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.
by Brian Sickles, Film Musicians Secondary Markets Fund (FMSMF) Executive Director One year after devastating wildfires swept through Los Angeles, the vibrant city that the Film Musicians Secondary Markets Fund (FMSMF) and so many in the entertainment industry call home, we have only begun the long process of healing and rebuilding. Yet, mixed in with […]
by Rasteen Karami, FMSMF Manager of Community Relations As we enter 2025, the Film Musicians Secondary Markets Fund (FMSMF) reflects back on a great first year under its new leadership team. FMSMF is now led by Executive Director Brian Sickles, who previously served as chief operating officer for three years. Mike Hoffmann, our newest addition, […]
January not only rings in a new year but it rings in a new chapter in the Film Musicians Secondary Markets Fund’s evolution. Over six years ago, the Film Musicians Secondary Markets Fund (FMSMF) began a multi-year process of transformation—starting with an in-depth review of every internal business process. We performed an exhaustive study of […]
Since we last reported to you, the world has continued to change. Fortunately, the Film Musicians Secondary Markets Fund’s (FMSMF) commitment to the work of collecting and distributing the secondary market residuals that are so critical to the lives and livelihoods of working musicians is unchanged. As working film/TV musicians are aware, with the onset […]
Each year, the fund distributes thousands of residual payments to musicians that can range in amounts from double digits to more than seven figures.
The Film Musicians Secondary Markets Fund (FMSMF) once again hit a record high in residuals collected for musicians in Fiscal Year 2019.
The Film Musicians Secondary Markets Fund (FMSMF) works to serve the film, television, and music communities and meet the needs of film musicians whose talents fuel the industry. To this end, the FMSMF is pleased to provide ongoing updates to the International Musician for the benefit of AFM members.
FMSMF Update —On September 30, the FMSMF completed the first six months of its 2016 fiscal year. It’s a great opportunity to look at the final results from fiscal year 2015
By Kim Roberts Hedgpeth, Fund Administrator, Film Musicians Secondary Markets Fund The Film Musicians Secondary Markets Fund (FMSMF) works to serve the film, television and music communities. To this end, the FMSMF is pleased to provide ongoing updates to International Musician. “New” Films: The FMSMF received residuals for 137 “new” titles during the first seven months […]
For the labor movement and for people of all stripes, 2025 has been fraught with historic challenges. Workers across both the US and Canada have demonstrated resilience and strength in the face of unprecedented attacks on labor. Despite challenges, the AFM and other unions celebrated remarkable wins in 2025. Among the AFM’s biggest 2025 priorities […]
