Music Composers Unite!
Using existing themes in film scores
Hi, I just found out about this forum. I'm looking forward to becoming an active member. I've got a question, though.
I've got a potential project where I'm being brought in to augment/fix existing original (underscore) music for a film. With this film, it may make sense to reuse/rewrite existing themes on my score, but I don't know the first composer, and it may be potentially somewhat awkward to hammer out an agreement, since he was working for free and I won't be (though I won't be getting paid nearly enough, so I want to keep as much of my ownership/rights as possible for any music I write for this).
I'm wondering if there is a standard agreement and writers split in the industry in situations where a composer uses another composer's theme. I'm sure this happens all the time with sequels (Mission Impossible, Harry Potter, etc).
I haven't heard the existing music, yet, so this whole discussion may be irrelevant if it's not usable, but assuming it's good and it makes artistic sense to reuse the material (the producer doesn't want to pay for me to rewrite everything from scratch), is it worth it me trying to reuse themes and work out an ownership agreement with the other composer, or is a situation where I don't even want to go there? Also, if there are any example legal agreements/contracts out there that cover this situation, can you point me at them?
Thanks!
Eric
I've got a potential project where I'm being brought in to augment/fix existing original (underscore) music for a film. With this film, it may make sense to reuse/rewrite existing themes on my score, but I don't know the first composer, and it may be potentially somewhat awkward to hammer out an agreement, since he was working for free and I won't be (though I won't be getting paid nearly enough, so I want to keep as much of my ownership/rights as possible for any music I write for this).
I'm wondering if there is a standard agreement and writers split in the industry in situations where a composer uses another composer's theme. I'm sure this happens all the time with sequels (Mission Impossible, Harry Potter, etc).
I haven't heard the existing music, yet, so this whole discussion may be irrelevant if it's not usable, but assuming it's good and it makes artistic sense to reuse the material (the producer doesn't want to pay for me to rewrite everything from scratch), is it worth it me trying to reuse themes and work out an ownership agreement with the other composer, or is a situation where I don't even want to go there? Also, if there are any example legal agreements/contracts out there that cover this situation, can you point me at them?
Thanks!
Eric
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Eric Goetz on -
P.S. I hope it was clear in my post that I'm not trying to steal his stuff. First and foremost, I want to do what's best for the film -- if that means reusing his themes for continuity/aesthetic reasons, then I want a shared ownership agreement that is simple/standard and fair to all parties.
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Permalink Reply by Craig Hopkinson on -
Hi Eric,
I would suggest; dont even go there. Intellectual property and ownership in collaboration is a legal minefield. If you have to commit to a collaborative agreement then make sure you reserve all rights to your work. In my opinin, another composer reworking your music is akin to a remix, nothing more, although 'Attribution' should share equal status. I guess the person who could answer your questions would be Brian Lee Corber he may have a dedicated page here, or, if not, try over at Independent Media Pro's, he has a profile there for sure. I truly empathise with your dilema and hope you find a unifying solution.
Peace.
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