On Jan 14, 2007, at 1:03 PM, John Hartog wrote:
> "A permission for a single project is not helpful for me. I would like
> to add the records to my personal sound library and therefore need the
> permission to use it in any film, I will work on. By the way, that's
> how commercial sound libraries e.g. "Sound Ideas" handle it: You buy
> the CDs and you get the permission to use it in any synchronized
> project."
John,
Your correspondent is correct in that there are a number of sound
effects and music libraries that are licensed on a buy-out basis. That
means that a one-time price is negotiated that provides indefinite
non-exclusive license to use the sounds for certain purposes. However,
there is generally a royalty attached to certain other uses, such as
broadcast. This works when the sounds are fairly generic, but is
generally not applied to higher level work.
Some libraries are licensed on a "needle-drop" basis. That simply means
that a payment is required for each licensed use.
Most sound (especially music) is licensed on a case-by-case basis,
especially when film is involved. The best work commands a pretty hefty
payment.
It looks like your correspondent is looking for a licensing arrangement
that permits him a certain level of convenience in use. If you are
interested in working that way, one popular buy-out licensing model is
used by Studio Cutz:
http://www.studiocutz.com
It is up to you whether you want to do it this way, and it is certainly
up to you how much you would want to charge. You might want to audition
the Studio Cutz offerings (available for free, online) and compare it
with your work. Try to assess whether they are in the same league with
yours, or whether yours is worth more. [That can be a bit tricky,
though, because they only offer music.]
But never sell your work short!
Ed
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