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EU Copyright : What it is and what is at stake

Written by Press Officer on . Posted in Industry News.

Some global technology companies like Facebook and YouTube have been exploiting loopholes in EU Copyright legislation to monetise musicians’ content, to support their business models. Creators are not fairly paid for the use of this content.

This ‘Transfer of Value’ will be solved by measures proposed by the European Commission and recently adopted by the Parliament’s JURI Committee. The issue will go to Plenary Vote on Thursday, 5th July and is a once-and-for-all opportunity to ensure that musicians and songwriters, are paid for the use of their work by these global tech companies.

However, these giant internet companies are now trying to preserve their market dominance. Using misleading slogans and arguments, they are presenting a false interpretation of the existing texts and pretending to defend citizens against censorship in the Internet, while only protecting their own commercial interest.

Let’s address each of their ‘arguments’ individually:

  • Will proposed copyright measures negatively impact freedom of expression?

On the contrary, the proposed copyright measures will only positively impact freedom of expression,.  A legal review by both the European Commission and the Council has found that such measures are fully compatible with the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU.

This is not something that affects the whole internet – only some platforms that are active in promoting, selecting and categorising content will have to comply. This will include companies such as YouTube and Facebook.

It is not general filtering or censorship and will not have  the dramatic impact that these companies are suggesting as part of their scare-mongering.

Currently, platforms such as YouTube maintain that the consumer is liable for clearing copyright for the content they post to platform services. Under Article 13, consumers will have much better protection because they will have the legal certainty to post and exchange content, including copyright protected content, under any licence granted to the platform services.

There will be no changes in law for sites such as Wiki-based online encyclopaedias, research repositories, open access software platforms, private cloud services and online market places. These are excluded from the scope of Article 13.

In terms of the ‘censorship and filtering’ arguments, platforms like YouTube and Facebook already use technical measures and algorithms, but for their own commercial interest, and without taking into account the relevant data on the use of creative works.

These proposals simply mean they will now have to cooperate and include such relevant data so that creators can be accurately remunerated for the actual usages of their works.

  • Will proposed copyright measures have a detrimental effect on the development of start-ups and small businesses in the digital market?

Absolutely not. Europe has a proven track record in successfully balancing innovation with its main principles of copyright and social justice; this balanced approach will continue. It’s important to note that the online music streaming market has been led by European companies established in Europe (e.g. Spotify, Deezer, Qobuz, 7digital, etc.). Moreover, cultural and creative industries are defined by start-ups and small and medium sized businesses.

To successfully enter the digital market, however, start-ups and SMEs need a level playing field. Article 13 will boost the development of the online market, enabling European start-ups in the user-uploaded content (UUC) and online content market to compete on a level playing field with global giants, granting  easy access to the market and with legal certainty.

  • Will proposed copyright measures signal the ‘end of memes’?

This is scare-mongering messaging shared by big platform services and is total nonsense-  suggesting that the proposals will mean ‘the end of memes’ and ‘the end of the internet’. These proposals will mean no such thing. They only apply to platform services and place no obligation on the consumer. Most memes can be, and will continue to be used freely as they are covered by exceptions to copyright.

  • Let’s deal with the facts:

The proposed copyright measures simply level the playing-field and introduce fairness. Creators – musicians, songwriters – whose work is being uploaded to platforms and used for free, will finally be paid for the use of their work, just as any other professional is.

The Commission and the Parliament Committee agree – we have to protect Europe’s cultural sector and have an opportunity now to do so. We must love culture as much as we love tech.

Technology is important for music and musicians welcome the legitimate use of their work. They write and perform songs so that people can hear them! What is not fair, however, is that music creators are being denied fair payment for their work.

This is not a fight against technology, it is simply providing balance so that artists get paid by global technology giants.

At Plenary this week, MEPs have a crucial opportunity to finally protect creators’ rights. A majority of voting MEPs is required to continue to protect Europe’s cultural sector.

Crunch Time For Creators: IMRO Calls on Irish MEPs to Close Copyright Loophole Ahead of Crucial Plenary Vote

Written by Press Officer on . Posted in Industry News.

The Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO) has issued a final call to Irish MEPS to support proposals that will secure creators’ copyrights online, ahead of a crucial vote on European copyright measures.

Earlier this month, the European Parliament’s JURI Committee voted to accept proposals that close the copyright ‘loophole’ which allows certain technology companies such as YouTube and Facebook to exploit creators’ rights in relation to user-uploaded content (Article 13 of the Copyright Directive). To date, these companies have not been required to fairly remunerate songwriters or music performers for the use of their work in user-uploaded content online.

Singer/songwriter and Chair of IMRO Eleanor McEvoy was among music creators from across Europe that met with MEPs at an event in Brussels on Wednesday to seek support for Article 13. Earlier, a petition with over 31,000 creators’ signatures, including 900 Irish signatories, was presented to attending MEPs.

Commenting, Eleanor McEvoy Chair of IMRO said, “As these proposals move to Plenary vote in early July, MEPs have a crucial opportunity to support the Irish music industry by ensuring creators receive a fair return for their works. Technology and music can and do work in harmony, and that’s great – but it has to be fair. Creators need to be paid for their work. I’m encouraged that the JURI Committee has recognised this and I would urge Irish MEPs to echo this support at Plenary by voting in favour of the copyright package as agreed by the JURI Committee of the European Parliament.” 

Victor Finn, Chief Executive of IMRO said, ‘This event marks the final stage in a sustained campaign by IMRO and our European counterparts to ask the political system in Ireland and beyond to value creativity and the arts, as much as technology. Our position has always been that sharing of content online is good for music – for fans and for artists. What we are asking, is that like any professional in any sector, is that someone who writes, publishes and performs music gets a fair return for the use of their work. We hope for a positive outcome at Plenary and are seeking support of all Irish MEPs, Government and the wider political system to get this through. Ireland is known worldwide for our music. Now is the time to support it.”

The ‘Countdown to Plenary’ event was hosted by the European Grouping of Societies of Authors and Composers (GESAC), which represents IMRO at European level, and co-hosted by MEPs Jean-Marie Cavada and Axel Voss, with performances by Eleanor McEvoy and other musicians from across Europe.

 

 

 

Minister Madigan launches plan to double employment in Audio-visual Sector

Written by Press Officer on . Posted in Industry News.

Audiovisual and animation industry worth over €1 billion to the Irish Economy

The Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Josepha Madigan T.D. today launched her Department’s €200m Audio-visual Action Plan.  The industry-wide, long-term plan, under the Creative Ireland Programme, will support the Government’s ambition to enable Ireland to become a global hub for the production of Film, TV drama and animation.

The key points in the Plan include:

  • Consider extending Section 481 tax relief, as well as increasing the expenditure ceiling, revising the regulations and extending the relief to Ireland’s games sector.
  • A review by Screen Ireland of funding models for other countries’ film agencies.
  • Increased capital funding for the film sector including co-production and development funding, a specific fund for the development of films and TV drama, a fund for new Irish TV drama, a regional production fund and additional training of film workers and crew.
  • Increased business skills development, matching of skills with production growth and partnering with third level institutions in skills development.
  • Increased marketing measures including measures to attract major computer games studios to Ireland.
  • A steering group will prioritise measures, oversee implementation and monitor risks, reporting regularly to Minister Madigan.

The Audiovisual Action Plan is underpinned by an Economic Assessment of the Audio-Visual Industry in Ireland carried out by international consultants Olsberg SPI with Nordicity on behalf of the Departments of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Communications, Climate Action and Environment and Business, Enterprise and Innovation. As well as measuring the size and impact of the industry, the consultants identified a range of key strategic recommendations which would assist the future development and growth of the audiovisual sector in Ireland.

The consultants concluded that with the implementation of their policy recommendations, Ireland’s “film, television and animation” sector could in a period of five years, double employment to over 24,000 full-time equivalents and a gross value added of nearly €1.4 billion.

