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"Music in Hunter - Here's the deal...
November 13 2004 at 4:06 PM JimBow
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I know you Hunter fans out there are a little disappointed about the switch in the music from the original show. I happen to know a little about the situation. I wrote three of the new songs being used in the re-editted Hunter. Here's the explanation:
Back in the 80's, it was customary for TV Prodcution companies to pay a few thousand dollars to use a song in an episode. These agreements allowed the TV show to use this material for up to 5 years after which the production companies would have to renegotiate a new lump sum for further use of the songs. This was a bit short-sighted on the part of the production companies. As time went on, the standard fees for this type of licensing exploded. It can now cost $100,000+, per year in some cases, to use an instance of a song on a show. In Hunter, where some episodes might have 5-6 songs, this cost quickly becomes prohibitive.
Now that every show is getting the DVD treatment, the producers of Hunter, 21 Jump Street, and every 80s show, have decided it was much more economical to redub any song in which the artist refused a reasonable fee. This is why many of the songs have been pulled. Fortunately, some do remain. Example: "I Want a New Drug" by Huey Lewis & the News - in "Snow Queen Part II". This is only because Huey and his band didn't try to bilk Hunter's production company.
About 9 months ago, I was invited by a friend to submit a CD I recorded for use in Hunter soundtrack. I feel priviledged that three of my songs were picked to be included. I have always been a big fan of Hunter and feel honored to now be part of the show.
In a perfect world, these great Hunter episodes would stay exactly as they were originally recorded. But, unfortunately, the big corporate music machine has prevented that from happening. At least we can still see the show and the great story lines that made Hunter a classic.
Regards,
Jim "
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