Composer Agreement
Engage a composer to write, produce, and deliver original score for your film.
Who It's For
- Producers hiring a composer for original score.
- Composers documenting scope, fee, and rights.
- Music supervisors formalizing a score deal.
What It's For
- Defines the score work, delivery, and schedule.
- Sets fee, package/all-in terms, and publishing.
- Assigns copyright (work-for-hire) and credit.
Parties
Project
Services & Delivery
Compensation
Rights & Credit
Additional Terms
Preview
COMPOSER AGREEMENT
This Composer Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into as of [effective date] by and between [composer] (Individual) ("Composer") and [producer / company] ("Producer").
1. Engagement & Services
Producer hereby engages Composer to Compose, arrange, orchestrate, perform, record, mix, and deliver original score for the motion picture or program presently entitled "[project title]" (the "Project"), a Feature Film. Composer shall render such services in a timely, professional manner and in accordance with Producer's creative direction.
2. Delivery & Schedule
Composer shall deliver the following: Final stereo mixes, stems, and a completed music cue sheet. Delivery shall be completed no later than [score delivery deadline]. 2 rounds per cue of revisions are included within the compensation stated below, at no additional cost to Producer.
3. Compensation
Composer shall be compensated on a All-In / Package Deal basis in the amount of [fee (USD)]. This is an all-in package fee inclusive of musicians, studio, software, and all recording costs, and Composer shall be solely responsible for such costs. Payment schedule: [payment schedule].
4. Royalties / Backend
No additional royalties, participations, or backend are payable beyond the fee stated above, except that Composer shall retain the writer's share of public-performance royalties collected through Composer's performing rights organization.
5. Ownership of Score
All results and proceeds of Composer's services hereunder, including the score, all cues, arrangements, and master recordings, are created as works made for hire specially ordered and commissioned by Producer, and Producer shall be deemed the author and sole owner thereof throughout the universe in perpetuity, in all media now known or hereafter devised. To the extent any such material does not qualify as a work made for hire, Composer hereby irrevocably assigns to Producer all right, title, and interest therein, including all copyrights and renewals thereof.
6. Publishing
Producer controls publishing; composer retains writer's share.
7. Credit
Subject to Composer's full performance hereunder, Producer shall accord Composer credit substantially as follows: Original Music by [Composer]. Casual or inadvertent failure to comply shall not constitute a breach of this Agreement.
8. Representations & Warranties
Composer represents and warrants that the score is and shall be original to Composer, that it does not and will not infringe upon the copyright or any other right of any third party, and that any samples, loops, libraries, or other third-party elements incorporated therein shall be fully licensed and cleared at Composer's expense prior to delivery.
9. Additional Terms
[additional terms]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the Effective Date.
COMPOSER
Signature: ____________________
Printed Name: [composer]
Date: ____________________
PRODUCER
Signature: ____________________
Printed Name: [producer / company]
Date: ____________________
TEMPLATE ONLY — NOT LEGAL ADVICE. A composer deal typically covers BOTH the composition/score copyright (usually work-made-for-hire) and delivery of the master recordings (stems and mixes). Consult a qualified entertainment attorney before executing this agreement.
Filmmaker Genius — Document Library. Template only; not legal advice.