Why "Work-for-Hire" Doesn't Work for Composers: Concrete Steps to Improve a Deal

Speakers: Jim Charne

Track: Audio

Format: Lecture

Experience Level: All

Description: Game music deals have historically required that composers assign all rights to their music on a work-for-hire basis. This treatment of composers is reminiscent of the most disreputable practices of the recorded music and music publising industries. This session presents a nuts and bolts strategy for composers to retain a greater interest in their compositions. By looking at each area where revenue may be generated, and by applying contracting practices that will be presented during the program, composers and their representatives will be able to counter the work-for-hire mentality in a way that can lead to a greater share of income from future success of their music.

Idea Takeaway: Attendees learn each area where rights can be reserved, and walk away with a strategy that can be applied in the negotiation of their own composition deals.

Intended Audience: Composers, music directors, lawyers and agents who negotiate on behalf of music composers in the games industry; students who want to enter the games industry in the music composition or business management sides.