The fees received from foreign performing right societies constitute one of the largest sources of income for U.S. film composers (see the table below for an example of the kind of money that can be generated from a successful film).
As U.S. films remain exceptionally popular in foreign countries, the total license fees collected by these societies for U.S. composers are substantial. The top countries for film income include the United Kingdom, Italy, France, and Germany, among others.
The Composer's Foreign Performing Rights Royalties for the Initial Release Year of a Major Box Office Film
| Country |
Society |
Composer's Foreign Royalties |
| Australia |
APRA |
20,000 |
| Austria |
AKM |
800 |
| Belgium |
SABAM |
1,250 |
| Canada |
SOCAN |
4,100 |
| England |
PRS |
32,500 |
| Finland |
TEOSTO |
850 |
| France |
SACEM |
75,125 |
| Germany |
GEMA |
38,010 |
| Holland |
BUMA |
800 |
| Hong Kong |
CASH |
1,480 |
| Italy |
SIAE |
48,265 |
| Japan |
JASRAC |
3,250 |
| Norway |
TONO |
1,210 |
| South Africa |
SAMRO |
650 |
| Spain |
SGAE |
3,950 |
| Sweden |
STIM |
4,250 |
| Switzerland |
SUISA |
4,100 |
| Other Countries |
|
12,500 |
| Totals: |
|
$ 253,090 |
As to the monies paid to composers, songwriters and publishers for showings of a movie in foreign movie theaters, some of the formulas used by foreign performing right organizations include fees based on a percentage of revenue from ticket sales, a fee based upon occupied seats, a percentage of net receipts, a lump-sum payment for smaller theaters, a percentage of gross box office receipts with a guaranteed minimum payment, a country vs. urban theater calculation, and a seating capacity of the theater taking into account the ticket price, among others. A rough guide is 1% of the box office.
© 2008 Jeff Brabec, Todd Brabec
This article is based on information contained in the new, revised paperback edition of the book "Music, Money, And Success: The Insider's Guide To Making Money In The Music Business" written by Jeffrey Brabec and Todd Brabec (Published by Schirmer Trade Books/Music Sales). www.musicandmoney.com
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