THE MUSIC SCORE 101 Notes for the PGA Master Class Moderator Jim Covell
What Should Music Supply Film music should have the same relationship to the film drama that somebody's piano playing in my living room has on the book I am reading. ~ Igor Stravinsky "Music is the shorthand of emotion." ~ Leo Tolstoy The whole problem can be stated quite simply by asking, Is there a meaning to music? My answer would be, Yes. And Can you state in so many words what the meaning is? My answer to that would be, No. ~ Aaron Copland One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain. ~Bob Marley
How Do I Begin?????? Asking questions of writers/directors/creative team Tone and musical vision
Understanding the Tribes and the Clans
THE PROCESS Who s in charge??????
THE PROCESS Who s in charge?????? Show the composer the $$$$$$$$ or at least 2.5%
THE PROCESS Who s in charge?????? Show me the $$$$$$$$ or at least 2.5% How soon is too soon or too late to talk about music?
THE PROCESS Who s in charge?????? Show me the $$$$$$$$ or at least 2.5% How soon is too soon or too late to talk about music? Temp-tracks that lead to temp-love...that your composer will later temp-hate...
How do you talk to a musician???? In non-musical terms, if possible.
THE SPOTTING SESSION Lots of options... Score, songs, source...or silence...
The mix and the mixer. Delivery Specs wav files, pro tools, music editor Who gets credit The cue sheet
Sample Cue Sheet
THE VARIOUS MEDIUMS Broadcast / Cable TV Features: Studio & Indy Internet...VOD...Netflix...Amazon...and on and on Animation
Finding Music Resources After the collapse of the music business First: What do I really need, given the time/budget I have? Band Composer Library Music Service A Music Supervisor A Music Agent/Manager
Finding Music Resources After the collapse of the music business The Internet: http://www.taximusic.com/ http://www.guildofmusicsupervisors.com/ https://www.musicbed.com/ Recording afar: Remote recording with a live orchestra via the internet. You re in Santa Monica in a studio and the Orchestra is in Macedonia! http://www.fames- project.com/ Music School Hilm composing programs USC, Berklee, UCLA Society of Composers and Lyricists http://thescl.com/home
MUSIC DEAL MEMO DATE: TO: Producer Production Company Films (working titles) RE: Film letter of intent THE PAPERWORK!!!! Simple Deal Memo FROM: Composer COMPOSER LICENSE DEAL MEMO This Deal Memo will serve as our agreement between Film Producer (herein referred to as The Producer ) and Music composer name, Composer, (herein referred to as The Composer ) in regards to Films (working titles) Film (herein referred to as The Film. ) This agreement is to confirm the services of Composer s name as composer and include the details of the terms involved. Composer is licensing his original music for use on the score of The Film. The Composer s music is available to be used in any medium, in perpetuity, throughout the universe on The Film as well as any promotion. The Composer maintains the ownership of the exclusive rights to all of the music. If/when The Film airs, or is screened in any commercial market, The Composer maintains the Composer s share of performance fees payable to Composer by said performing rights society and will also receive 100% of the publishing through his publishing company XYZ Music. If at any time there are credits presented, they shall read Music By Film composer s name. Film composer is in good standing as a member of ASCAP or BMI etc. The compensation is yet to be determined. Checks are made payable to: Any changes in any of the above listed points can be renegotiated in good faith, in writing between the two mentioned parties. Otherwise, this stands as a firm and binding agreement. Signed: Composer - Date xx/yy/xxxx Producer email: Date
THE PAPERWORK!!!! Low Budget Rates. Keeping it going in Los Angeles: http://www.promusic47.org/scales/low_budget_film_scales_2015.pdf very affordable...being a signatory...maybe use a payroll service option Seattle...Canada...London...options
THE LEGAL EASE!!!! (not so much) Publishing & Music Performance Royalties First consideration in using songs Sync License (sync to picture) Master License (use original recording) (music publishers take light years to make deals) Original score is usually work for hire. Self-Published Music Library service keeps its own publishing
THE LEGAL EASE!!!! (not so much) Dividing The Spoils Fill out Cue Sheet!!!!!! Writer gets 50% Publisher gets 50% ASCAP/BMI/SOCAN collect $ s from broadcaster/internet etc The producer has NO Financial obligation. Performance Societies send quarterly revenue to recipients.