MCPS FAQ's
What is Production Music?
Production Music (or Library Music) is music specifically written for inclusion in audio and audio-visual productions, such as advertisements, broadcast programmes, film and video productions. Using Production Music is a convenient and cost-effective way of obtaining high quality music for synchronisation and dubbing into such productions.
What are the advantages of using Production Music?
There are many advantages of using Production Music, including:
- MCPS publishes a rate card for Production Music which enables users to budget accurately
- Production Music is simple, quick and cost-effective to use
- Libraries will supply copies of recordings for use in all productions
- Production Music is available in a variety of moods and lengths to meet the needs of any production
- There are no pre-clearance formalities in the use of Production Music
- MCPS has an online licence application form that is quick and simple to use
- Once a licence is issued by MCPS, all rights normally required are cleared
What is the process for using Production Music?
How long will it take for MCPS to process a licence application?
The vast majority of licence applications are normally processed within 3 working days.
Do I obtain Production Music CDs directly from MCPS?
No, MCPS simply administers the licensing process on behalf of our Library members. You will need to contact the Libraries directly to access music which can be provided in a number of formats, including CDs, online and various other media. We publish a list of MCPS Library members, with full contact details and website links.
Which other licences do I require?
A PRS licence is also required for the following online uses; background to web/WAP page, streamed programming or webcasting, permanent download. For all other uses of Production Music the only music licence you require is the MCPS Rate Card licence which covers the right to reproduce the musical work, sound recording and artist performance, i.e. all of the rights normally required by a production company.
Services that are making the licensed production available over the Internet or via mobile networks will need to have an appropriate PRS licence covering the performing right. The performing right is involved in the communication to the public of the musical work contained in the production, whenever it is streamed or downloaded.
For more information about PRS Online & Mobile licences please call our Online Licensing team on 020 7306 4991, or visit the Online section of the website.
Does the Rate Card cover the use of chart music?
No, the Rate Card only applies to use of Production Music. To find out about the process for accessing commercial tracks, please contact MCPS Licensing on 020 8378 7500.
Do I need prior approval to use Production Music in adverts or other contentious areas?
No, once you have registered as a Production Music user there are no pre-clearance formalities involved so long as the correct licences are applied and paid for.
Do Libraries issue any licences directly?
No, in the UK MCPS exclusively administers all of the licensing requirements on behalf of our Library members. This means that it is easy to use tracks from a number of different Libraries in your productions while still applying for the licence from one central source.
Can I chase/track my application?
You receive a reference number when you submit an online licence application, which you can use to track the status of your application by speaking to MCPS Licensing on 020 8378 7500.
What if I need to update an existing licence?
Please complete the online application form and use the "additional information" section at the end to provide further details on the existing licence, or contact MCPS Licensing on 020 8378 7500. If you are adding new territories or more copies to your existing licence it is possible to obtain a "top up" licence which could save you money.
Who controls the rights in Commercial Music and Production Music?
When using music in your productions, it is important to consider the rights in the musical work AND the sound recording. The table below shows the different rights administered by the main UK Copyright Societies.
The Musical Work
|
MCPS
|
PRS
|
MCPS
|
PRS
|
The Sound Recording
|
PPL/VPL or
record company
|
PPL
|
MCPS
|
MCPS
|
Is there a quick link to the Application for Music Licence (AFML) page?