks for the replies guys (I'm based in UK btw).
In the past I've licenced the music I've already written to these small companies for a smallish fee per track (2/3 minute length) , but I retain the copyright. Theyve also used the same tracks over and over so it's generated a reasonable fee for me over the years.

This first 'commision' I did recently I wasnt too sure whether I'd be able to come up with something so didn't ask for a contract as they are friends anyway and know they won't shaft me. I was thinking more along the lines of "if this one works out ok, I'll start doing it on a regular basis".

So I need to come up with a figure for my time which is mutual reasonable for both parties. I'm not after a huge amount but at the same time if I go too low they will expect it every time