Does anyone know a good rate of compensation to buy a song from an unsigned artist for use in an indie film?

Question by Ezakizaw: Does anyone know a good rate of compensation to buy a song from an unsigned artist for use in an indie film?
Hi guys,

We’ve been finding music for our independent teen comedy. We’ve found several songs we like from unsigned talent.

We’re planning for the most positive outcome for the movie (distribution deals, etc.) so we’ve put a lot in place in the contract for the artist.

My question is for music artists, what is an acceptable rate for an unsigned talent to write a song for us? We know people can’t survive off of deferred payment. Any artists can feel free to throw out rates they’ve used when they’ve had songs purchased or have been asked to write songs.

This is for a single song, not for composing the entire film.

Thanks

Best answer:

Answer by Michael D
Well if they aren’t tied down to any major label… Then you’re giving them free exposure, copy and credit… They should be happy with that… And if you did get a distribution deal then maybe you’d think about writing people checks in gratitude for helping with the project.

Try not to go balls out nuts with a business aspect of making an independent film; that can kill the spirit of making a movie.

The name of the game right now is to make it for as little or no money as possible.

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