2009 Music/Audio Poll Results are in....

[Scott W. Hallgren]

Is the amount of money you plan to spend on audio and music greater in 2009 than 2008?

9% Yes

27% Staying the same

27% No, less

36% Not sure yet


What projects will be the majority of your work in the coming year?

63% Non-broadcast video

36% TV commercials

9% Feature film

9% Television (series)

54% Internet/multimedia/podcast

9% Radio programs/commercials

9% Other

27% Casual/serious video gaming


In general, what part of your budgets are reserved for music?

0% 10% or more

36% 4-9%

36% 1-3%

27% We don't have a budget for music generally


What is your need for music in projects compared to last year?

27% Greater

54% About the same

0% Less

18% Not sure


What is/are the biggest factor(s) in determining the music you use in a project?

54% Budget limitations

45% Quality of the music

0% Popular/current artist

18% Sounds like something else

9% Other

36% Royalty free usage


Are you pre-clearing music before editing it into a project?

27% Always

36% Sometimes - we deal with that later

0% I have to get permission to use it?

45% Doesn't apply


What kind of music will you use the most this year?

90% Library/stock music

27% Original/custom music

9% Songs by indie artists

0% Songs by major label artists

0% Other


If you use library music, or have done projects with 5.1/7.1 surround audio, would a 'surround sound music and sound effects library' be of use to you?

27% Yes

54% Possibly

18% No


In general, what part of your budgets are reserved for audio post-production services?

0% 10% or more

36% 4-9%

9% 1-3%

54% We try to do as much as possible in house


Which of the following audio post services will you have need of in the coming year for projects?

18% ADR (dialogue replacement)

54% Voiceover/voice actors

27% Live or onsite recording

45% Studio recording/stereo mixdown

9% Studio recording/5.1 mixdown

63% Audio/music editing

63% Sound design/sound effects

18% Mastering

[Scott W. Hallgren]

Thanks guys - to answer your questions, Chris, this was an anonymous poll sent to over 300 film/video/TV/game production & post folks, from which I received 55 responses, and the results are here.

Adrian, you're absolutely correct. We should convene some thoughts before the New Year.....

[Adrian Ellis]

Hey Scott,

Excellent insightful stuff - thanks a ton for sharing this valuable information.

This response, as well as all other reports from the industry seem to point to one thing - composers better start strategizing new, effective, sustainable models for doing business. Everything is moving towards 'free'.

How to deal with this reality??

Cheers, and Happy Holidays!

Adrian

[Chris Merritt]

Hey Scott! Can you tell us a little about the people that took this poll? Thanks for showing us this!