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Audiovisual recordings (for film purposes)

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Are you planning to produce a DVD, BluRay disc or video tape?

SUISA issues the licence to record and produce protected music on audiovisual carriers. Different tariffs are applicable depending on the type of audiovisual recording and its usage.

Documentary and feature films

Tariff VI applies to the reproduction of audiovisual recordings intended for the public, i.e. audiovisual recordings designed to be sold, given away for free or used for advertising purposes.

Tariff VI applies to audiovisual recordings which do not mainly contain music, i.e. documentary films and feature films, etc.

Tariff VI distinguishes between single transactions and standard productions customers.

Who is responsible for declaring the audiovisual recording?

The producer or the principal is responsible for declaring the audiovisual recording.

The principal is the person or company who finances the production of the audiovisual recording and has the right of disposal over it.

Declare in good time

If Production Music (see below) is used or if the music used was composed on commission, the audiovisual recording can be declared up to 10 days after its production. In all other cases, it must be declared at least 60 days before production.

Applying for usage rights

If you use music in combination with pictures, films or advertising, you have to obtain a licence from the rightholders of the musical work (authors) and the recording (performing artist, producer/label). This may involve additional costs which have to be negotiated directly with the rightholders.

Pressing licence subject to reserves!

  • SUISA issues the pressing licence subject to production, performance and synchronisation rights. These must be obtained directly.

Calculation example

The fees for mechanical rights are calculated as follows: production (number of units produced) times retail price, times license rate 3.3%, times the protected music content in the total playing time. Example for 1000 units:

Amount
1000 units x CHF 20   CHF 20’000
3.3% of CHF 20’000 CHF 660
50% protected music content   CHF 330

Since the protected music content differs from one audiovisual recording to the next, the licence fees vary too.

This example applies to audiovisual recordings intended directly for the consumer. Minimum fees may apply.

What is production music?

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Who is responsible for declaring the audiovisual recording?

The producer or the principal is responsible for declaring the audiovisual recording. The principal is the person or company who finances the production of the audiovisual recording and has the right of disposal over it.

Who does SUISA conclude audiovisual recording contracts with?

You qualify as a standard productions customers if you:

  • regularly produce, import or distribute audiovisual recordings as a business;
  • are established in Switzerland or Liechtenstein;
  • have a proper book-keeping and inventory accounting system;
  • warrant compliance with copyright requirements and are prepared to make monthly down payments and deposit a one-time amount by way of security.

Additional conditions

  • At least five new productions per year
  • At least 1000 units per production
  • Before concluding the contract, you have to have paid licence fees for single transactions under Tariff VIe for at least one year.

Regular declarations

Standard productions customers are required to file regular audiovisual recording declarations with SUISA, no later than 30 days after release. SUISA only authorises the use of original recordings. For re-recordings from existing sound recordings you also need an authorisation from the producer.

Accounting

Standard productions customers pay licence fees on a six-monthly or annual basis for the number of audiovisual recordings sold. Sales must be reported via electronic mail (Excel list).

Recording from existing films

SUISA simply licenses the mechanical rights. The licence is subject to all other rights which must be duly obtained and paid.

How to proceed:

Send us the duly completed questionnaire together with your list of works. We will then issue the licence and invoice. Once your payment is received, we distribute the remuneration to the beneficiary composers, lyricists, and publishers.