What is the Film Musicians Secondary Markets Fund (The Fund)?
The Fund is a resource to producers established through collective bargaining between the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) and the American Federation of Musicians (AFM). By providing guidance on residuals terms of the agreements and assistance in confirming residuals calculations, The Fund helps Producers, Distributors, and other Rights Holders stay current on residuals obligations stemming from secondary/supplemental market exploitation of theatrical films, scripted and Live television shows, as well as titles produced for streaming and other media.
Additionally, The Fund administers the residuals distribution process on behalf of the Producers, Distributors, and other Rights Holders, but collecting, allocating, and distributing residuals to the musicians who performed on applicable titles.
Which AFM agreements do we provide guidance on?
Basic Theatrical Motion Picture
Basic Television Film
Independent/Film Festival
Live Television/Videotape
Non-Standard (Pay TV)
Basic Cable
Project Specific Agreements
How do I know what my responsibilities are under the AFM agreement?
We can help you in understanding what the residuals terms of the agreements mean for your project. You can email us at IndustryResources@fmsmf.org
Am I still obligated if I transfer the rights of my project to another party?
If you transfer a distribution right to another party, please send the Fund a copy of the licensing/distribution agreement reflecting the term, markets, titles impacted, and which party will bear the residual obligation.
If you transfer complete copyright ownership of a title, please obtain a Buyer’s Assumption Agreement from the party purchasing the title. We are happy to provide the most current Buyer’s Assumption Agreement drafted by the AFM for this purpose.
