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Originally Posted by Etch-A-Sketch  Really? I think to say I'm "dead wrong" is a very strong opinion. It varies from one situation to the next. In my position here at Megatrax, I get to work with a lot of these "assistant" or "ghost" writers because we hire them to write for us. From what I've been told most of the time they are listed on the cue sheets and get paid for the work they did whether as sole writer or co-writer with the main composer. But I'm sure that isn't always the case. There probably are guys out there that take all the credit, you are right. But to say EVERYONE take all the credit is just as "dead wrong" as someone saying everyone shares all the credit. |
Sounds like maybe we're both parsing words, eh?? You said:
"your name still appears on the cue sheet as composer or co-composer and you make ascap/bmi royalties..."
Since I've ghosted a bunch, I think I'm fairly qualified to answer this one.
If you had said "
normally......" or
"often", I'd have agreed. But my experience is 100% the opposite direction of yours, in that I normally do NOT get cue sheet credits (and by definition royalties). Even your subsequent explanation that cue sheet credit is given "most" of the time is - IMO - misleading and inaccurate (industrywide). Bottom line, it is as you said - it depends on the composer of note and every situation is unique. If they are fair and self confidant, then your scenario is what will happen. If they are paranoid, or have a self image problem, then chances are that the ghost writers name will not be on the cue sheets.
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Originally Posted by Etch-A-Sketch This industry is never black or white... but many shades of grey. To say I'm "dead wrong" is a little over the top, no? |
Agreed. That's why I said:
If you're lucky enough to ghostwrite for a composer that gives you cue sheet or screen credit, consider yourself to be VERY fortunate.
Maybe a little overstated, but I stand by my opinion. Sorry for any confusion. We're both right, but the way I read your post was so matter of fact, that I knew it would mislead young writers into thinking that it's a given. And it's not.
Cheers,
bp