Media & Entertainment Law

Little-Noticed Music Deal

By Jonathan Handel, Esq.

Everyone listens to music, but musicians unions may not attract the same attention. Several people, including myself, reported on the composers and lyricists recently, but this time I?m talking about the musicians themselves, i.e., the performers. Turns out their union, the American Federation of Musicians, made a deal three weeks ago with the studios ? but it appears (correct me if I?m mistaken) that no one reported it (though the LA Times did mention that the deal was in negotiation).

Let?s correct the omission. According to the AFM website, the two agreements (one theatrical, the other television) run through February 2013 and establish jurisdiction over productions made for new media, increase residuals for traditional product exhibited in new media (move-over product), and ?provide a new income stream when music is used in New Media other than in New Media productions.? The agreements also include wage increases and ?protect musicians? health benefits.?

That?s all the detail I have at this point. A ratification package is going out to members shortly, or already has. More info to come when I have it.

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Full post as published by Digital Media Law on November 30, 2009 (boomark / email).