#+title: revenue 02: publishing
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* Links
#+attr_html: :class links
- [[../../../toc.org][TOC - Artist Framework]]
- [[../../../_data/video/c10-revenue-02.mp4][video]]

* notes
* Master Copyright vs. Publishing Copyright in Music

In the music industry, there are **two main copyrights** for every song:

**1. Master Copyright** (*Sound Recording Copyright*)
   - Covers the **actual recorded version** of the song.
   - Owned by the **artist, label, or producer** who funded the recording.
   - Example: The recording of *"Thriller"* by Michael Jackson.
   - Pays **mechanical royalties, streaming royalties, and sync fees** when used.

**2. Publishing Copyright** (*Composition Copyright*)
   - Covers the **lyrics, melody, and composition** of the song.
   - Owned by **songwriters and music publishers** (not the artist unless they wrote it).
   - Example: The **chords and lyrics** of *"Thriller"*, regardless of who sings it.
   - Pays **performance royalties, mechanical royalties, and sync fees** when used.

**Key Differences**
| **Aspect**        | **Master Copyright** (Sound Recording) | **Publishing Copyright** (Composition) |
|-------------------|---------------------------------|----------------------------------|
| *What it protects* | The actual recorded version | The melody, lyrics, and structure |
| *Who owns it*      | Artist, label, or producer | Songwriters & publishers |
| *Where it earns money* | Streaming, downloads, CDs, sync | Radio, performances, sync, covers |
| *Main royalties*  | Mechanical, streaming, sync fees | Performance, mechanical, sync |

**Example Usage**
If a company wants to use *"Thriller"* in a movie:
- They **pay for the Master Recording** (to the record label).
- They **pay for the Composition** (to the songwriters & publisher).

** Important!
- register your LLC
- register your assets under the LLC

* Mechanical Royalties & Streaming Royalties (Quick Overview)

**1. Mechanical Royalties**
   - Paid to **songwriters & publishers** when a song is **reproduced or distributed** (physical or digital).
   - Applies to **CDs, vinyl, downloads, and interactive streaming** (Spotify, Apple Music).
   - Collected by **Mechanical Rights Organizations (MROs)** like:
     - **U.S.:** Harry Fox Agency (HFA), The MLC (Mechanical Licensing Collective)
     - **U.K.:** MCPS
     - **Europe:** SACEM, GEMA

**2. Streaming Royalties (Broken Down)**
   - **Mechanical Royalties** (for the composition)
   - **Performance Royalties** (for public playbacks)
   - **Master Royalties** (for the sound recording, paid to labels & artists)

*** Who Gets Paid for Streaming?
| **Type of Royalty**    | **Who Gets Paid?**            | **Collected By**        |
|------------------------|------------------------------|-------------------------|
| *Mechanical Royalties* | Songwriters, Publishers      | MLC, HFA, MCPS          |
| *Performance Royalties* | Songwriters, Publishers     | ASCAP, BMI, SESAC       |
| *Master Royalties*     | Labels, Artists, Producers  | Spotify, Apple Music (via distributors) |

**Example**
If a song gets 1 million streams on Spotify:
- **Songwriters & Publishers** get **mechanical + performance royalties**.
- **Artists & Labels** get **master royalties**.


* Sync Placement (Synchronization Licensing)
** What is Sync Placement?
Sync placement (short for *synchronization licensing*) is when a song is licensed to be used in visual media, such as:
- TV shows
- Movies
- Video games
- Commercials
- YouTube videos
- Corporate videos
- Trailers
- Podcasts

** How It Works
A *sync license* allows a company, filmmaker, or content creator to legally use a song with their video content.
The *music creator (artist, producer, or rights holder)* gets paid for the usage.

** Types of Sync Placements
*** TV & Film Sync Placements
- Songs placed in *movies, Netflix series, Hulu, etc.*
- Usually high-paying, but competitive.

*** Commercial Sync Placements
- Used in *advertising* (Nike, Apple, car commercials, etc.).
- Can be *huge payouts* if the brand is big.

*** Video Game Sync Placements
- Songs placed in *game soundtracks* (GTA, FIFA, NBA 2K, etc.).
- Can be *recurring royalties* if the game sells well.

*** YouTube & Online Content Sync
- Used in *vlogs, influencer content, indie films, etc.*
- Lower payouts, but can add up over time.

** How to Get a Sync Placement
- ✅ *Work with a Sync Agency or Music Library* (e.g., MusicBed, Epidemic Sound, Artlist)
- ✅ *Submit Music to Music Supervisors* (people who pick songs for shows & movies)
- ✅ *Register with a PRO (Performance Rights Organization)* (like ASCAP, BMI) to collect royalties
- ✅ *Make High-Quality Instrumentals & Vocals* (instrumental versions increase your chances)
- ✅ *Network with Video Creators & Ad Agencies*

** Why Sync Placements Are Valuable
- ✔ *Can Pay Large One-Time Fees* ($500 – $100,000+)
- ✔ *Gives Exposure & Can Boost a Song’s Popularity*
- ✔ *Earns Royalties Every Time It Airs* (Performance Royalties)