Speaking at the Irish Film Institute Minister Madigan said “Today we start building on the success of the Irish audio-visual industry which has reached across the world.  This year we had Nora Twomey’s The Breadwinner, produced by Cartoon Saloon – an amazing Irish company with global reach – building on a strong run of successes at the Oscars and Cannes in recent years with films such as Room and The Lobster.  We are also an attractive location for international productions – in recent years Star Wars has brought a new audience to the delights of our west coast.

“Ireland has the creative talent, the storytelling and literary history, international credibility, geographic location and incentive structures to be a global leader, to tell compelling Irish and universal stories on screen, and to grow and sustain a vibrant creative audio-visual sector. Our Irish cultural heritage introduces Ireland on the world stage and allows us to express our national identity.   Film in particular offers us a way to do that in very impactful way.”

“Agus, ar ndóigh, ag caint faoi Iarthar na hÉireann, tá tionscal nach beag tógtha i nGaillimh agus i gConamara, bunaithe ar thacaíocht an Rialtais do TG4. Tá gradam UNESCO mar chathair scannán bainte amach ag Gaillimh de bharr an tionscail seo, agus beidh sé go mór chun tosaigh i nGaillimh 2020– Cathair Chultúrtha na hEorpa.”

Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys TD said, “This initiative could not come at a more opportune time. Facing into a climate of global economic uncertainty, it is more important than ever to develop strong, resilient and innovative companies that have the capacity to provide skilled, quality jobs. I know first-hand that we have the talent and drive necessary to succeed in this competitive market. This plan is an important step towards achieving this vision.”

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Denis Naughten TD commented, “I particularly welcome the proposal for specific funds to support new TV drama production and regional production. My officials will continue to work closely with the Department of Culture and the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland to implement this exciting plan.”

Both the Audiovisual Action Plan and the Olsberg Report are available here.

BIMM Institute Dublin and IMRO Announce Diploma in Music Business Scholarship

Written by Press Officer on . Posted in Featured Articles, Industry News.

BIMM Institute Dublin and IMRO continue to support and shape the Irish music industry with the announcement of the IMRO – ‘BIMM Institute Dublin Diploma in Music Business’ Scholarship

BIMM Institute Dublin and IMRO are delighted to announce the BIMM Institute Dublin/IMRO Diploma in Music Business Scholarship which will offer one student the opportunity to study on this new yearlong Diploma course free of charge. Prospective students can apply for the scholarship by submitting an application at info@nullbimm.ie

Recently BIMM Institute Dublin, part of Europe’s most connected and successful music college, added to its range of courses by launching the new BIMM Institute Dublin Diploma in Music Business course which is set to be a game changer for the Irish music scene. This a part-time course and is designed to offer students a practical skillset precisely designed with future entrepreneurism and employment in mind including Music Promotion and Marketing, Artist Management, Tour Management, Physical and Digital Music Distribution, e-commerce in the Music Industry, Music Publishing and Recording, Live Music Events and Touring. The course is ideal for those with no experience of the industry and who wish to use it as a foundation for further study or entrepreneurship.

“IMRO is delighted to partner with BIMM Institute Dublin to offer a scholarship for their Diploma in Music Business course. A stable flow of well-informed and market savvy music business professionals is critical for the future development of the music industry in Ireland” – Keith Johnson, Director of Marketing & Membership IMRO.

“IMRO is a vital organisation within the Irish music industry and has been for many years. It always displays unwavering support for Irish artists both new and established in their role of royalty collection, education and lobbyist for greater development and investment in homegrown talent. Partnering with IMRO on the new Music Business Diploma Scholarship makes perfect sense for us, as no one cares more about the business of music in Ireland than IMRO”  – BIMM Institute Dublin College Principal, Alan Cullivan. 

The BIMM group is the largest and leading provider of music education in Europe and have taken raw talents and turned them into industry professionals, earning a living doing what they love. The BIMM Institute Dublin Diploma in Music Business will be delivered at BIMM Institute Dublin, Irelands most vibrant and diverse community of musicians providing unique opportunities for collaborative student learning, as well as direct connectivity to an industry that will enhance future career prospects.

