advice for a prospective label manager?

[Guest]

I hope this isn't off topic... I'm in the US, a DJ/promoter, and I've been saving up for a small run of a horror psychedelic trance CD. I have a few questions about starting a label, which maybe you perceptive crowd can help with? Thanks in advance.

 

My current plan is:

 

* Online mastering. Saves on time and shipping costs. 4-CN Studios is my #1 choice, though if you can recommend a local or other studio my mind is open.

 

* Domestic duplication. Easier to deal with, I get my master in less time, and I can call up the plant without running a long distance bill. Again -- if you feel that commercial CD plants are shite compared to the super-leet Moscow trance cookery that all /real/ labels use, let me know.

 

* Foreign distribution. Here's where it gets hairy. How much would it cost to ship 500 CD's to a UK or Europe distributor? I'm willing to pay a fair amount, just to have the assumed benefits of domestic printing, but if it's over the $150-$200 range tell me how daft I am.

 

(and if jewelcases don't travel well, tell me how super-daft I am )

 

* Royalties/copyright. All artists keep the rights to the music (broadcasting, ect.) All money after expenses (i.e.: whenever the distro pays me, in 3-6 months) is divided between the artists. I/the label make no profit on this 1st release.

 

(here's where info on Advance fees (if any) would be useful...)

 

 

 

Oh, and for the artwork: are photo collages acceptable?