New AFM Deal Ensures Musicians With Better Streaming Residuals, AI Protection

The American Federation of Musicians (AFM) has inked a new deal with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).

The deal came after the film and television producers ended their historic strike between the Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) and the Writers' Guild of America (WGA) in 2023.

AFM Ensures Musicians Have Better Deal With TV, Movie Producers

Unbeknownst to many, the AFM represents musicians and artists who perform on television and movie scores or appear on screens.

Deadline reports that the union's members have recently ratified the Basic Theatrical Motion Picture and Basic Television Motion Picture Agreements contract. They unanimously recommended the deal to the AMPTP in February 2024 and reached a tentative deal afterward, ratifying it this week.

"This agreement is a monumental victory for musicians who have long been under-compensated for their work in the digital age," AFM International President and Chief Negotiator Tino Gagliardi said in a statement obtained by the publication.

According to Gagliardi, the now-secured deal wouldn't have been possible without the strength and unity of the AFM's members, including the negotiating team's efforts to secure the historic contract, which only lasted 12 days of negotiations.

What Does the New AFM Deal Contains?

Variety reported that the AFM deal contained two major provisions that have the same effect as the one secured by the SAG-AFTRA and the WGA in 2023.

Regarding Artificial Intelligence, musicians whose work prompts an AI system to create a musical performance will be paid.

For every 15 minutes of AI-generated music in a show, the musician will get three hours at the higher multi-tracking rate. If the prompt was a solo performance, the soloist should charge the show two three-hour session fees for every 15 minutes of AI-generated music.

The new AFM deal also included a historic amendment, giving musicians residuals for high-budget streaming shows.

If a musician performs on a given episode, $350 will immediately go into the residual pool. The money will then be shared with the musicians who worked on the show, with the orchestrators and arrangers earning more. Notably, the residual declines in value every year, and the show remains on the streaming platform service and will be larger for the largest streaming services.

Aside from AI and streaming residuals, the new AFM deal also added significant provisions that would ensure performance bonuses for the musicians and enhanced healthcare perks.

Read the entire AFM deal here.

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