Artist Quote by John Landis
“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.'”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Music Video Production, 1995
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.