This course, like all qualifications at BIMM Institute Dublin, are delivered by tutors with experience working at the highest levels of the music business, which ensures that the delivery of this qualification will be distinctive, relevant and uniquely cutting edge.

Open Day

On Thursday 28th June, BIMM Institute Dublin will celebrate the launch of its new Diploma in Music Business and Diploma in Music and Audio Production with a dedicated open evening. Doors will open at 4.45pm at the BIMM Institute Dublin campus and bookings can be made at https://www.bimm.ie/open-days/dublin/ .
For more information on BIMM Institute Dublin visit www.bimm.ie

Application forms for the scholarship can be requested via info@nullbimm.ie
Find BIMM Institute Dublin on Facebook or on Twitter: @BIMMDublin.

• All applications can be made via the BIMM Institute Dublin Admissions team. To request an application form, all you need to do is email the BIMM Institute Dublin Admissions team at info@nullbimm.ie or call +353 1 5133 666. The completed application form can be returned via email to info@nullbimm.ie. The deadline to apply for this course is 5pm on Friday 24th August 2018.
• Once you have applied we will contact you with the details of your interview. Applicants receive at least 10 days’ notice of your scheduled interview time. We encourage applicants to bring along any relevant material which demonstrates their experience in music or the creative industries. International applications are welcome and skype interviews can be arranged if applicants are unable to attend their interview.
• BIMM Institute are Ireland’s and Europe’s most connected music colleges, with expert industry tutors, chart-topping alumni and truly talented students, across seven exciting locations, with another college opening in Hamburg in October 2018.
▪ BIMM Institute was established in 2001 in Brighton and now enrols over 6,000 students, studying a range of specialist vocational music courses from Diplomas to BA (Hons) Degree and post graduate level. BIMM has colleges in Berlin, Brighton, Bristol, Dublin, Manchester, London and now Birmingham.
▪ BIMM Institute Group graduate artists have secured an unprecedented amount of UK and Ireland top 40 singles and top 10 albums including James Bay, The Kooks, George Ezra, Tom Odell, Kate Nash, and Marina and the Diamonds.
▪ BIMM Institute Dublin hosts relevant masterclasses for the benefit of student studies throughout the academic year. Past guests have included Hozier, John Grant, Danny O’Donoghue (The Script),
Imelda May, Steve Albini, The Edge, Josh Homme ( Queens of the Stone Age) Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Neil Hannon (Divine Comedy), Lianne La Havas, Snarky Puppy and a number of world renowned session musicians including Thomas Lang, John Scofield, Stu Hamm and producer Ethan Johns.

 

Creators’ Rights | Your Help Is Urgently Required

Written by Press Officer on . Posted in Featured Articles, Industry News.

In the next few days the European Parliament will vote on whether to approve the most significant reform of copyright law in nearly two decades. At the heart of these reforms are proposals to ensure that online platforms which host content uploaded by their users (video and music sharing services) are liable for copyright and must either obtain a licence or block unlicensed content.

Over the course of the last year and working closely with our sister organisations, we have been supporting GESAC (who represent authors’ societies across the EU) in calling for an end to the “Transfer of Value” that is benefiting major digital platforms at the expense of creators. This has involved intensive lobbying both here in Ireland and in Europe, detailing the situation to our MEPs and seeking their support. This issue is, without a doubt, the most significant battle that our copyright community has had to face in our time.

We are now at a critical point, Members of European Parliament are reportedly receiving thousands of emails from anti-copyright crusaders. If we are to secure legislation to make online platforms pay fairly for the use of your music and that of your fellow music creators, we urgently need your help.

Please take 90 seconds and use our simple online tool below to email Members of the European Parliament to ask for support in solving the Transfer of Value and help create an online market which works for creators.

Eleanor McEvoy
IMRO Chairperson

>>> Connect with your MEPs Here <<<

Fairness in Sight for Creators as MEPs Vote to Close Copyright Loophole

Written by Press Officer on . Posted in Featured Articles, Industry News.

