How to Collect Royalties for Songs Featured in Movies and TV

Syncing music in movies and TV, known as "sync," is one of the most valuable ways to exploit music rights. When a song is used in a film, TV show, commercial, or any other audiovisual medium, the composer and the rights holder receive compensation known as synchronization royalties. These royalties can be a significant source of income, but collecting them involves several steps and collaboration with various entities.

However, the process of collecting these royalties can be complex and requires a clear understanding of the rights involved and the necessary steps to ensure payment. In this article, we'll explore how to collect royalties for songs featured in movies and TV.

What are Synchronization Royalties?

Synchronization royalties are payments made to the rights holders of a song when their music is used in sync with images in audiovisual media. This includes movies, TV shows, ads, video games, and more. These royalties are paid to both the composer and the owner of the master recording of the song.

Types of Rights Involved

There are two main types of rights involved in synchronization:

1. Composition Rights: Related to the lyrics and written music of the song. These rights are usually managed by music publishers and collective management organizations.
2. Master Recording Rights: Related to the specific recording of the song. These rights are typically owned by record labels or the artists themselves if they own their recordings.

Steps to Collect Synchronization Royalties

1. Registering the Song

Before a song can generate synchronization royalties, it must be properly registered with the relevant collective management organizations. These organizations are responsible for collecting and distributing royalties for music use. In the United States, the main organizations are ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC. In other countries, there are equivalent organizations like SACM in Mexico, SGAE in Spain, and SAYCO in Colombia.

2. Obtaining Sync Licenses

For a song to be legally used in movies or TV, the user must obtain a sync license. This license is negotiated between the rights holder and the producer of the audiovisual content. It's crucial that the terms of the license are clear and specific, including the duration of use, territory, distribution medium, and agreed compensation.

3. Negotiating the Payment

The payment for a sync license can vary significantly depending on the song's popularity, the project's budget, and the scope of use. It's important to have a good negotiator, whether it's a manager, a copyright lawyer, or a music publisher, to ensure fair compensation.

4. Tracking Usage and Reports

Once the song has been used, it's crucial to track its usage to ensure that the contract terms are met and the corresponding royalties are generated. This involves monitoring where and when the song is used and verifying the reports provided by the users.

5. Collecting Royalties

Collective management organizations handle the collection and distribution of synchronization royalties to rights holders. It's important to maintain regular communication with these organizations and ensure that all registration information is up-to-date. Additionally, direct payments agreed upon in sync contracts should be monitored and collected as stipulated.

Tools and Resources

Collective Management Organizations

Collective management organizations play a crucial role in the collection and distribution of royalties. Some of the main ones include:

• ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers)
• BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.)
• SESAC (Society of European Stage Authors and Composers)
• SACM (Society of Authors and Composers of Mexico)
• SGAE (General Society of Authors and Editors)
• SAYCO (Society of Authors and Composers of Colombia)

Rights Management Companies

There are specialized companies that help artists manage their rights and maximize their royalty income. These companies can handle administration, monitoring, and collection of synchronization royalties. Examples include:

• Kobalt Music Group
• Songtrust
• Sentric Music

Hiring Professionals

Having professionals like managers, copyright lawyers, and music publishers can be very helpful in negotiating and securing synchronization royalty payments. These professionals have the experience and contacts necessary to effectively manage rights and maximize income.

Collecting royalties for songs featured in movies and TV can be a complex process, but with a clear understanding of the rights involved and collaboration with the right entities, artists can secure fair compensation for their music use. The key is to properly register songs, obtain necessary licenses, negotiate fair payments, and adequately track song usage.

With the right tools and resources, artists can maximize their income and protect their rights in the audiovisual industry.