What should I charge for usage of a photo in a tv show for a major network?

Jessiedee · Aug 17, 2012

I got approached recently by the clearance coordinator for a new modeling show that will be premiering this fall on a pretty large network. They want to use a photo I took of one of the models who will be on the show. They aren't sure how many times they will use it but the contract they sent me gives them permission to use it when and as they please but she said as of right now it'll be shown for a few seconds in one of the episodes as the models "best shots" to show she's an established model. She never brought up compensation so I asked and she asked if I had a price.

So now I'm wondering what I should say in return, how much is too much or too little, if I should ask to write up my own contract with limited usage or what direction I should head in. I know the TV industry is known for screwing people and I don't want that to happen

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks so much!

cgipson1 · Aug 17, 2012

Get an Attorney who specializes in that area! That combined with your knowledge of your CODB should allow you to both get a good contract, and set a correct price!

Bitter Jeweler · Aug 17, 2012

$2000, of course.

Jessiedee · Aug 17, 2012

I don't mean to sound naive but I don't really think it's a big enough deal to get a lawyer involved but maybe I'm wrong. I don't want to discourage them from using my photograph at all because I AM flattered but I don't want to get the short end of the stick either. Regardless, what kind of lawyer? Orlando doesn't really have a great entertainment industry so those aren't the lawyers that are around here so I don't know where to begin to be honest.

cgipson1 · Aug 17, 2012

If you are selling a photo, then you are suddenly a professional... and flattery should not even enter into the equation.

Orlando has plenty of attorneys... someone could help, but they will charge $$$$!

Why don't you post a small version of this photo, I would love to see it!

CCericola · Aug 17, 2012

Here is a good jumping off point. NPPA: Business Practices Toolkit

tirediron · Aug 17, 2012

Moving to the Business District.

tirediron · Aug 17, 2012

You are dealing with a major television network. You can bet your sitmedownupon that every thing they say and offer to you will have been run by their TEAM of lawyers.

KmH · Aug 17, 2012

Commercial photos are basically priced by how many people will see the image.

In magazines, how many magazines will be printed, point-of-sale, products, brochures, etc.

You need to know how many people they expect to be watching the show.

Vist American Society of Media Photographers. On the left side of their home page click on > Business Resources. ASMP recommends fotoQuote Pro 6 use license pricing software from Cradoc.

When an inexperienced business person does business with an experienced business person, the inexperienced business person often gets some expensive experience.

sapper6fd · Aug 17, 2012

cgipson1 said:
Get an Attorney who specializes in that area! That combined with your knowledge of your CODB should allow you to both get a good contract, and set a correct price!

I don't have a whole lot of experience in this area, bout wouldn't the attorney fees be more than one would be paid for the use of the image? I'd imagine an attorney is going to charge around $1000 just to draw up a contract, deal with the network that will be using the image, and reading over their proposal. What does a network typically pay for the use of an image?

Jessiedee · Aug 17, 2012

Lawyers and contracts aside, I'd just like to know a starting point where to begin. I want to make this as simple and as clean as possible without getting screwed completely.

I have no idea what they typically pay, I think they were probably hoping I wouldn't ask because it was never offered in the beginning. It's a model reality competition on VH1 so I can't imagine it's going to be GIANT but this isn't small for me either!

The photo.

CCericola · Aug 17, 2012

Try these guys: Photography Pricing Service | Photography Pricing| Assignment and Stock Photography Pricing| Photography Consulting There is a fee for their service but I'm thinking it is less than a lawyer.

tirediron · Aug 17, 2012

I have no experience pricing images for television, but I would say that based on the image (wonderful) and the potential audience, it should be substantial.

Jessiedee · Aug 17, 2012

That's an interesting website! Thanks, I'll look into it.

& tirediron - thank you!

I've considered asking what they normally offer in cases like this but I don't know if that will help or harm me :/ What do you guys think??? I don't want them just choosing one of her other photos - she's a model with Next so it's not like her book is lacking...