funbook-pk Chapter 28 Agreeing to Everything
Chapter 28 Agreeing to Everything
Just as Zeke was in a dilemma, Herbert quietly leaned close to his ear and whispered, "Zike, his watch and clothes are all high-end, and his dance instructor is also a well-known figure in the industry."
It seems he made a lot of money from his last album; he's not short of cash at all. I can try talking to him about profit-sharing terms; maybe I can negotiate the same treatment as the Sirens.
"Let me tell you," Zick decided to speak the truth, and Jacques was very kind to him.
Although it's highly likely that he sees him as a kindred spirit, which makes Qi Ke a bit nervous, being sincere might yield unexpected results.
"Jacques, I know you really like this song, and I'd love to have your band sing it. But in my agreement with the Sirens, I can only get a maximum of 20% of the artist royalties from a single, and the album royalties are variable, up to a maximum of 15%. Plus, I'll retain the copyright to the song's lyrics and music."
"What? How can a newcomer like you get such good offers?"
"Herbert negotiated it for me," Zeke said without hiding anything. "I know the Village People might not agree to these terms, but I still wanted to tell you the truth. I admire your talent and believe this band can make this song a hit, but I also need to protect my own interests."
Zik didn't have high hopes. Artist royalties are deducted from the band members' income, so how could they easily agree to give such a high share to a stranger?
"Tell me the details of your revenue-sharing terms. This is really something new."
After asking a few questions about the details, Jacques showed Herbert a very approving look:
"That was brilliant! Mr. Cohen, you are a truly professional lawyer, protecting Zeke's interests exceptionally well. Zeke, you are so lucky to have found such a wonderful lawyer."
Zike thought to himself: Of course! I hired the most expensive law firm in New York and spent a fortune. If the song sale falls through, I won't even be able to afford their lawyer's fees. How could they not be professional?
Jacques pondered for a moment, then readily agreed to all of his demands: "No problem, Zic, I agree to all your conditions: 20% of the artist royalties for the single and 15% for the album, and you own the rights to the lyrics and music. However, I must be the producer of this song, which means I'll also get 3% of the producer's royalties. How about that?"
Zick was stunned. Jacques had actually agreed?
He could still understand the $2 price tag, after all, Jacques was a rising disco producer who was not short of money and urgently needed a hit single to make the Villagers band famous.
But how could he possibly make decisions about artist royalties for Village People?
He couldn't help but ask, "Jacques, shouldn't you discuss this with the members of Village People? Artist royalties come from their income; won't they object to something this big?"
Jacques blinked. "I'm in charge here. I formed this band, and I make all the decisions. They won't have any objections. Besides, this song will make them famous, so this share is nothing."
Herbert leaned close to Zeke's ear again and whispered, "Zike, these terms are already very fair. He has a very good impression of you, otherwise he could have refused to work with you and made the song a complete waste. You're only losing 3% of the royalties, so working with him is the best option."
Zeke nodded. Herbert was right. Getting almost the same revenue sharing terms from him as the Sirens was already a pleasant surprise.
But he was still conflicted: "What about the Sirens? Casablanca is still negotiating a contract with them. If they don't have 'YMCA,' their contract might..."
"What does that have to do with us?" Herbert shrugged and asked calmly, "You and the Sirens are just collaborators; you have no obligation to leave this song to them."
I can help you resolve the default issue. Amanda's check cannot be cashed. In this case, they broke the rules first, and you'll only have to pay a small amount of money at most, which is a good deal.
Moreover, the terms offered by Jacques are more suitable and more advantageous to you; you don't need to sacrifice your own interests for them.
Zeke fell silent. Herbert was right; he had no obligation to sacrifice his own interests for the sake of the Sirens.
But he remembered Holly and the others' dedication during rehearsals, and the efforts Tino made to promote the song. He even got investment from Colin and borrowed money to invest in it.
By selling their songs to Jacques, these people's initial investments were completely wasted.
Seeing that Qi Ke was still hesitant, Herbert gently comforted him, "If you feel bad about it, just write another disco song for them. With your talent, writing another good song shouldn't be difficult."
Qi Ke was troubled. He knew his own situation best. This song was created thanks to the Apocalypse cheat code. How could he possibly write another hit song? Besides, he only sold songs that weren't suitable for him to sing. Would he ever write another song like this?
Jacques patted him on the shoulder: "Zick, don't hesitate. If we collaborate, we'll definitely make this song a hit across America, and even the world. Don't worry, I won't let you suffer any losses. In addition to the agreed-upon revenue sharing, I'll give you an extra creative bonus."
While Zik was still calculating what would happen next, Jacques had already deftly pulled out an elegant checkbook from his suit pocket, quickly filled in the amount with a pen, and then casually pulled out a small bundle of cash tightly tied with a rubber band from his pocket and pushed it in front of Zik.
Zik glanced down at the checks and cash on the table, his eyes lighting up slightly.
The amount on the check was a staggering twenty thousand dollars, exactly the agreed-upon price; and the bundle of cash was thick and substantial, probably around a thousand dollars.
This sum of cash is enough to cover Herbert's legal fees, and it's equivalent to two months' salary for an average person, which is quite a considerable amount.
"This is your creative bonus, just a small token of my appreciation, don't be shy." Jacques noticed Herbert's gaze linger on the cash for a moment, then casually waved his hand. "Just withdrew it from the bank. I was planning to give those guys in the band a little reward to encourage them to practice their dancing and not slack off. Cash is convenient, isn't it? Some small expenses are just too much trouble to handle with checks."
Jacques's financial offensive completely won over Zick, although he was very skeptical that the "small reward" Jacques mentioned was probably nothing special.
He gritted his teeth, suppressing the guilt he felt towards Holly, Tino, and the others—since things had come to this, he could only apologize to them for now.
Moreover, he still harbored a sliver of hope: at worst, he could spend a few days at a disco, listen and watch more, and maybe the apocalypse's cheat code would favor him again, providing another suitable song, and then he could make up for the Siren Band's loss.
"Okay, Jacques, let's sign the contract." Zick looked up at Jacques and said with a firm look in his eyes.
Subsequently, Herbert and Jacques formally drafted and signed a contract that clearly defined all details, including the ownership of the song, royalty sharing, and production rights, with each clause clearly stated.