Got my cotract today...any advice?

[espskully]

Hi there. I just received a contract from SyncFree - which is a music library for network TV/commercials, games, etc.

They are offereing me a "staff writing" position. I retain my copyrights, but it says: "writer will receive 100% writers share and SyncFree will recieve 100% publishing share for any composition on it's website only".

What does that mean? Does that mean they own the publishing of whatever I send them?

The term is for 3 years. I am confused as to what the above means.

Anyway, it's exciting none the less.

I also got word yesterday that one of my songs is "being considered" for use in a film in post production. I submitted it a couple weeks ago. HAs anyone had any experience in this area? I'm really keeping my fingers crossed.

Cheerz.

-Aaron.

[JesusFreak]

Just a thought, but you may want to have a lawyer look over the details for you. They know how to look at all the fine print. You don't want to end up signing your life away because of a small little note tucked in somewhere.

Good luck with it though and God Bless!

[espskully]

Ya - I'll have to bite the bullet I guess. My dad is a lawyer, but not an entertainment lawyer. It's a really specialized field. I found one in town - he's $255/hour (that's Canadian funds). He figured about an hour. Probably worth it.

Thanks mate.

[Gidge]

as a staff writer, usually EVERYTHING you create while you are under contract with them belongs to them...yes they will own the publishing.......

[Freeform]

most deals like this are 200 percent, as dumb as that sounds. it just translated to 50 percent for you, but i'm not sure you should be giving away all of your publishing rights. that sounds a bit shady to me. i've never had much experience with music libraries, but in other markets a TON of money is to be made from publishing

[ausrock]

It will be far better to pay the lawyer $225 (or whatever) so you can make an "educated" decision than to take a gamble on a contract you obviously don't understand.

It really is a no-brainer.