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Music licensing for self-distributed films?

FrankLad

FrankLad

For you guys who have gone the self-distribution route... did you use licensed music in your film?

The standard deal I've encountered (at least in talking with three different publishers) for master+pub is $500 to $1000 per track for 1 year festival use. The exception from one of them being 3-year use.

In all cases, pricing for track use in a distributed film for perpetuity is negotiated upon a distributor picking up the film. To determine the price, it seems to be largely a matter of who's distributing it, as well as some finer points that come into play. I imagine estimations are considered (ie. Reach; how many people are going to see it, etc, etc.)

At this point, I'm not totally set on self-distribution... or even if I will license music in the film. (Really tempted lately to go with an original soundtrack and totally avoid licensing for festivals/public display only to be hit with a huge amount to keep the songs if it is distributed.)

That said... I'm really curious how this is done for people who do self-distribution. What were the negotiation points and how was the process?
 
This is not much help I know.

We actually record all our own music. My sound guy is a composer and has a recording studio, we're in an area where you can't spit without hitting a musician, etc... I can pay a few session guys to come record the tracks and we own all the rights outright.

Just another perspective.
 
Gonzo_Entertainment said:
This is not much help I know.

We actually record all our own music. My sound guy is a composer and has a recording studio, we're in an area where you can't spit without hitting a musician, etc... I can pay a few session guys to come record the tracks and we own all the rights outright.

Just another perspective.
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Oh it does help. Thank you! Like I said, I'm tempted to go with an original soundtrack and avoid licensing fees. It's always helpful to hear what other indies are doing.

The nice thing about this project is the music won't be anything too fancy. The soundtrack I have in mind can probably be accomplished with a banjo, harmonica, non-intelligible vocals, and maybe a kazoo.

;)
 
FrankLad said:
Oh it does help. Thank you! Like I said, I'm tempted to go with an original soundtrack and avoid licensing fees. It's always helpful to hear what other indies are doing.

The nice thing about this project is the music won't be anything too fancy. The soundtrack I have in mind can probably be accomplished with a banjo, harmonica, non-intelligible vocals, and maybe a kazoo.

;)
Click to expand...

Fantastic! Have you heard the soundtrack to the video games "The Neverhood" and "Skullmonkeys"? Done by Terry S. Taylor of the band Daniel Amos...it's very similar to what you are describing, and picturing it in combination with your UFO test shots is making me smile! GOOD plan! :D
 
JoshL said:
Fantastic! Have you heard the soundtrack to the video games "The Neverhood" and "Skullmonkeys"? Done by Terry S. Taylor of the band Daniel Amos...it's very similar to what you are describing, and picturing it in combination with your UFO test shots is making me smile! GOOD plan! :D
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YES!!!!! The Neverhood soundtrack and the intro music to the Errol Morris documentary "Vernon, Florida" were the only two examples I could think of, really. (I will check out Skullmonkeys! Thank you!)

You can listen to the Vernon, Florida intro here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gb09g_8Xt0g
 
FrankLad said:
(Really tempted lately to go with an original soundtrack and totally avoid licensing for festivals/public display only to be hit with a huge amount to keep the songs if it is distributed.)
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You really don't have much of a choice except that for ANY form of distribution.
 
Awesome, I'll check out the vid when I get home from work! You'll love the Skullmonkeys soundtrack; mostly more of the same. Lots of Tom Waits would also probably fit in with what you're looking for; good to reference when looking for music. "Gun Street Girl" comes to mind as a track that might be similar, or "The Earth Died Screaming" though that's a little more intense.

Very glad to see someone else knows the Neverhood :-)

Edit: the music from "Vernon, Florida" is FANTASTIC! A perfect blend of weird, folksy, offputting and charming! I love it!
 
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can I ask a semi related question:

What is the least restrictive licenses that allows an artist to KEEP the song and do what they want to with it, but allows me to use it ONLY in my film, but I, or any distributor will not have to worry about royalties etc?
 
sonnyboo said:
You really don't have much of a choice except that for ANY form of distribution.
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Right. But I guess the thing is the amount is exponentially greater upon distributing/releasing the film for sale, and you really can't get a usage figure until that time comes.

Except the one case where a publisher went ahead and quoted, up-front $1,000 / $500,000 (festival / dist.) for a song from a well-known band. (Mentioned this in another thread.) Heh.
 
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