Production Music Pricing

[PeterR]

Was wondering if anyone could tell me what a going rate is for (sampler and DAW) production music.

I've been producing Gigasampler music for work...but now am going to be freelancing -- putting together a package for a cable TV show, scoring an independent doc, and, hopefully, working on some industrials. Any idea what a good range might be?

Peter

[bombastique]

As much as you can get!

Really, though - it depends on the client. If they're willing to pay more - take it. As an average, though, just for actual production, it's about $75/hr. If you're having to interface with the 'client' then it should be more than that - usually done on a 'budget' basis. They tell you what they need, you tell them how much it will cost and the way you make money is to not spend as much as you make. Always get a contract. Let me repeat that - ALWAYS get a contract. If you don't, you'll find yourself angry and bitter at aome point. Trust me on this one. Spell EVERYTHING out - how much time involved, timelines for production, etc, etc.

[jecahn]

Did you pay attention to the part where bombastique said, "Always get a contract.." If not, ALWAYS GET A CONTRACT..

Especially when doing work for "friends".

[Sonic Valley]

Half up front for deposit...the balance at the last session, no masters released till final payment is made. If you can't get a contract in place....then goto plan B


Plan B....Get a contract in place http://www.audioforums.com/forums/smile.gif

[Melanhead]

Hmmm...tough question ! I'm assuming you're talking about scoring music...( if not then none of what I say will be relevant ... not to you anyway !..) Until you get a name for yourself it's a tough call..I've worked weeks on a Theme for $500 and have done some in a night for $2000....I only do this as a side gig but it's great if you can find out what the music budget is from whoever it is that contacts you...( if of course they're open to tell you...) Obviously you don't want to sell yourself short but It will benefit you later to work around a producer's budget just to get the gig, rather than lose it to someone else ( there's always another guy out there....of course never as good as you....that''ll do it cheaper !...). A happy client will return and you'll generally be able to ask more the second time! Sorry I couldn't give much of a range, but I think it's more of how much "you" think your time is worth. I've been doing it for 7 years and still don't have a " rate " http://www.audioforums.com/forums/smile.gif

[Nashville Ed]

Yep, the rates will vary.

The most I've gotten is $1500 for a :30 piece that ran on a 4 regional spots (SouthEast). If it's music for a radio spot on one station the rate can be negligible, depending on the client and market size. I did some :30's at $10 a pop for a non-com station, sold a CD as a "buyout" with 15 cuts on it.

On the other hand there is a theme I produced for a radio show running in a major market that I've never been paid for. Moral of the story: Get a contract--in writing.

[jecahn]

Originally posted by Sonic Valley:
...no masters released till final payment is made.

Vance, I assume you've seen Boogie Nights, when Dirk is trying to get his masters released from the studio w/o paying?

"No, Dude, you don't understand. I can't pay YOU until I bring the tapes to the record company and THEY pay ME!!"

That scene wouldn't make me laugh quite as hard if it weren't firmly rooted in reality.

[Sonic Valley]

No I haven't seen Boogie Nights believe it or not but I had something like that happen to me out west. The band wanted the masters so they could sell it and pay me the balance...lol. Needless to say I sat on the masters for a while till they got their shyte together.