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 questions will help determine which rates and agreement should be applied to your recording. Always contact the AFM to confirm which contract you should be using. Note, if an electronic media project involves a symphony, opera, ballet, or chamber orchestra with a collective bargaining agreement, you need to contact the Symphonic Services Division to determine the appropriate agreement. 

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

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

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

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

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

6)   If it is for a variety type show (talk show, awards show), what is the length of the show and its rehearsals?

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

8) If it is a live performance pick-up of a staged concert for the Internet, will it be a one-time live stream or an on-demand stream? Will the stream access be ad supported or subscription based?

9) If it is a project made for new media, what type of show is it, and over which new media platforms will it be available (Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, Apple)? Will the viewing be ad supported or subscription based?

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







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