Time is Now for Political System to Demonstrate Value of Music in Ireland

The European Parliament’s JURI Committee today voted to accept proposals that close the copyright ‘loophole’ which allows certain technology companies such as YouTube and Facebook to exploit creators’ rights in relation to user-uploaded content (Article 13 of the Copyright Directive).

To date, these companies have not been required to fairly remunerate songwriters or music performers for the use of their work in user-uploaded content online.

These proposals now move to Plenary vote in early July, which will see all MEPs have the opportunity to vote in favour of securing creators’ copyrights online.

Commenting on today’s Committee vote, Eleanor McEvoy Chair of IMRO said,

‘The news of today’s vote is music to our ears. As a singer-songwriter and Chair of the organisation that represents 12,000 music creators in Ireland, I am delighted that the JURI Committee has today voted in favour of fairness. Technology and music can and do work hand-in-hand, and that’s great – but it has to be fair. Creators need to be paid for their work and I’m glad that the Committee has recognised this. At IMRO, we are now calling on all Irish MEPs to show their support for music when this issue goes to Plenary in the weeks ahead. The political system in Ireland has been supportive of music to date, but now is the time to really demonstrate that Ireland truly values music. This is a crucial time for the future of Irish creators.’

Victor Finn, Chief Executive of IMRO said,

‘This vote is the welcome result of a sustained campaign by IMRO and our European counterparts to ask the political system in Ireland and beyond to value creativity and the arts, as much as technology. Our position has always been that sharing of content online is good for music – for fans and for artists. What we are asking, is that like any professional in any sector, is that someone who writes, publishes and performs music gets a fair return for the use of their work. We hope for a positive outcome at Plenary and are seeking support of all Irish MEPs, Government and the wider political system to get this through. Ireland is known worldwide for our music. Now is the time to support it.’

The IRISH COMPOSITION SUMMER SCHOOL announces its 36th year: July 4th-13th

Written by Press Officer on . Posted in Featured Articles, Industry News.

The school is aimed at young or emerging composers who wish to get practical experience of writing music under the mentorship of experienced composers and with valuable input from performers. It is an intensive session of on-the-spot writing which includes the performance and recording of the new work.

It is held annually at the DIT Rathmines Conservatory of Music and Drama, and is assisted by the Arts Council of Ireland and IMRO (Irish Music Rights Organisation) as well as by DIT Conservatory. Principal guest composer this year is Richard Whalley, with Grainne Mulvey and Martin O’Leary as course directors. The performers this year are the wonderful ConTempo Quartet.

For further information on this year’s activities and background to the school go to:
http://www.composers.ie/sites/default/files/2018%20ICSS%20brochure.pdf

IMRO Congratulates Songwriter Johnny McDaid on success at IVORS 2018

Written by Press Officer on . Posted in Featured Articles.

IMRO (the Irish Music Rights Organisation) has congratulated songwriter and IMRO member Johnny McDaid on his success at the 2018 Ivor Novello Awards. McDaid’s composition The Shape of You, co-written with Steve Mac and Ed Sheeran, won the title of Most Performed Work, a category which credits works that received the most broadcast, online and general performance in the UK during 2017. Johnny McDaid and Ed Sheeran accepted the award at The Ivors event in London earlier today.

Commenting on the award, Victor Finn, CEO of IMRO said: “On behalf of IMRO, I would like to congratulate Johnny on this fantastic achievement, yet another nod to the calibre of music being produced on this island. Occasions such as The Ivors are an important opportunity to acknowledge music creators like Johnny whose commitment and passion plays a vital role in bolstering our reputation on the world stage and provides such enjoyment for music lovers near and far. With dedicated supports, there’s an exciting opportunity to further build on our reputation and secure the future of this important sector.”

(Pictured l-r:  Eleanor McEvoy, IMRO Chair, Johnny McDaid, Victor Finn, IMRO CEO)

Earlier this year, Johnny McDaid was presented with an IMRO Outstanding Achievement Award in recognition of the enormous contribution he has made on the global stage.

