ASK DERAJ

 
When a sync payment happens, how is the money distributed? agreements & contracts commission custom music distributors licensing agents music libraries music supervisors payment payouts royalties & money sync fees

Payments are made via ACH direct deposit or check (usually). Cash app/paypal etc. are not commonly used but occasionally you may see some agencies can use those vendors.

As far as payment distribution amongst collaborators on a song:

  • For agencies: They will pay the sync fee, less their commissio...
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What is MFN? agreements & contracts pitching & licensing royalties & money
MFN stands for "Most Favored Nation". It's term that protects you and makes sure you are getting the most money possible on a deal.
 
 
Other Resources:
 
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Do I have to have a one-stop agreement in place for every song? agreements & contracts one-stop & easy clear songwriting & producing
You don't have to, but it is good practice to have a one-stop in place. It makes it easier to pitch and license music with other parties.
 
 
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What does buy-out mean? agreements & contracts master & publishing rights pitching & licensing

When you purchase a piece of music once, and never have to pay for it again.

Other Resources: Guest Interview 02/02/22 @ 43min 3sec

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What does "all-in" mean? agreements & contracts master & publishing rights pitching & licensing
When you license both the sound recording (master rights) and the song (publishing
rights) for one “all in” fee.
 
Ex: $10K "all in" mean $5k to license the master copyright and $5K to license the publishing copyright.
 
 
Other Resources: Guest Interview 02/02/22 @31min 55sec
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Should I ask questions when presented with a licensing deal? agreements & contracts mindset & goals
I am a big advocate of not being afraid to not asking the question when it is appropriate. If you have specific questions about terms or clauses in a contract, go for it.
 
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What is the difference between non-exclusive and exclusive agreements? agreements & contracts
If you choose to have a third-party company represent your music, you can either ask
them to represent you exclusively, or have numerous companies represent you non-
exclusively. Exclusivity means that the third party you signed the agreement with is the only party that can pitch that music. On th...
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Should I have an agreement in place with my collaborators? agreements & contracts master & publishing rights pitching & licensing songwriting & producing
If you're working with a producer (Beatstars, Soundclick, etc.), you should know what that producer has given allotment for when it comes to sync licensing. It's important to have an agreement in place before pitching. It can be as easy as talking and having a plan before pitching. The same goes for...
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Is it common for a third party to rep and pitch my music? agreements & contracts pitching & licensing
Yes, it is absolutely acceptable and common for a third party to be pitching your music on your behalf. They just get a commission on what they land. Also, it is important for artists to learn how to go direct and broker their own deals. This is one of the things we teach here in the IMXL. It is emp...
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What are some strategies for a label signed artist vs. an independent artist? agreements & contracts mindset & goals pitching & licensing
Unless there is a specific agreement in place, you have a lot of options when it comes to releasing your music.
 
  • You can create an alias to release sync music that is a completely different brand than your original artist brand. You also have options when deciding who you want to represent or p
  • ...
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Do audio engineers typically go on a split sheet? agreements & contracts master & publishing rights
When it comes to splits, with regard to whoever is doing mixing and mastering, if it's not your producer, typically they do not go on the split sheet. They do not necessarily have owner stake on a song. They usually are paid a fee as a service to mix and master your song.
 
 
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What is "Use?" agreements & contracts tv/film

How the work will be used (synched to picture) in the media.  e.g. Background Vocal (BV), Background Instrumental (BI) etc.  

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What is "Timing?" agreements & contracts tv/film

How much of the work will be used in the given media. e.g. 1:24, "up to full use" or "up to 1:00" etc.

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What is a "Split-Sheet?" agreements & contracts master & publishing pros royalties & money

A document listing who wrote a song and how much of the song they wrote (their pro-rata share). This happens at the end of a songwriting session to make sure all parties agree to their percentages, sign the document and deliver to their teams so it will be ready to generate royalties, licenses, and ...

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What is "Schedule A?" agreements & contracts pitching & licensing

In reference to licensing: this is a separate document attached to an agreement laying out the details the agreement states will be included in the schedule for example publishing details, media terms, etc. In reference to administration: this is a document that lists out all of the compositions for...

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What is "Media?" agreements & contracts

The given media the licensee plans to exploit the work. e.g. Broadcast TV, Streaming, Digital/ social platforms, Theatrical (Film/ Trailers) etc.

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What is an "Indemnification?" agreements & contracts

To be obligated to compensate and/ or hold harmless the contacting party (production company, ad agency etc) if any breach of the contract or misrepresentations are to occur (e.g. and uncleared sample was not disclosed and actual rights holder files a claim/ lawsuit requiring an additional payment) ...

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What is a "Term?" agreements & contracts

The ‘Term’ of a licensing contract is the amount of time it is valid for. This can be as
short as a one-time usage or as long as eternity (see in perpetuity).

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What is a "Territory?" agreements & contracts pitching & licensing

The Territory is a term used in contracts to describe the “where” of a license – i.e.
where the license is applicable and which laws the negotiated contract is subject to.

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What is a "Record Label?" agreements & contracts

A record label is an organisation that typically pays for or facilitates the recording
and release of a Musical Work.

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What is "Prior Approval?" agreements & contracts

Some copyright owners require prior approval before allowing their music to be used
in a project.

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What is "Pre-Cleared Music?" agreements & contracts pitching & licensing

If music is pre-cleared then all the rights to the track are cleared in advance. This
means that when someone purchases a license they automatically have permission
to use the track.

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What is "Most Favoured Nations (MFN)?" agreements & contracts royalties & money

This term means that every nation will be treated equally and without preference. So
with music licensing it means that all songs used in an audiovisual production are
awarded the same fee.

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