Rapid Growth Of The Web
The
rapid growth of video games has opened up a wealth of new possibilities for
Federation musicians to earn income under AFM agreements. The American
Federation of Musicians (AFM) first approved guidelines for
Interactive/Multimedia projects in March 1997. Projects are negotiated on a
case-by-case basis for original music recorded for various internet uses, as
well as music for interactive media on CD-ROMs and DVDs, including video games.
As
the popularity of video games has increased, so has the level of technology. New
game consoles have dynamic capabilities that allow for professional sound
quality, and game producers are now asking composers for fully orchestrated
musical scores. It is now common to find orchestras of up to 90 or more
musicians for the most popular games.
In
2001, Chris Millner, Administrator of the AFM Interactive /Multimedia
Department, negotiated the first on-line multi-player game recorded at Capitol
Studios in Los Angeles. This set the stage for future projects.
Early
this year, Electronic Arts, one of the largest game producers, approached
composer Christopher Lennertz of Local 47 (Los Angeles) to compose music for
their game "Medal of Honor - Rising Sun Part 1. The score called for
several sessions for a large orchestra. Local 47 (Los Angeles) members, Phil
Ayling and David Low met with representatives of Electronic Arts to discuss the
possibility of scoring their game in Los Angeles under an AFM agreement. The
music budget was approved and Millner, in consultation with Ayling, negotiated
the agreement with EA . The agreement was signed and the call went out to the
seventy-five plus musicians for the first scoring session.
"EA
was thrilled," remarked Christopher Lennertz. "The session was a huge
success. By using AFM musicians we were able to accomplish a level of
musicianship and passion that could not have been achieved anywhere else."
"Given
the continued unprecedented growth of video games, this recording marks the
start of a brand new income stream for Federation musicians," said AFM
President Thomas Lee. "The new agreement allows the AFM to continue its
role in keeping pace with the latest technological developments for the benefit
of our member musicians."
The
American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada is the
dedicated to representing the interests of professional musicians. Whether it is
negotiating fair agreements, protecting ownership of recorded music, securing
benefits such as health care and pension, or lobbying our legislators - the AFM
is committed to raising industry standards and placing the professional musician
in the foreground of the cultural landscape. For more information, contact
Theresa Naglieri at (212) 869-1330.