A full list of the 2018 Ivor Novello Award winners is available here: http://theivors.com/the-ivors-2018/

Johnny McDaid is a prolific songwriter and producer behind a wide array of recent chart hits including Ed Sheeran’s ‘Shape of You’, ‘Human’ by Rag ‘n’ Bone Man, James Blunt’s ‘The Afterlove’ and Zara Larsson’s ‘So Good’. Born in Dublin and raised in Derry, Northern Ireland, McDaid moved to London in his late teens and spent a decade leading his band Vega4, whose song ‘Life is Beautiful’ featured prominently in a number of US TV dramas and films. When that band split, Snow Patrol members Jonny Quinn, Gary Lightbody and Nathan Connolly set up a publishing company, Polar Patrol Publishing, and made McDaid their first signing. Johnny has since written soundtracks and numerous songs for movies alongside Snow Patrol frontman, Gary Lightbody. McDaid went on to tour with Snow Patrol during the Fallen Empires Tour and subsequently joined the band. In addition, the Grammy nominated songwriter has worked with diverse artists such as Example, Robbie Williams, Biffy Clyro, Rudimental, Birdy, Kodaline, Faith Hill & Tim McGraw, Anderson East, Beoga and P!nk.

 

RTÉ lyric fm to Commission New Music to Mark 20th Anniversary

Written by Press Officer on . Posted in Featured Articles, Industry News.

RTÉ lyric fm is celebrating its 20th birthday by commissioning three new works, with a total fund of  €14000 available  to composers born or living in Ireland. These new compositions will be performed live by the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra and RTÉ Philharmonic Choir at a gala concert on 1st May 2019.

Announcing the launch of the competition, Director General of RTÉ, Dee Forbes, said:

“Since its inception, RTE lyric fm has championed the very best in classical music from home and abroad and occupies a unique and cherished place in the lives of its listeners. It is fitting that a station that celebrates both composition and live performance should mark its anniversary by investing in the composition and performance of new Irish works. I look forward to hearing the results, and to celebrating 20 ground-breaking years of RTÉ lyric fm.”  

Aodán Ó Dubhghaill, Head RTÉ’s Orchestras, lyric fm, Quartet & Choirs described the competition: 

“Irish musicians have always been at the heart of the station. What better way to mark our birthday than with a new work for the national emblem of Ireland the Irish harp with one of its leading exponents Máire Ní Chathasaigh premiering it with the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra.”

Commissions and prize money will be offered in the following categories:

  • A 10-15 minute Irish harp concerto in three movements for soloist Máire Ni Chathasaigh and the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra –  €10,000
  • A 4-5 minute a cappella work for RTÉ Philharmonic Choir- €2,000 based on the poem Though There are Torturers by Michael Coady
  • A 4-5 minute work for the cellos of the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra – €2,000

Entrants should think about creating melodic, accessible new compositions that will engage the lyric listener and that can ultimately, after its premiere performance, be recorded in studio for repeat broadcast on the station’s prime time programmes.  All entrants must submit approximately 1 minute of their proposed score, a 200 word outline of their work and a detailed musical CV. Three hard copies of each of these documents must be posted to: RTÉ lyric fm, 20th Anniversary Competition, Top Floor, Cornmarket Square, Limerick by 5pm Friday 1st September 2018. 

The submissions will be judged by Ellen Cranitch, Shaun Davey, Anthony Long, Mark Hindley & Una Ní Chanainn. The adjudicators’ decision is final.

For further details and conditions of entry, visit www.rte.ie/lyricfm

CISAC’s General Assembly Meets in Warsaw, Calls on Governments to Step Up Action on Creators’ Rights

Written by Press Officer on . Posted in Featured Articles, Industry News.

Over 200 authors and their representatives convene this week in Poland at CISAC’s General Assembly, the annual meeting of the world’s leading network of creators and authors’ societies.

Top of the agenda for CISAC – the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers – are its campaigns for stronger and fairer rights for creators, globally coordinated with national and regional partners across the world.

The Warsaw meeting will be attended by the confederation’s President Jean-Michel Jarre and many other creators from across the world. It will be hosted by ZAiKs, the Polish Society of Authors and Composers, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2018 and was one of the original founders of the Confederation in 1926.

