Doc,

Welcome to JPF.

I thought I'd make a comment on this:

Originally Posted by DoctorSad


I paid for the production myself and my producer is "paid off" and I paid a couple of pros, but most of the album is friends of mine who played for "free" but I assume will want a piece if the album is successful. I don't have any money to pay them up front. If I get a song placed for significant income I intend to make a work per hire agreement for each song that gets placed. Does this seem like a workable way to approach the situation?




Don't depend on friends to make a verbal committment to sign a "work for hire" agreement. If you want an education, watch Judge Judy. I'd say nearly 3/4 of the folks on there are friends who have opposing ideas as to just what their verbal agreement is. As they say, "A verbal contract is only worth the paper it's signed on."

Buddies and bandmates will often say they are working for the love of music and are not interested in the money. That usually ends the day the money starts coming in. So, if you don't have a contract now that spells out exactly what is owed to whom in return for which, expect trouble.

Besides this, you'll probably find that libraries and/or licensing entities will contain language in their contract or rules that says you must completely own all rights to the recording and may transfer such rights unencumbered. If you get a movie or tv deal that might make a few bucks, and one of your friends holds out for more money, you might kiss that connection goodbye forever.

So, get your deal in writing. Either a "work for hire" agreement or a legal letter of intent that states such an agreement will be signed for x in return at such a time that the work generates money...and I'd strongly recommend you have an experienced entertainment attorney word such a letter.

Finally, make absolutely certain you have either a "work for hire" agreement or a musician's union contract that covers such use with your producer and your pro musicians.

Good luck. Hope you make a lot of money. Keep us posted.


All the Best,
Mike

You've got to know your limitations. I don't know what your limitations are. I found out what mine were when I was twelve. I found out that there weren't too many limitations, if I did it my way. -Johnny Cash

It's only music.
-niteshift

Mike Dunbar Music