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  3. What should I charge?

  • What should I charge?

    C
    C
    Sorry to post here, but I dont know whereelse to ask... and I'm guessing some people here may have experience in theese things.

    A gamedeveloper has shown interest in having me compose music for theor games. They have asked mw what kind of position I might be interested in, freelance or in-house, and if freelance.. what do I charge?

    Facts:
    - I have not scored any computergames professionaly
    - I really want to!
    - I have no clue what to charge
    - They have several published games by Eidos - so they arent smalltime. Not HUGE either. They are a small but pro company

    The question is what shall I say my rate is? I have no clue what the rate would be so I need some help... thanks
  • A
    A
    I'm wondering this myself. Please answer Marcussen guys.
    How many DKK should he charge?
  • C
    C
    Well.. rather how many £ since its a UK based company [:)] (€ or $ would be fine aswell)

    But yeah, would would be reasonable per minute fee?
  • E
    E
    $300 to $600 per finished minute is a good rate. Then there is ajob rate to consider. And also you can "feel" what their budget is and make abid so that you get teh job no matter what.

    present yourself as fexible. If it has to be done with little money than you'll just pump it out and source out some with library or whatever.

    Mastering negotiation is about confidence and flexibility.

    Evan Evans
  • C
    C
    Thanks Evans... finaly a straight answer... Ive been asking around different places and everyone is like, bla, bla, bla... nothing concrete [:)]

    How bout percentages.. is that common, or is it a total sell out of all rights?
  • F
    F
    You should contact N©B (Nordisk Copyright Bureau)
    www.ncb.dk/
    Even if you get payed for the job there´s also some nice license money...

    I hope this will help.

    Bengt Nilsson
  • C
    C
    Evan... any word on the percentage thing?
  • E
    E
    Sorry. No percentages. But you can try. 1% would be good, but you'll never see what's known as "contractual money", because it takes a lawsuit or an honest company to collect on (neither of which make any sense [[:)]] ).

    A chapter in my book will be dedicated to understanding the art of business in assition to the theory and philosophy of the art of film music itself. But I'm sure you already knew that. [[:)]]

    Evan Evans
  • C
    C
    Ok... so basicaly it would be something like this: I make music for 400-800$ (or whatever price is agreed on), and one they have it I never see more money from sales or similar?

    How about the rights to the music... what if a soundtrack was released? Thought?
  • C
    C
    I GOT THE JOB!

    Fantastic... one step closer to getting VSL Pro Ed [:D]
  • P
    P
    Hehee, very nice! Congratz! [:D]
  • A
    A
    Nice going Christian!

    How exactly did you get the job?

    Did you "show off" any demos to them?

    Good luck to you on your project!
  • C
    C
    Its a long story... I contacted them a year ago, a sent a few samples. I heard nothing until like half a year ago. They then mailed me and said that they were planning on expanding their audio department, and if they could hear some of my new stuff. I then sent thenm that and got a mail appologizing that it took so long but they were really busy preparing for E3. However they really liked the samples and wanted to test me (taking me up on an offer than they could ask me for something specific). I then did they test and they really liked it...

    so after a few mails back and forth they have agreed to take on a freelance composer for the first time, and that it happned to be me [:D]

    I was so happy I screamed! I still dont quite understand it, but this can really be my big break into the game intrustry
  • A
    A
    Good for you! What company is it?
  • C
    C
    Cant say yet til all is sorted.. sorry [:)]
  • A
    A
    That's quite alright!

    I'm really happy for you, and wish I were you, but I am just waiting for gs3 to start my sampling chapter.

    I wish you the best of luck!
  • I
    I
    Congratulations Christian! [:D] send some demos so we can hear something [;)]

    Regards,

    Iván.