Distribution in the
Film Screening categories
(T, TD, TD VR)
How do we distribute your royalties?
In distribution category T, we distribute mostly licence revenue from the use of music in cinema films and cinema commercials.
As a rule, we distribute revenue from the Cinema category (T) using a collective distribution model. Specifically this means that:
- All income received makes up the distribution sum.
- We determine the total number of seconds of music played based on usage reports.
- We then calculate the monetary value per second of music
(= total revenue/total seconds). - On the basis of the usage reports and our film documentation, we can then calculate the amount of royalties to be distributed for the works used.
Please note that, in order for your work to be included in the distribution of royalties, you or the production company have to register the film as an audio-visual production or, in the case of foreign productions, by means of cue sheets.
Sound Film Direct Distribution (TD, TD VR) for music in corporate films:
In distribution categories TD and TD VR, we distribute royalties received for music in corporate films. These are films made and reproduced for trade shows, sales offices or similar narrowly defined purposes. Educational, training, public information and documentary films presented free of charge are also comprised by this distribution category.
We license these films according to tariff T-W-AV. The revenue from these licences - less administrative costs and deductions for social and cultural purposes - is then distributed per licence directly to the works used in the film and paid out to the respective entitled parties.
Please note that, in order for your work to be included in the distribution of royalties, you or the production company have to register the film as an audio-visual production.
Important dates and deadlines for you
Deadline for registration of works:
All works should be registered to GEMA at the latest upon release, preferably using our online work registration service. Please bear in mind that your work must be registered on or before 31 January of the year following its use to be taken into account in the annual royalty pay-out on 1 June.
Distribution cycle over the year:
On 1 July of each year, we distribute the royalty income from the respective previous year.
Deadline for claiming unpaid royalties:
After distribution of the main royalties, you have 18 months to claim for missing royalties. For more detailed information about how to do this and what you need to know before making a claim, please refer to the claims section of our website.