Procedures- to produce corporate films

Before making a corporate audiovisual production, the producer shall contact SACEM/SDRM to obtain the “Corporate Audiovisual” licence application form.

The licence application form can also be downloaded hereunder [demande d’autorisation – DA]. It should then be submitted:

• by e-mail to laurent.bechaud@sacem.fr (one copy only)
• or by mail to SACEM – SDRM - Demande d'Autorisation "Œuvre par Œuvre" (two copies)
  Laurent BECHAUD
  225 avenue Charles de Gaulle
  92528 Neuilly sur Seine - Cedex
• or to your SACEM-SDRM regional delegation office (two copies)

The application form can be signed by:

• a company, a public entity (e.g. administration, municipal authority) or private organization (e.g. association) which is producing the audiovisual master tape and having copies duplicated.
• a specialized audiovisual company known as a “production company” which has received an order from a private company or public or private entity to make the video recording.

 The producer of a corporate audiovisual video fills in a licence application without omitting to specify the number of copies to be made or to have made, listing the exact titles of the works that are expected to be used with the names of the authors, composers and publishers as well as the exact timing of each work. If any of these elements are lacking, SDRM will return the form to the producer to complete it, which will result in a delay in the licensing procedure.

NB: Some licenses other than those granted by SDRM are necessary and must be mentioned on the licence application. To this end, we advise you to read our page on "Useful information/Repertoires and the choice of music" that will help orient you according to the type of music you wish to reproduce (pre-existing music, commissioned music...)

The license application form should be sent to SACEM-SDRM  or one of the SACEM-SDRM regional delegation offices.

SDRM checks the works listed on the application and determines whether it administers the authors’ rights.

For works in SCAM or SACD repertoires, SDRM will only issue the licence after consulting the relevant societies of authors.

For works of music in the Sacem “general repertoire”: if one or more works in this category are entered on the licence application, SDRM informs the producer and forwards the names and details of the rights holders (usually the music publisher) for the producer to obtain authorization from them. Once the producer has received this authorization, he/she forwards a copy of it to SDRM. SDRM then is able to issue the licence authorizing the reproduction and use of these work(s).

SDRM send the producer an estimate based on the rates applicable for the repertoire(s), the duration of the works used and the number of copies manufactured.

Upon receiving the estimate, the producer forwards payment with the identification coupon.

The producer receives the duplicate copy of the application form, duly approved, being marked “bon pour autorisation”, together with a debit memorandum stating that payment has been made (and valid as an invoice).
The producer may then proceed to make the master for the corporate film/video and duplicate the number of copies requested.
For each reprint run, the producer must lodge a new application with SDRM, including the reference number of the previous licence.

Any use not authorized under the licence must be covered by a specific application lodged with the relevant society of authors.

SDRM for corporate films and videos does not cover:

• films and videos intended for sale or rental for private use
• any screening of these corporate films and videos generating proceeds (e.g. income from advertising or sales of entrance tickets), or conducted in association with other musical events (e.g. films, dances or concerts).