JPF Home Page Forums General Messages Industry Message Forum Music Library Alert...

Since this thread popped back up to the front lines, here's an update on Jingle Punks...

They're now starting an exclusive catalog. They'll have both non-exclusive and exclusive catalogs. We were sent a new amended contract that we can sign, which means anything submitted after that date is considered exclusive, or we can decline - which means we'll still be part of the non-exclusive catalog.

The idea about having two catalogs is that some clients (mainly ABC) want exclusive tracks, while other clients don't give a hoot whether exclusive or non-exclusive.

Not sure whether I'll sign or not. It appears to be exactly the same deal as their non-exclusive agreement.

This seems to be happening more and more. Non-exclusive libraries turning exclusive, but still residing under the non-exclusive model, i.e., still making gratis, blanket deals where the composer only receives PRO royalties (no sync fees). Though Jingle Punks do pay sync fees on certain placements, but not on their blanket deals.

One other library I’ve been with for years just went exclusive. Wanted me to make all my pre-existing tracks exclusive (which they were in reality, but not contracted exclusively). Part of the new deal was no upfront sync fees any longer. I told them I would sign exclusively, but would still expect the 50/50 on the licensing. I was told that they can’t afford to pay upfront any longer. I found out they’re splitting the licensing with third parties. So in essence, the third parties take the composer’s licensing share.

Anyway, I’m seeing a lot of changes in music libraries. Mostly detrimental to the composer. But then, we only create the product.

John