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It's not that I don't want to, it's just that there's no…

“It's not that I don't want to, it's just that there's no money in it. By that I mean the way the video business works now, the artist and the record label send out a song to a bunch of different directors and say, 'What would you do with this?' Then everyone has to come up with an idea and bid on…” quote by John Landis
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“It's not that I don't want to, it's just that there's no money in it. By that I mean the way the video business works now, the artist and the record label send out a song to a bunch of different directors and say, 'What would you do with this?' Then everyone has to come up with an idea and bid on it. For me, it's like, 'Hey, you want me to do it? Then pay me. I'm not auditioning for you.'”

John Landis

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Artists resist being treated as interchangeable contractors, demanding direct compensation for their creative labor.

In simple terms: Artists want paid work, not unpaid auditions.

Key Takeaway

Demand fair payment for creative contributions.

Themes

labor rights creative control industry economics artist autonomy

Mood

assertive pragmatic inspirational

Type

industry business creative rights

When to use this quote

  • music video shoots
  • film production
  • advertising campaigns
  • freelance projects

Key Concepts

intellectual property fair trade contract negotiation

Questions to Reflect On

  • What structures can ensure artists are compensated?
  • How can creators negotiate better terms?
A Different Perspective

Industry pressure may still force artists into unpaid work.

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