Screen and Games
Broadcast and Royalty Timeline
Domestic
| Broadcast Period | Registrations Due | Member Paid |
|---|---|---|
| January - March | Before end of April | Mid-August |
| April - June | Before end of July | Mid-October |
| July - September | Before end of October | Mid-February |
| October - December | Before end of January | Mid-May |
Distribution information guides
Film, TV and Cinema Royalties
Frequently asked questions
How do I register works commissioned specifically for a film or TV production?
If your works have been commissioned for a film or TV production, that is, if they make up all or part of the overall sound score (the underscore), you'll need to register them using a different format than general works.
A "cue" refers to when and where a piece of music is used in a film/TV production. There are two types of cues that can be registered with APRA AMCOS - background and theme.
You do not need to register all individual cues. Simply register one work for all of the background cues and one work for the music played over the opening/closing credits (if applicable).
Use this format to register: "EXAMPLE TV SHOW (BACKGROUND)" and "EXAMPLE TV SHOW (THEME)".
If a pre-existing work is used in a film or TV production, register it as a general work, not as a background or theme.
What is a cue sheet?
A Cue Sheet is a record of all songs and compositions used in a film, television, streaming or video game production. You can submit cue sheets via the APRA AMCOS Cue Sheet Portal.
How to get an ABN
Once you become a member, make sure you tell us your Australian Business Number (ABN). If you don’t have an ABN, get one! It’s free to apply. We can only accept Individual/Sole Trader ABNs.
If you don’t have an ABN and you earn more than $500 in APRA royalties or $75 in AMCOS royalties, we have to deduct withholding tax from your royalties at the highest marginal rate for personal income tax.
Apply for an ABN through the Australian Business Register.
Glossary
The music industry is full of jargon. Use our plain-English glossary to understand what the more obscure terms mean.
