Choosing a PRO

[DeanT]

Does anybody have advice about choosing between ASCAP and BMI?

I'm writing instrumental cues and have had a few forwards, and I'm thinking I'd better decide which PRO to go with.

Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks,
Dean

[Casey H]

In terms of how much money you will collect, it probably doesn't matter on the AVERAGE over a reasonably long period of time. Sometimes one pays more, sometimes it's the other.

Some pros and cons:

ASCAP has on-line cues sheets. This allows you to see about your placements early on and have more information regarding them. This is a feature I love about ASCAP.

BMI currently pays more for vocal placements than instrumentals. ASCAP pays the same. If you do primarily vocal songs, advantage BMI. For mainly instrumentals, doesn't really matter than much.

BMI will let you collect the publisher's share of royalties (it matters for direct to sup placements, not through a library or publisher) without setting up your own publishing company. ASCAP requires you set up a publishing entity to collect that share (Fee associated with it).

HTH
Casey

[jonnybutter]

Just FYI - the fee for setting up your publishing at ASCAP is only $50.

[DeanT]

Thank you Casey and Jon! Your responses are very helpful.

[Uttenreither]

Join both, collect double?
Does that work?
I mean, if you can't decide.

John

[Casey H]

Join both, collect double?
Does that work?
I mean, if you can't decide.

John

No! You are not allowed to belong to more than one PRO.

[Uttenreither]

Party Pooper