COMPOSER WORK-MADE-FOR-HIRE (master/publishing) STANDARD AGREEMENT (non-loanout)

Updated: Nov. 1, 2025

1. What is it?

A composer work made for hire agreement is a contract in which a composer is hired to create original music for a film, television program, or other audiovisual project, and the producer becomes the legal “author” and sole copyright owner of the resulting compositions and recordings. Unlike a synch license, where the composer retains ownership, this agreement ensures the producer owns all rights from the start, treating the music as if it was created by the production company itself.

Work-made-for-hire means the hiring party owns everything the artist does on the production.

Non-loanout means that the artist is directly a party to the contract and doesn’t have a separate company that they contract through to conduct their business i.e. Tom Cruz might have Tom Cruz LLC.

2. Who is it for?

This agreement is used by:

Producers and production companies seeking full ownership of the music for use in the film and beyond.
Distributors, sales agents, and financiers who require clean chain of title to the music for legal delivery.
Composers who are being hired as independent contractors or employees to deliver a score, typically with a flat fee or buyout.
Investors who want assurance the project’s music won’t be subject to outside claims.

3. What does it include?

A standard composer work made for hire agreement covers:

Work for Hire Clause – States the music is created as a work made for hire, and all rights vest in the producer.
Assignment of Rights (backup clause) – If the music doesn’t qualify as work for hire under copyright law, the composer assigns all rights to the producer.
Scope of Work – Description of music to be composed (score, themes, cues, etc.), delivery deadlines, revisions.
Compensation – Flat fee, staged payments, or other consideration; may include expenses.
Credits – Screen credit for the composer, subject to producer’s approval.
Use Rights – Producer’s right to use the music in the film, marketing, soundtrack albums, and derivative works without additional payment.
Warranties and Indemnities – Composer guarantees originality and non-infringement, indemnifying the producer from claims.
Union/Guild Compliance – If applicable (e.g., AFM, SAG-AFTRA for vocalists, etc.), agreement references required residuals or pension/health contributions.

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