Compilation/Clip Use
Compilation/Clip Use
COMPILATIONS
The Compilation Department gets its name from its primary task, which is to see that musicians are paid for programs in which excerpts ("clips") are compiled together, such as a TV network's look back at great moments from its past shows or a program about funny commercials. The rates in AFM agreement books are tuned more to shows using only a few clips. So, when such large amounts of clips are used the Compilation Department negotiates a special agreement which is acceptable to both the producer and the AFM members. With new compilation programs coming out all the time, the Compilation Department's goal is to negotiate deals as swiftly and efficiently as possible without sacrificing the accuracy and veracity of our billings. Producers of compilation shows or their licensing attorneys are encouraged to provide copies of their programs and cue sheets and to make themselves available for questions we might have. Such helpfulness is always appreciated and taken into consideration, and we hope to continue to build positive working relationships within the entertainment community.
CLIP USE
The secondary and much simpler task of the Compilation Department is to bill for programs which are not compilations but still use clips which contain original music. In such cases, producers or their representatives are encouraged to contact the Compilation Department before a clip is used so they can learn about the AFM obligations associated with such use. And if a musician sees a program which contains a clip in which he or she performed, let us know.
The following are a few quick rules of thumb for clip use:
Clips taken from motion pictures and TV films (=MOWs, dramas and sitcoms) are charged by:
- Length of the clip. There is a flat rate for 1 minute or less which increases thereafter in 30-second increments.
- Type of music. Rates are doubled for clips containing actual singing and dancing (production numbers) as opposed to underscore.
Important: In most cases, music taken from a TV film or theatrical motion picture cannot be used to underscore a new film or TV show. Only two minutes or less of music stripped of its original footage is permitted in any new program.
Clips taken from variety shows, talk shows, sports programs or commercials are charged by:
- Whether the clip contains only part of a number or the entire number.
- How many musicians were involved in the original clip. That includes not only the band but also arrangers, orchestrators, librarians and copyists (music prep).
For more information, contact
Motion Picture Compilations
Bob Thies-- Motion Picture, TV Film, Low Budget Films, Student Films
Contract Administrator
rthies@afm.org
Phone: (213) 251-4510 x 213
Fax: (213)-251-4520
East Coast Compilations
Chuck Skorupski—Assistant Contract Administrator for the East Coast Videotape, Basic Cable and Non-Standard (Pay) TV
cskorupski@afm.org
Phone: (212) 869-1330 x 1254
Fax: (212) 764-6134
West Coast Compilations
Dick Gabriel—Acting Executive Director
dgabriel@afm.org
Phone: (213) 251-4510 x 214
Fax: (213)-251-4519
