Droppin Jewels: What Is a Pro?

In the Music Industry we always hear about the checks and the money to be made, but little is said in regards to how those checks are collected.

Welcome to the world of PROs! Performing Rights Organizations, or PROs, are groups that have composers, songwriters and music publishers as their members. PROs are responsible for tracking and collecting performing rights royalties for the the use of their members' music.

Who Are The Performing Right Organizations?

SESAC- www.sesac.com

BMI- www.bmi.com

ASCAP- www.ascap.com

How Do They Track MY Work?

PROs monitor radio broadcasts for the use of their member's work. Television and films are monitored slightly different. To track for TV and films, PROs PROs use cue sheets.

How Are Cue Sheets Submitted?

This is a rather simple process. Producers(film and TV) fill out the cue sheets and submit them to the PRO with a member who owns the copyright of the music listed in the sheet. If the sheet contains music owned by members from different PROs, the cue sheet needs to be submitted to each PRO.

When Do I Get Paid?

Check with your specific PRO as mailing and distribution dates vary, but typically towards the end of each Quarter.

I hope this sheds a little light on Performing Rights Organizations and their roles. As always, please research each PRO and analyze your needs to see which one is right for you. If you have any questions please feel free to drop us a line.