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.
April 8, 2017
IM -A bill designed to spur Georgia’s music industry through tax incentives was passed by the Georgia General Assembly at the end of March and is waiting for Governor Nathan Deal to sign off on it. The Georgia Music Investment Act (House Bill 155) could potentially create thousands of new jobs in both recording and film scoring.
Among specific incentives that would begin in 2018: if a touring band holds rehearsals and begins their tours in Georgia, and spend more than $500,000 there; recording projects in Georgia that spend a minimum of $100,000 in one year; and movie and video games recorded in Georgia, spending $250,000 per year would each be eligible for a 15% to 20% tax credit.
“The industry growth stimulated by the proposed tax incentives would create jobs not only for musicians, but for numerous workers and supporting businesses in Atlanta,” says Christina Ottaviano, secretary of Local 148-462 (Atlanta, GA). “In the interest of perpetuating Atlanta’s prominence in the entertainment industry and encouraging artistic and economic development, the Atlanta Federation of Musicians urges the adoption of HB 155.”