Fees for Production?

[hutzal]

Hey guys,

up until now I have been producing demos in return for part of the song (I am rather new so I am also honing my production skills). Today I got a call from someone that heard my stuff and wants me to produce a song that will be on primetime TV as the theme song for the TV show.

I have no idea where to start for fees. I have thought about what needs to be recorded on the song. I am a professional drummer, so I don't have to worry about that part, I need to pay a guitar player, and bass player, and get the song professionally mixed. Is that all the costs I need to worry about paying out? (I can play the rest of the instruments).

Lets say the total for payouts for services is around $1000. How much should I be charging to produce this project? Also, should I be asking for publishing portion as well? I should know more about this, but I just have not been in this situation yet. Thanks guys!

-Robb.

[robmix]

What country ? What market ? what network ? What's your track record ? Who get's the publishing ? Is it a buyout ? So many variables it's hard to say without more info.

You can always fish around the client. Tell them you're working out a budget for musicians and studio costs, and need to know if they have a figure in mind.

[The MPCist]

Also, make sure that they give you 50% of the budget before you go spending money on players, studios, etc.

[hutzal]

Originally Posted by robmix

What country ? What market ? what network ? What's your track record ? Who get's the publishing ? Is it a buyout ? So many variables it's hard to say without more info.

You can always fish around the client. Tell them you're working out a budget for musicians and studio costs, and need to know if they have a figure in mind.

I am living in the USA right now (In Los Angeles), but I am from Canada. I think the TV show is in Canada as the person that contacted me is from Canada. They want a Kelly Clarkson type sound, no idea what network, I have no credits at all right now, so this would be my first real gig, not sure what deal the song writer made with the TV show concerning pub, I do not know if it is a buyout. Thanks for the questions, I'll be getting some more answers tommorrow.

I'll keep you guys updated. I think for sure it is best for them to make an offer for the figure. I would think at least $5000 at the minumum, should that be my bottom line?

-Robb.