What do foreign (non US) composers do for PRO?

[SteveR]

What do our “overseas” composers do in regards PRO in order not to miss out on any eligible income?

I looked at ASCAP and BMI’s registration requirements and they need a Social Security Number. That made me stop and think of potential legalities, thinking US bank account requirements, tax and whatever other complexities that might arise. In my specific case I am a New Zealander living in Dubai. I visit the US every month or two. I will most likely move back to NZ in the next 5-7 years.

Any guidance appreciated. TIA

[Casey H]

I believe in most cases, you join the PRO for your country (APRA for New Zealand). Each non-US PRO has an agreement with ASCAP or BMI to collect your US royalties.

Alternatively, depending on where you live, you may be able to join ASCAP or BMI directly, even as a non-resident. Good info here:
https://youtu.be/z1P4AlGJckE

AFAIK, if you can join directly, you will get paid much faster (2-3 quarters from broadcast) as opposed to 1.5 years or more for US broadcasts.

I welcome additions and/or corrections.

Casey

[superkons]

It is totally possible to join an American PRO as a non-American citizen/resident. In fact, I assisted my mate Fabio with the switch from SIAE (Italy's PRO) to BMI, and the only required extra document to provide was the usual WBEN-8 form.

On a side note, it seems as though BMI have gone "silent" in terms of getting back to queries directed at them. Fabio is still waiting for them to confirm that he has been affiliated, we did the switch at the beginning of January this year

[SteveR]

I believe in most cases, you join the PRO for your country (APRA for New Zealand). Each non-US PRO has an agreement with ASCAP or BMI to collect your US royalties.

Alternatively, depending on where you live, you may be able to join ASCAP or BMI directly, even as a non-resident. Good info here:
https://youtu.be/z1P4AlGJckE

AFAIK, if you can join directly, you will get paid much faster (2-3 quarters from broadcast) as opposed to 1.5 years or more for US broadcasts.

I welcome additions and/or corrections.

Casey

Thank you Casey! Jesse’s Sync My Music channel is great. The link you gave, and a video that was referred to within was of huge assistance. Link here for any future searches on the topic: https://youtu.be/4kBMzo_T9kM

[SteveR]

It is totally possible to join an American PRO as a non-American citizen/resident. In fact, I assisted my mate Fabio with the switch from SIAE (Italy's PRO) to BMI, and the only required extra document to provide was the usual WBEN-8 form.

On a side note, it seems as though BMI have gone "silent" in terms of getting back to queries directed at them. Fabio is still waiting for them to confirm that he has been affiliated, we did the switch at the beginning of January this year

Thanks for the info. All the best to you and your buddy from Italy. A great aspect of living where I am is meeting, and working with, people from all over the world.

[OwenGrech]

I live in Malta (Europe) and am registered with BMI so it is definitely possible. I haven't seen any money yet though (my first placements happened in Germany so it will take a while) therefore I can't comment on the whole experience yet. I think it all depends on where the majority of your music end up getting placed which is of course hard to predict.

[PeteCrane]

I'm in Australia and am with APRA-AMCOS (same PRO as New Zealand). No need to join a US-based one or any other organisation. APRA is excellent at capturing and receiving funds from all other countries. I've received many royalties from Europe and the States from radio play, live performance returns, etc, straight into my bank account along with detailed statements from APRA. The system works!