Internationally recognised art and literary critic, writer and cultural producer. Published in ELLE, Glamour, Esquire and Cosmopolitan; member of the Union of Writers.
The music industry is undergoing a major transformation as streaming services become more dominant in the market. But for musicians who create music for film, television, commercials, and other mediums, this change has not been fair or profitable.
The American Federation of Musicians (AFM), a union representing about 70,000 musicians across the U.S. and Canada, will begin negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) on Monday over a new contract that covers their work in 2024.
The AFM is seeking to secure better terms for its members in light of the shift to streaming media, which has reduced their income significantly compared to traditional media. According to the AFM, musicians who record on soundtracks make 75% less on streaming content due to less residual income.
“The entertainment industry has fundamentally shifted,” said Tino Gagliardi, president and chief negotiator of the AFM. “But musicians are not being compensated accordingly for streaming media.”
The AFM also wants to protect its members from the threat of artificial intelligence (AI), which could potentially replace or manipulate their work without their consent or compensation. The union is concerned about how AI could affect their rights as creators and performers.
“We are not against innovation or technology,” Gagliardi said. “But we want to make sure that our members are valued and respected as artists.”
The AFM’s demands include:
Increasing residuals for streaming content from 15% to 25% of gross receipts.
Establishing minimum rates for live performances and recordings.
Improving health care benefits and retirement plans.
Enhancing working conditions and safety standards.
Ensuring AI protection and ethical use of music.
The AMPTP said it looks forward to productive negotiations with the AFM, with the goal of concluding an agreement that will ensure an active year ahead for the industry and recognize the value that musicians add to motion pictures and television.
“We appreciate our talented musicians who create music that enriches our stories,” said an AMPTP spokesperson. “We are committed to reaching a fair deal that reflects their contributions.”
The negotiations come after long strikes by writers and actors in 2023 over similar issues. The last time musicians went on strike was in 1980 over pay cuts caused by inflation.
The outcome of these talks could have significant implications for both sides as well as for consumers who enjoy music across various platforms.
