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 » Recent News » 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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Answer these 10 questions to help determine which agreement is appropriate for your next music recording project. (Note: If the electronic media project involves a symphony, opera, ballet, or chamber orchestra that has a collective bargaining agreement, you will need to confer with the Symphonic Services Division to determine the appropriate agreement.)

•What is the name of the production entity and party responsible for control of the product?

•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, other)?

•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, other)? Will musicians be 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, other)? Over which type of television will the show air (network, basic cable, pay cable, PBS, local television, other)?

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

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

•Will this be a project for the internet (live performance pick-up), a staged concert? Will it be a one-time live stream, on-demand stream, or other type of stream? Will access to the stream be ad-supported or subscription-based?

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

Contact your local or the EMSD office at emsd@afm.org for assistance filing the proper contract.







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