Dear Comic book geeks,
Are you ready for the smoove R&B pop/hip flop sounds of Will. I. Am gracing your favorite Marvel comic films, from “Iron Man 2,” and “The Avengers” through “Thor”?
It is possible, though maybe stylistically improbable.
Remember them silly music deals movie studios make with record labels we complain about? Well, here’s another this time it’s with a music publishing company, Cherry Lane (the people who represent performers and make sure they get paid for their songs).
According to Variety last night, Cherry Lane and Marvel have made a long-term worldwide music administration deal.
Cherry Lane already has a deal with with DreamWorks Pictures, the Weinstein Co., Lakeshore Entertainment and Walden Media and now they will oversee the music for Marvel’s 2010-2011 slate which includes the aforementioned films and “Captain America.”
So expect Cherry Lane to topload these films with the performers and artists they represent, the worst of which could be Will. I. Am, the best being Hans Zimmer (wait, Dreamworks, Zimmer, Will.I.Am – now the “Madagascar 2” soundtrack makes sense; again not about a fun collaboration, about easy partnership deals). Cherry Lane also handles people like John Legend, the music of Elvis Presley, Ashford and Simpson, Quincy Jones, Mick Mars of Motley Crue, John Carpenter, John Denver, etc. etc., but don’t worry, we’re mostly being purposefully reductive to make you nerds feel uneasy. It’s not like they just have to pick from their roster, but if you see one or two of them pop up in a Marvel movie, well don’t be completely shocked or outraged.
lol @ Hanz Zimmer being the best case scenerio.
I think it’s possibly more likely that this means several unknowns in their stable of songwriters will get to take a crack at writing emotive singles for Creed-like bands to place in Marvel movies. And that Cherry Lane Pub artists will exclusively score these movies.
While this is TOTALLY GROSS and in a lot of ways signing a publishing deal is much worse and creatively debilitating than even the exclusive deal with a label side – at least it’s just Marvel Comics movies. Their music was bound to disappoint anyway.
I wouldn’t disagree with any of your points, but hey, Zimmer does fine work (collaborations with Will.I.Am, not withstanding)
Astrud,
Educate yourself before leaving comments. You are so far off base as to what a publisher does it is laughable. I’m guessing you are a frustrated writer that a publisher would not sign.
Please read up next time.