Two of the US's main publishing royalty bodies, ASCAP and BMI, are jointly pushing a new automated licensing system aimed at producers.
The new system, called RapidCue, is designed to provide an easier method for film and TV companies to submit 'cue sheets' to the royalty organisations - that is lists of music used in productions, on which royalty payments are due. The royalty bodies hope the new system will make it easier for those in the film and TV industries to provide such information, and will reduce the administrative cost of processing such licensing.
The new system has been developed by ASCAP and BMI jointly in consultation with key film and TV players. BMI Vice President Alison Smith told reporters this week: "This secure, automated system will help ensure timely receipt to BMI and ASCAP so our composers, songwriter and publisher affiliates can be fairly compensated".