D and B-4 Report Forms: Ensuring Musicians Are Properly Listed

September 14, 2016

by Kim Wysocki, Administrative Assistant, AFM Electronic Media Services Division

The importance of our CD Jacket Program has grown over the years and continues to grow.

Securing the release of all sound recording products, including, but not limited to, box sets, “anniversary” packages, deluxe editions, etc., which usually contain live and previously unreleased material and coordinating the proper filing of B forms for these recordings, as well as all recordings done under the Sound Recording Labor Agreement (SRLA) are vital to the Electronic Media Services Division (EMSD).

This office continues to pursue major record companies, including covered labels and independent labels signed to the SRLA. In the same vein, the EMSD researches to obtain CDs, label copies, and other pertinent information (including digital releases). When this process is completed, the information gathered is shared with the AFM locals in whose jurisdictions the recordings took place. We work together to ensure that B-4 report forms are accurately filed (hours worked, doubles, overdubs, music preparation, etc.) and also make sure that a current signatory contract is in place. We coordinate our efforts to ensure that musicians are properly credited and receive wages, pension, etc., for their work and subsequent payments from the Special Payments Fund for each of the next five years, as well as for potential new use of recordings in motion pictures, TV Film, commercial announcements, and more.

The filing of these forms is essential and it’s to the benefit of every musician who performs on a recording to see that they are properly listed on the AFM B-4 report forms for their work. This makes new use billing procedures go more smoothly.

EMSD has a scanning procedure to ensure that all the report forms received in this office for any work performed under AFM agreements are “stored” in our system, thereby making them readily accessible.  We also have an electronic jacket file (provided by the Pension Fund), which enables us to access information as needed. The more information we have on file, the better equipped we are to serve and assist you.

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