Exclusive Mastering Contracts?

[StephenMarsh]

this isn't going to answer your question but it may save you some grief:

Until you've got a couple jobs under your belts together - it's almost a waste of time. Studios come and go, plans change, relationships fade, bands break up, producer has other ideas about the mastering choice etc etc etc. 1 million different things can keep a job from your doorstep.

I'd say - so long as you have a clear understanding and you trust the folks at the studio (and I wouldn't recommend working with them if you don't) - you'll know what needs to be said and what doesn't after a job or two.

I have absolutely done this in the past with good results - but I've also done deals where I spent more time at the negotiating table 'dealing' than the mastering desk when all was said and done.

At the very least - keep it simple - a basic deal memo that lays out the names of the parties and what they intend to do with each other, where, for how much and for how long. If you want to include some language to indicate the intent to pursue something more involved at a later date - that's up to you. Your situation will dictate what else needs to be said on the final contract IMO.

Hope some of that helps - Rock on--Steph

[TC Custom Audio]

Studios don't dictate which mastering engineer gets the job; clients do.

[Silver Sonya]

This thread reminded me of an old SNL commercial.

- c

[Darius van H]

I agree with Stephen, these sort of deals rarely work out to much.

If someone is really set on getting a low price based on loads of work, do a deal on a sliding scale......so, the first album (for example) is normal price, the second a bit cheaper, until the 10th album (for example) will be really cheap. After the 10th, you start again.

I've had a few people promising me bucket loads of work, but the sliding scale will sort out the bona fide people from the dreamers.

[lowland]

Originally Posted by Darius van H

I've had a few people promising me bucket loads of work, but the sliding scale will sort out the bona fide people from the dreamers.

Nicely put, Darius. I've been approached with requests for 'discount for bulk' a few times - I can't think of any that fulfilled what was originally suggested and in all cases I insisted we start at the standard rate and see what the true workload was over time. I don't have much time for that sort of thing, but on the other hand I really enjoy one-offs that turn into long-term business relationships.

[bob katz]

Originally Posted by Darius van H

I agree with Stephen, these sort of deals rarely work out to much.

If someone is really set on getting a low price based on loads of work, do a deal on a sliding scale......so, the first album (for example) is normal price, the second a bit cheaper, until the 10th album (for example) will be really cheap. After the 10th, you start again.

I've had a few people promising me bucket loads of work, but the sliding scale will sort out the bona fide people from the dreamers.

Right! That's the way to offer a deal to someone who's making noise. If they're really serious, they'll stick around till after the 10th album.

[inlinenl]

also an option in this non-album time .... or at least in a significant part of the market ...
offer tickets like 10/20/30/50 tracks in advance ....
they have to pay in advance ... and get the discount ...
but don't do to many of that kind off deals ...

[donsolo]

I like the sliding scale idea.

Here's my approach, "send me some work, if you like it, keep coming."

I'm kidding, I'll give a little discount here and there but I never slash and burn for big bulk.

[StephenMarsh]

Originally Posted by Silver Sonya

This thread reminded me of an old SNL commercial.

- c

WTF????

(LMAO though)