Sound Recordings
Sound Recordings
You are not alone at the recording studio. The AFM works to protect your wages and subsequent compensation through the Sound Recording Labor Agreement (formerly known as the Phonograph Record Labor Agreement) which sets forth the minimum wage scales and working conditions for musicians (including music preparation members) who perform services for the various types of audio recordings - in recording studios as well as live (compact discs, audiocassettes, etc.) - released for sale on the commercial market. It is particularly important to see to it that before any work is performed that there is a signatory in place with the responsible party and that properly completed AFM B-4 Report Forms covering your participation on recording sessions are filed with the AFM local having jurisdiction over the sessions. This will ensure your sharing in the proceeds from the Sound Recording Special Payments Fund and that you will receive "new use" payments if your product is utilized in another medium requiring such "new use" payment (i.e. use of a sound recording in a theatrical motion picture, TV film, commercial announcement, etc.).
Representatives of the AFM and the Recording Industry have not yet completed negotiations for a new Sound Recording Labor Agreement (which includes the Low Budget Side Letter and the Sound Recording Labor Agreement Single Project Short Form.) Therefore, the rates effective for the period 2/1/05-/131/06 remain in effect at the present time. The subject of retroactivity will be discussed when the negotiations resume.
Other highlights of the Sound Recording Labor Agreement include:
The Low Budget Side Letter (Full album projects where the budget falls within a threshold of $99,000) - Since its inception in 1996 this Side Letter has increased employment opportunities in the recording field. To ensure that projects truly qualify there is a procedure in place which begins with the requirement by the company to forward to the AFM the producer's approved detailed in advance of the start of production.
Video Promo Supplement - This section covers the employment of musicians, other than royalty artists, who appear "on-camera" in music videos. It includes a wage payment for musicians performing "sideline services" and generates additional payments into the Sound Recording Special Payments Fund when the Company receives revenue from the exploitation of the video promo.
Sampling - When an existing phonograph record, or portion thereof, is sampled into a new phonograph record, a payment is made to the Sound Recording Special Payments Fund on behalf of the musicians who performed on the original record.
Please be advised that the Sound Recording Labor Agreement contains a section for records recorded by symphonic orchestras (includes, opera, ballet and chamber orchestras). Please refer to the appropriate section of the SSD Website for details.
Contact: Patrick M. Varriale (Contract Administrator)
E-mail: patrickv@afm.org
Telephone: (212) 869-1330 x 1234
For more information, click below:
- SRLA Non-Symphonic Scale Summary (PDF)
- Low Budget Sideletter (PDF)
- Sound Recording Labor Agreement (PDF)
- Sound Recording Single Project Short Form (PDF)
SRLA UPDATE
The Memorandum of Understanding detailing all the agreed upon changes in the new Sound Recording Labor Agreement has been fully executed. The new Agreement includes a 4.55% increase in basic scales effective January 1, 2007 and an additional 3% increase on February 1, 2008. Pension Fund contribution rates will increase to 10.5% on February 1, 2007 and to 11% on February 1, 2008. Health and Welfare Fund contribution rates will increase to $22 for each original service and $16.50 for each additional service effective February 1, 2007. The Choral Rate two hour minimum call has been replaced with a three hour minimum call and the scales increased accordingly. The sideline rate for making music videos has been increased to $325 and will increase again on February 1, 2008 to $334.75. The Agreement also contains increases in SPF contribution rates for both tracks distributed digitally and for albums selling in excess of 1,000,000 units. For the first time, Concert DVDs produced by signatory employers will be covered by the Agreement. The Agreement is subject to ratification.
