A brief that saves time
The best starting point is a working edit, even a provisional one, with temp music if you used some. It tells us the tempo and energy you had in mind; we don't copy it, but we understand better what you liked. Also specify the final duration, the key moments, where voice-over or dialogue sits, and the main medium: television, social media, cinema, trade show.
Legal information is part of the brief: on which media will the music be used, in which countries and for how long? These determine the scope of the assignment of rights and therefore the price. It is better to know them from the start.
Composition and feedback
We start with one or two short sketches placed on the picture to confirm the direction: instrumentation, tempo, colour. Once the direction is chosen, the music is developed over the full duration and locked to your edit's sync points. The quote includes two rounds of adjustments on the developed version.
If the edit changes after approval, a shortened shot or a moved scene for instance, we adapt the music. Small re-syncs are included; a major restructuring is quoted separately, always announced before being done.
Rights: what you need to know
The composer is the author of the music. Under French law, an assignment of copyright must be in writing and specify each right assigned, its scope, its purpose, and the place and duration of exploitation. A vague phrase such as "all rights" is not enough. The contract also states the remuneration, which is in principle proportional to exploitation revenue; for certain uses, the law allows a flat fee.
For advertising, the French Intellectual Property Code provides a specific regime: the commission contract sets the remuneration for each mode of exploitation, the duration, the territory and the media. We draft an assignment tailored to your actual use, no broader and no narrower than necessary. Our article on commissioned music covers these points in detail.
SACEM and broadcasting
If the composer is a SACEM member, public performance and mechanical reproduction rights are managed by SACEM and the music must be registered. This does not prevent the commission, but it changes how rights are paid: the broadcaster pays SACEM under its blanket licences, and the assignment covers the other rights. We explain the situation when quoting to avoid surprises.
If you need music outside collective management, for instance for a corporate film shown only internally, tell us: we will propose a suitable, clear solution.
Files delivered
You receive a stereo mix as 24-bit WAV at 48 kHz, the standard picture sample rate, synced to your edit's timecode. We also deliver stems, for instance rhythm, harmony, melody and effects, so the film's mixer can adjust the balance with the dialogue. Cut-downs for social media, 6, 15 and 30 seconds, can be included in the quote.
Rates
Every project is quoted individually, from €450 including VAT for a short piece of music for limited use. The price depends on the amount of music, the instrumentation, the number of versions and above all the scope of the rights assigned: media, territory and duration. A 30% deposit is requested when the quote is accepted, with the balance on delivery. Businesses pay within 30 days of invoice.
Who it is for
Advertising agencies, production companies, short film directors, independent game studios, companies producing their own films, narrative podcast creators. If you are a private individual with a personal project, a wedding film or a gift, that is possible too: the quote will simply be adapted to private use.
What is included
- Brief and sketches on picture
- Composition locked to your edit
- Two rounds of adjustments
- Stereo mix and stems
- Cut-downs as quoted
- Written assignment of rights