Survey of Composers’ fees for the Commissioning of Original Screen Music, 2023 Edition.
The Australian Guild of Screen Composers (AGSC) has been asked by members and various organisations for guidance on what constitutes a reasonable fee for the commissioning of a screen composer.
The AGSC undertook an anonymous member survey and consulted with a working group of composers representing a broad range of experience to inform the results below. The results are intended to provide some general guidance to members and the wider Australian screen community about pricing. Use of this document is not obligatory, and individuals must make a unilateral decision about fees independent of others.
Important legal information
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The figures in this document are indicative only
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Composers are not obliged to use this document in any way
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Composers must make a unilateral and independent decision when determining fees for their services
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Nothing in this document will be taken to constitute an agreement or understanding between any two composers about fees they may offer for the same service
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No warranties expressed or implied may be interpreted by the use of this document
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When entering into a screen music commissioning contract, producers and composers should seek independent legal advice
This document may not be copied in part or in whole without the written consent of the AGSC. This document must be interpreted in its entirety and no individual section quoted or interpreted out of context.
For clarification regarding this document, please contact the AGSC (agsc@agsc.org.au).
Assumptions and Variables
It is of utmost importance to understand that when responding to this survey, composers have taken the following ‘assumptions and variables’ into consideration. Therefore, the results must be interpreted with these points in mind:
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The screen composers (survey respondents) are members of APRA AMCOS and the AGSC.
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The figures quoted below do not include a provision for the licensing of pre-existing songs or source music (aka diagetic music). Both a fee to license the music and a fee to license and/or commission a new recording fall outside the scope of this survey. For more information in this regard, please seek the advice of a Music Supervisor.
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The figures quoted below are indicative of the ‘composer’s fee’ only. Use of live musicians, music production personel and facilities may have been engaged at the composer’s discretion within the fee; or may have been subject to additional fees and further negotiation. For further information in this regard, please seek the advice of a Music Services Provider.