Now is the right time to become an American Federation of Musicians member. From ragtime to rap, from the early phonograph to today's digital recordings, the AFM has been there for its members. And now there are more benefits available to AFM members than ever before, including a multi-million dollar pension fund, excellent contract protection, instrument and travelers insurance, work referral programs and access to licensed booking agents to keep you working.

As an AFM member, you are part of a membership of more than 80,000 musicians. Experience has proven that collective activity on behalf of individuals with similar interests is the most effective way to achieve a goal. The AFM can negotiate agreements and administer contracts, procure valuable benefits and achieve legislative goals. A single musician has no such power.

The AFM has a proud history of managing change rather than being victimized by it. We find strength in adversity, and when the going gets tough, we get creative - all on your behalf.

Like the industry, the AFM is also changing and evolving, and its policies and programs will move in new directions dictated by its members. As a member, you will determine these directions through your interest and involvement. Your membership card will be your key to participation in governing your union, keeping it responsive to your needs and enabling it to serve you better. To become a member now, visit www.afm.org/join.

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Home » Electronic Media Services » EMSD 101: How to Select the Correct Agreement for Your Project


EMSD 101: How to Select the Correct Agreement for Your Project

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The following list of questions is supplied for the purpose of ascertaining necessary information so that rates from the appropriate agreement may be provided.

We would like to preface these questions by stating that if the electronic media project involves a symphony, opera, ballet or chamber orchestra and has a collective bargaining agreement, you will need to confer with the Symphonic Services Division—at least initially—in order to determine the appropriate agreement.

If it is a live performance being recorded or taped, is there a live performance contract on file?

What is the nature of the project (music recorded for a CD release/download, commercial announcement, television show, motion picture, etc.)?

If it is music for a CD release/download, what is the approximate number of pressings/downloads? What is the approximate budget?

If it is music for a commercial announcement, is it for a national, regional, or local campaign?  Which medium (television, radio, Internet, etc.)? Will musicians be engaged on camera?

If it is music for a television show, which type of show (variety special, talk show, sports event or theme, documentary, sitcom, awards show, etc.)? Over which type of television will the show air (network, basic cable, pay cable, PBS, local television, etc.)?

If it is for a variety type show (talk show, awards show, etc.), what are the lengths of the show and rehearsals?  

If it is for a television movie, scripted episodic show, documentary for TV, sitcom, etc., will musicians be engaged on camera?

Will this be a project for the Internet (live performance pick-up), staged concert? Will it be one-time live stream, an on-demand stream, etc.? Will access to the stream be ad-supported or subscription based?

Will this be a made-for-new- media project? If so, what type of show is it, and over which new media platforms will it be made available (Netflix, Amazon, etc.)? Will the ability to view the show be ad-supported or subscription based?

In all instances, what is the name of the production entity and party responsible for control of the product?

how to select the correct agreement

Click here to download a PDF version of the above chart.







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