How to Get Cue Sheets and Music Reporting Right
Documents that list every piece of music in a production, with timings and rights information.
Tomas Lindqvist
At a glance
- Contents cue sheets list each cue, its duration and usage type
- Recipients broadcasters and rights organizations collect them
- Timing cue sheets are produced after the edit is locked
- Accuracy errors mean rights holders are not paid correctly
Why it matters
Why it matters: Broadcasters and platforms require cue sheets so composers and publishers are paid for performances.
Best practice
- Track music usage during the edit
- Record exact durations per cue
- Include composer and publisher details
- Submit cue sheets with delivery
- Keep copies with project records
Common pitfalls
Watch out for:
- Reconstructing cue sheets from memory
- Missing library music details
- Inaccurate timings
- Delivering broadcast content without cue sheets
When to call in a specialist
Bottom line Bring in help when delivering to broadcasters.
Where this comes from
- U.S. Copyright Office — Circular 50 Copyright Registration for Musical Works
- European Broadcasting Union — Delivery specifications
The figures and practices above come from the sources listed.
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