Hello Tipsheet ,

Sorry its not a tip as such just a question about public performance royalties.
Ive done some research but would like some industry advice

I have licensed a song from my unsigned band to a hollywood film company.

A flat fee was paid for the song which I am happy with , the contract states that I dont receive any payment for mechanical royalties of dvd. film sales.
but it does also say that public performance of the picture containing the composition is without prejudice to licensors right to collect public performance royalties through performing rights societies.

Am I right in saying that every play of the movie or trailer in the cinema or tv would result in me receiving a public performance royalty?

What does this payment look like?

I have just signed up to the PRS , will they collect all royalties for me?

How much per play on average would I be looking at?

This is all new to me , I apologize in advance for asking noob questions

thanks in advance

D-

The best and first thing to do is register your "interest ",online, of the work with the PRS, then anything you are due is earmarked from day one.


The "flat fee" you were paid , will have a bearing on your earnings if it was in advance on royalties for the song, you need to double check on the percentages on any paperwork due to yourself and the other parties.

As for the PRS royalties, you will get a notification slip of payment and the money will appear in your registered account, however, it will help you case to notify of any claims of cases in which you know your work is present.

Apart from that, you seem to have the idea, but DO look after your own interests and don`t expect all of them to be looked after for you.Mistakes happen and some things do get overlooked.

Why, oh why do people forsake their mechanicals? I still don't get it unless it's a real whopper of an advance. I know the US is a different market, but I state in contracts that where mechanicals are due, they are to be paid! Sacem and the European PROs are very aggressive in recovering them.

What's more, it's not even the movie producer that pays them, it's the local licensee. So it's no skin off their nose (the type of detail that they like to hear).