How much . . .?

[awpmusic]

How much . . . . would you charge for 30 second tv commercial music - exclusive use for one advertiser - UK wide in perpetuity? I have to quote tomorrow. Just like to know what others would quote!

[LHall]

How much . . . . would you charge for 30 second tv commercial music - exclusive use for one advertiser - UK wide in perpetuity? I have to quote tomorrow. Just like to know what others would quote!

Rule of thumb is: AS MUCH AS YOU CAN GET!

No, seriously, though. In the 20 years I've done commercials, I've made as much as 5 - 6K on a single commercial and as little as nothing. Keep in mind, most of the work I have done has been for music houses and jingle companies - not directly for the ad agencies. So let's say I make 2K for a spot. That means the music house I'm working for is probably charging around 7-8K which would be a normal charge for what we would call a "local" commercial - in other words one that is not shown nationwide. Big national commercials like a major Pepsi campaign can command budgets well into the 20-60K range. Even more if they want to license a pop tune or have Jessica Simpson perform it. Then you're talking millions.

Okay, back to earth.

If you're doing the commercial as a buy-out where they will own the music outright forever, then you need to get more than if it was for a short time. Being in the US, I have no idea what the going rates are in Scotland, but when I was there last year, it seemed that commerce in general was at a slightly higher rate than here. A good pint in a quaint pub in Edinborough could set you back more than the cost of several Buds here. Not that I have any idea why one would want to drink several Buds.

But again I digress.

I'm doing a spot right now where my partner and I will split around 5K on a regional spot that might run for several years. We'll pay a couple of singers out of that and maybe a guitar player if my chops don't improve. Otherwise, we're pretty self-contained. This is all confidential information so whatever you do, dont' tell anyone. I'd hate for this to get out on the internet!

BTW, and I don't mean to be insulting. I just don't know if the use of "K" is common in Scotland. It means thousand. So, 2K = $2,000 US

Good luck!!

[awpmusic]

appreciated advice - this is for small advertisers in Scotland - I suppose they could use Library Music - so I don't want to scare them of - but the production company (also the TV station) know what they are paying the composers they use now - so they have the advantage - I'm trying to squeeze in - they like what they've heard so far - I just don't want to scare them off - or work for (too much) less than I should!

p.s. next time you're over here - let me know and I'll find you a quaint pub with good Scottish beer!

[Daryl]

One thing that sometimes works is that if your fee is "too much", then reducing it a tad can be used as a bargaining chip in order to retain the Publishing. If the Clients have exclusive rights, then if they take any Publishing they have to fulfil their obligations to exploit the music over and above the original commission. By retaining it yourself you are not only relieving them of this obligation, but also potentially increasing your Royalty by 50%.

D

[Daigohji]

Another trick if they balk at your quote is to offer a discount if they give you first refusal on any future music projects they might need doing for a specified time. It doesn't matter if they don't have any upcoming projects, the key is not to get into straight bartering without asking for concessions at every stage of discount.

Ultimately, how much you can get depends entirely on who has the power position in contract negotiations. If you chased down this commission then you are in a weak position. If they came to you, then you start in a strong position. The fact that they have asked for a quote rather than proferring a fixed contract suggests that you have some leeway. Of course, that can change if you push your luck.

[awpmusic]

well ... I'm just waiting on the phone to ring now..... sent in my 'quote' today - stating that it was low (as they hopefully will know) and that I'm always open to negotiation....we'll see what happens - but chances like this don't come along too often - so fingers crossed. Thanks for all the advice.

[LHall]

Best of luck to you. And I'll take you up on your pub offer next time I make it to Scotland!

[Alpha]

Not that I have any idea why one would want to drink several Buds.

I'd hate for this to get out on the internet!



Best post I have read all year. Well done!

[LHall]

My humble thanks