Request from songwriter and singer.

Hello guys.

I just wanted to consult with you abut a request that I received today.
Basically the email starts like this:
Hi Nikolay,

I am looking for a photographer to help me with my album.....
I plan to sell the tracks and CD's online myself and try to involve record labels unless I start my own,
... and finishes like this
I will need a letter from you signing over the full copyright should you undertake the project.

Is this some kind of normal practice, as for me it sound bit stupid someone to ask for help and on top of everything asking you to sign off the copyrights.. or maybe there is something that I really don't know yet.
I also wanted to ask if there are any schemes like in the film industry were the crew get paid percentage or fix fee but after the movie start selling. Is there anything similar within the photography business.
Any help or suggestions are welcome and appreciated
Thanks.
Nikolay.

I've never worked in the music industry but as a general practice, it's not usually a good idea to sign over the copyright to your images. Instead, suggest working out a licensing agreement that meets the needs of your client. You can offer her a licensing agreement that gives her unlimited use of the image for a specified amount of time without actually signing over the copyright. If it were me, I would offer the client a consultation and see if you can find some common ground. If they are dead set on owning the copyright to the images, price accordingly if you're willing to give it over. Just understand that you will have absolutely no rights to the images after that point.

Why don't you trade your copyright for exclusive copyright on one of client's songs to use in your productions? Sounds like a fair trade.

J Michael wrote in post #14214832
Why don't you trade your copyright for exclusive copyright on one of client's songs to use in your productions? Sounds like a fair trade.

Wishful thinking.
But you`re right.

Good choice of avatar, by the way - I love Dream Theater.

I'd shoot them an email back with a quote/inquiry on what specifically they want/need, and then an explanation that you can give them usage for advertising, album covers, etc. No full copyright though, I'd say.

I think a lot of people toss around the word "copyright" without actually knowing what it means.

I agree that setting up a consultation and discussing things with them in person is the best idea. Most likely they are just looking to use the photos for cover art/marketing materials and just want to make sure that is allowable.

helloagain36 wrote in post #14215462
I think a lot of people toss around the word "copyright" without actually knowing what it means.

I agree that setting up a consultation and discussing things with them in person is the best idea. Most likely they are just looking to use the photos for cover art/marketing materials and just want to make sure that is allowable.

I'd be interested in knowing the common practice today in the music industry for newbies. My understanding is that in the past record companies usually required new artists to transfer the copyrights of their original works to the companies (until the newbies became famous enough to hire their own lawyers and agents).

RDKirk wrote in post #14215795
I'd be interested in knowing the common practice today in the music industry for newbies. My understanding is that in the past record companies usually required new artists to transfer the copyrights of their original works to the companies (until the newbies became famous enough to hire their own lawyers and agents).

Yeah, that's a good point. Though I think in this case there isn't a label involved.

"I plan to sell the tracks and CD's online myself and try to involve record labels unless I start my own." but that doesn't make much sense the way it is written so I assume they mean "try NOT to involve record labels."

Of course you should let them have the copyright..... if they are going to pay for it - on top of the cost of the normal image usage license.

The norm would be to grant a license for them to use the image on the cover, on their website and in advertising for the record, for X number of years; but you keep the copyright. You can also have additional usage clauses, such as any commercial exploitation (such as T-shirts, mugs etc) you get a % of what they make.

Thanks for the prompt responses. Just another question, from where I can get any of this forms where terms can be specified... I know about model release but I never came across other types of bureaucratic material )

www.photographerstoolk​it.com perhaps?

helloagain36 wrote in post #14215847
Yeah, that's a good point. Though I think in this case there isn't a label involved.

"I plan to sell the tracks and CD's online myself and try to involve record labels unless I start my own." but that doesn't make much sense the way it is written so I assume they mean "try NOT to involve record labels."

My thought is that this musician may be mimicking agreements that he's seen in the music world.

You really should have a local lawyer help with your contract.

Forms, legal docs, contracts