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Click on a question to read the answer.

Q. What does it cost for composers to join HEC?

Nothing! There are no upfront fees. HEC charges 20% commission on just the license fee (we take no publishing - that's amazing!) and only on those licenses procured through our website.

Q. I'm a composer but I don't own 100% of my copyright - so this isn't for me, is it?

Hollywood Elite Composers IS for you! We invite you to join HEC because we don't wish to 'own' your copyright. We account to you directly and also directly to all 3rd party interests (i.e. publishers, master right holders, production companies, studios, etc.). We aggregate your catalogue with other Hollywood Elite Composers to make it easy for people looking for the best music to search multiple catalogues at the click of a button.

Q. How does HEC make money?

We charge 20% commission on JUST the license fee (we take no back end unless you want us to track your royalties through our state of the art tracking service that holds PROs and licensees accountable. We recommend this service but it is not compulsory) and only on those licenses procured through our website.

Q. How will composers be paid if their music is licensed?

Directly! We account directly to the composers their shares and directly to all 3rd parties separately according to the splits you instruct us. HEC takes its 20% commission from only the license fee (we take no publishing) and only on licenses procured through our website.

Q. How are the licenses tracked?

The PROs (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, PRS SACEM, SOCAN etc.) will collect royalties for you from around the world. HEC also offers a state of the art tracking service to supplement the PROs at a cost of 20% commission on all royalties you instruct us to track and collect.

Q. How does the rate for licenses get set?

Composers set their own rates. HEC can advise based on our expertise.

Q. Are the rates negotiable?

Yes, but we advise composers to automate where possible.

Q. How is HEC different from other licensing companies?

HEC is unique because it is for composers, by composers. It is the only company that is made up of an elite collective of composers and allows composers to retain 100% ownership and control of their copyright.

Q. What are the benefits to composers joining HEC?

HE composers enjoy the benefits of being part of an elite collective of fellow composers, the ability to directly license their work and retain 100% ownership and control of their copyright.

Q. Why would those looking to license music come to HEC?

HEC offers the highest quality music created by established Hollywood Elite Composers. If they want cheap imitations they've come to the wrong place.

Q. How does HEC advertise?

HEC has a Marketing Department, managed by our CMO Allison Shaw, and PR with our publicist CW3PR. We have 8,300 clients who have already registered their interest. We also have articles in industry press (see our press page for more info), have a presence at film and music festivals, and have representatives speaking on various panels. We have representatives in London, Ireland, Europe, New York and Los Angeles. Information about our upcoming events will be posted on our events page soon.

Q. Can I reach out to the composer directly?

Yes, we can forward any communication to the composer's representative.

Q. How are composers able to keep 100% of their copyright?

HEC doesn't wish to own the composer's work. HEC wants to help composers to exploit their own work in a fair and equitable manner.

Q. I'm a composer - how can I join?

HE composers must have one of the following four criteria: 1) award-winning work, 2) large body of work (over 50 IMDB credits), 3) have worked on a blockbuster film or 4) arthouse composer. If you meet any of these criteria, send us an email at info@hollywoodelite.com. For those who don't fulfill this criteria, other opportunities may be available to you through our sister company. Contact us at info@hollywoodelite.com for more information.

Q. How do I commission a composer?

Send us a detailed email about the project and the budget and we will forward it to the composer's representative.

Q. What if I don't want my music used for advertising or other endorsements?

The composer has full control as to how their music is licensed.

Q. I'm a composer. Does my agent take a percentage?

It depends on the contract between the composer and agent. Usually an agent does not take a commission from this kind of revenue stream.

Q. What if I need a longer, shorter or an alternative version?

Music can only be edited after a license has been obtained. Once the music is licensed, you can edit into shorter or longer versions as needed. If you would like to submit your final edit for inclusion in the site, we can send it to the composer for approval. If alternative versions or variations of any kind are needed, send us a detailed email about the changes required and the budget available and we will forward it to the composer.


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