Thanks bschmidt for your input as well.

I got mostly positive response to my proposal :) *sighs in relief*

I also got the rates from him... his usual rate is £100 (approx $180) per minute, but is willing to drop it down to £80 (approx $135) per minute for me specifically. He also expressed his concerns, such as him wanting to be able to use the music to promote himself, so it's time to negotiate a little more; after considering a little more, I think I'll rather have him keep ownership but add buyout clause, as I don't even have any idea how much success will I have with game.

Bonus point to his music is that he designs it to be sequenced randomly, which makes it interesting. I'll also have to consider how much I need, but that's for another thread.

Once again thanks everyone for your inputs, this has been enlightening, and dealing like this is brand new experience.

It's very common for musicians (or artists, for that matter) to have a right to use the created work for self-promotion (i.e. be able to put it on a demo reel).

Welcome to the world of negotiating with contractors! Sounds like you're doing great!

Brian

Hello

Thanks everyone for your inputs. You've all been a great help, and I have to say, negotiations ended greatly with both sides satisfied. Draft of the contract is completed, and it looks like this:

• Composer owns rights to the music, while I'll hold the rights to use it in game and any promotional materials indefinitely.
• If required, I can buy the complete ownership from him. In this case, he retains the usage of his work for self promotion.
• He gains 25% of my profits until the money owed is paid in full.

Only thing that now remains is plain english contract. He feels it isn't necessary, but maybe it would be better for both his and my protection?

Did you actually need the music?

My point being, sometimes you get an offer that makes you mind bend twist and turn, but the true answer is: it wasn't part of my plan and the only reason I'm considering now is because I've got an offer.

I tend to turn down most if not all such offers and get back to them if I have a project (any) that actually requires their services...

Did you actually need the music?

My point being, sometimes you get an offer that makes you mind bend twist and turn, but the true answer is: it wasn't part of my plan and the only reason I'm considering now is because I've got an offer.

I tend to turn down most if not all such offers and get back to them if I have a project (any) that actually requires their services...

Yup, I need music, otherwise I wouldn't accept the offer. Thanks for the warning for the future if similar thing happens :)