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 » Top 10 Important Reasons to Record Under AFM Agreements


Top 10 Important Reasons to Record Under AFM Agreements

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  1.  Standard wages—You are guaranteed to receive at least the minimum standards for your services.
  2.  Doubling and overdubs—In addition to wage payments, the employer is required to make payments for doubling and overdub services.
  3.  Foreign use—If you perform services in the production of a show produced under most of the AFM’s television agreements, you will receive additional payments if the program is broadcast overseas.
  4. BLu-ray payments—If you provide services to a program that is released into the Blu-ray or digital formats, you will be entitled to additional payments that will
    continue to accrue based on gross receipts.
  5. Pension fund contribution—The employer is required to make a pension fund contribution on your behalf, which puts your documented work into the system.
  6. Health and welfare fund contribution—The employer is required to make health and welfare contributions to the health plan of your local. If your local does not have a plan, they are required to make a nonpensionable wage payment directly to you.
  7. SOUND RECORDING Special payments fund (SPF)—If you perform services on
    sessions for a sound recording, you are guaranteed to receive payments from the Sound Recording Special Payments Fund for each of the next five years.
  8. Secondary markets fund—If you perform services under the Basic Theatrical Motion Picture or Television Film Labor agreements, you will qualify for distributions from the Film Musicians Secondary Markets Fund should the film be released to outlets such as pay cable, TV, Blu-ray, or new media.
  9. Reuse—If you perform services for work under the Commercial Announcements Agreement, you will receive periodic reuse payments for any new cycles the
    commercials enter into; if the commercial is exhibited on the Internet, full payment for use in that format will apply. Re-use also applies to work done under the AFM TV agreements.
  10. New use—If you perform services under an AFM agreement and your product is licensed for use in another medium, such as a theatrical motion picture, television film, or commercial announcement, you will be entitled to additional payments and pension contributions as if you had performed the work under that agreement.






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