No Budget Music Vid Deal Technicalities

[Joe G.]

Let's say someone (YOU) decided to shoot a music video for a new band that caught your attention, pro bono, to get practice etc.

Let's say also that people need to be in this video (the talent), and that you don't want to pay them. Now, they're more than happy to be there and support the band, but how to make it okay that they are receiving no money and no rights (in California)?

Further, what is the status of the final project since it contains your images and editing but the band's music? How is that sorted out contractually?

Any examples, in black and white, of how you people have handled these potentially annoying issues?

[Brandon Fraley]

The terms can be whatever you guys agree too. Particularly if there's no production company or record label to deal with. Just make sure it's in writing and you should be good.

And get releases from everyone who appears in the video!

[Jeff Kilgroe]

Releases for all the talent that states that imagery of them can be used within this production video indefinitely and without further/any compensation.

Secure rights to the video itself so you can continue to use at least portions of it for your reel or to promote yourself. Why else would you do it pro bono anyway? Same with the music rights to use the music track or portions of it. It is even more important with the music! If the band signs with a label or production company and you don't have established rights to use a piece of music, even just snippets for a demo reel, then the next thing you know is some lawyer is calling to tell you that you have to pull your demo reel offline... Yes, that can really happen. Be sure you secure in writing, with a legal document, what is yours.

[Grinner Hester]

This is what groupies are for.