Below is a sample Collaborator's Agreement. In it, in addition to the typical "split sheet" designations, there is language which the co-writers use to address in advance uses, costs, and other concerns related to the collaboration. This sample is provided for educational purposes only. Please fashion the language appropriate to your collaborative relationships and, if appropriate, consult an attorney. We advocate thoughtful, open, respectful communication in all aspects and phases of the collaboration to promote healthy, enduring writing relationships.
Want to learn more about Co-Writing and write with other songwriters in a variety of genres? The Songwriting School of Los Angeles is proud to offer Co-Writing Songs: The Art & Business of Collaboration. Click on the link for dates, info, and registration for the course. Thanks to Patricia Bahia for her significant contributions to these materials.
Songwriter Split Agreement
This Agreement is entered into with respect to the following musical composition(s):
_______________________________________________________________________
The undersigned songwriters have collaborated in the creation of the aforementioned composition(s) with the following understanding:
1. Songwriting credit, publishing, and ownership of master recording is divided as follows, and all sums received from exploitation thereof as well as all approved expenses incurred, will be divided as follows::
Composition Title Writer’s Name Percentage Share
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
2. Reasonable and agreed-upon expenses to prepare or present the song(s)
(for example, demo recording costs, copyright fees, song contest fees, submission fees to publishers, etc.). shall be reimbursed in full out of any sums received from exploitation of the song(s). Only after expenses have been fully repaid shall the remainder of the sums received be shared according to the percentages listed above. We agree to maintain receipts for any reasonable expense in order to receive reimbursement.
3. We agree that we shall disclose and list each party hereto as the composer of his/her applicable percentage share, on any and all documents relating to the composition, including without limitation, copyright registration forms and information we may provide to music publishers and performing rights societies.
4. We agree that if one or more samples of other musical compositions are incorporated into the composition, then (circle one)
all of the above shares shall be reduced proportionately
the shares of ________________________only shall be reduced proportionately
The following list of samples represent all of those samples which are embodied in the above composition:
Sample Title Sample Writer’s Sample Sample
Name Publisher Label
5. Any of the undersigned writers have equal rights to issue licenses for any use of the song(s), and agree to pay the other(s) appropriate shares of any money received as specified in Paragraph 1 and 2 above
6. Any of the undersigned writers, with approval of all undersigned writers, may authorize changes to the lyric or melody of the song(s) and may reduce the shares of alI of us in equal proportion to compensate any new songwriter(s) adding such creative changes.
7. All of the undersigned writers are each granted full power of attorney to assign any rights or grant any licenses respecting the song(s) in the event that the others are unavailable to give their approval for any period in excess of 30 days.
8. In the event of any dispute between us regarding the composition(s) or this Agreement, we will submit the matter to binding arbitration in the New York Area or Los Angeles area, under the rules of the American Arbitration Association or any local arbitration association upon which we otherwise agree.
Agreed and Accepted:
________________________________________________________________
Print Name Sign Name Date
SSN:
Mailing Address:
City State Zip:
Telephone:
Email:
________________________________________________________________
Print Name Sign Name Date
SSN:
Mailing Address:
City State Zip:
Telephone:
Email:
For educational and example purposes only. This is not a legal document, nor does this document constitute legal advice.
THE SONGWRITING SCHOOL OF LOS ANGELES
www.thesongwritingschool.com