Coinciding with the General Assembly, CISAC is releasing its 2018 Annual Report, which provides a comprehensive overview of its fight for creators’ rights globally. It will be available for download at www.cisac.org in English, French and Spanish.

CISAC Director General Gadi Oron says: “We are gathering in Warsaw to plan for the future at a time of great opportunity for authors and authors’ societies, but also of uncertainty. In the digital world, creativity has never been more abundant, but for millions of creators the market is simply not working the way it could and should. We need the help of government and lawmakers to build a 21st century landscape which brings fairer rewards to the millions of creators whose livelihood depends on their creative works.”

ZAiKS President Janusz Fogler says: “We are delighted to be hosting CISAC again after 84 years, and to be able to bestow Honorary Membership of ZAiKS upon exceptional creator and CISAC President Jean-Michel Jarre on our 100th anniversary. This accolade, which was first granted in pre-war times, is to this day the highest distinction awarded by ZAiKs. It recognises the efforts Jean-Michel has put into improving the situation of authors worldwide and in Poland”.

CISAC works to protect the rights and promote the interests of creators and authors’ societies across all regions of the world and artistic fields. The confederation brings together 239 authors’ societies from 121 countries. These societies’ royalty collections grew 6% to €9.2 billion in 2016, providing a living to more than 4 million creators in all repertoires: music, audiovisual, drama, literature and visual art.

However, the works of authors across the world are being widely devalued and their creators unfairly remunerated. This is due to a combination of powerful users, from broadcasters to technology companies, and flawed legislation in many countries.

The Warsaw meeting will focus on four key CISAC campaigns: fixing the “transfer of value” in the digital market; seeking fair rights for audiovisual creators; an international resale right for visual artists; and promoting private copying levies.

CISAC works alongside its three Creators’ Councils: the Council of Music Authors (CIAM), Writers & Directors Worldwide (W&DW) and the International Council of Creators of Graphic, Plastic and Photographic Arts (CIAGP).

CISAC CAMPAIGNS “AT A GLANCE”

Fixing the “transfer of value”

The explosion of digital platforms has transformed how works are made available, helping some sectors like the music industry return to growth. However, authors are not sharing in this boom as they should. This is because the value generated by creative content is siphoned off by large technology companies, particularly user-uploaded content services. The European Union proposed legislation to address this problem known as the “transfer of value”.

CISAC President Jean-Michel Jarre says: “This is a critical moment in Europe’s proposal for legislation to give creators a fair deal from global technology companies. CISAC’s message in this debate is a vital one for policy makers to hear. It is: “the world is watching Europe”. There is no doubt that decisions made to fix the transfer of value in Europe this year will send a powerful signal to governments globally. Today Europe – tomorrow the world. That is an empowering message to the global community”.

Seeking fair remuneration for audiovisual creators

CISAC works with Writers & Directors Worldwide to ensure that screenwriters and directors have an unwaivable right of remuneration when their works are used by digital services and other users. In many countries, these creators do not have this right enshrined in the law. They are unable to share in the commercial success of their films and TV programmes. In May 2018, CISAC published the “AV Remuneration Study” by Professor Raquel Xalabarder. The study examines global legal systems to support reforms to introduce the right internationally. It provides the framework for governments to enact the right.

An international resale right for visual artists

By guaranteeing a royalty when works are resold by an auction house or gallery, resale right is a vital source of income for visual artists in over 80 countries. However, universal adoption of the right is essential if all artists are to benefit. This is why CISAC engaged in talks to build momentum for resale right at the World Intellectual Property Organization and lobbied decision-makers in art markets, such as Argentina and Japan, which have yet to implement the right.

Promoting private copying levies

Private copying levies are a significant income stream for creators, especially in countries with less developed copyright and collections environments. In 2017, CISAC published the Private Copying Global Study, detailing the laws of 191 countries on five continents. In 2016, private copying levies reached €374 million in global collections. At least 74 countries have a private copying levy system, but only 38 have effectively implemented it.

Photo ©: Christie Goodwin

 

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