Fill out this convenient online form or download a blank cue sheet as an Excel file or as a pdf .

Often, the broadcaster has cue sheets that they specifically use. In that case just enter the appropriate information on their cue sheet. You may also be interested in utilizing the RapidCue system created by BMI and ASCAP. 

What is a cue sheet? A cue sheet is a document that lists all of the musical elements of an audio/visual program. PRO’s (Performing Rights Organizations – such as BMI, ASCAP, PRS, SESAC, SOCAN, GEMA, etc.) use cue sheets to determine how to pay performance royalties to composers and publishers.

Who is responsible for submitting a cue sheet? The production company using the music is responsible for submitting cue sheets. Typically, this responsibility is handled by the music department. Although cue sheets may come in from other sources, the copy from the production company is always considered authoritative. If your project is non-broadcast (training videos, weddings, corporate videos) you don’t need to worry about cue sheets. If your project is going to be aired on any broadcast outlet (even if it’s a short film), you should turn in a cue sheet. 

Do infomercials, commercials, etc. require cue sheets as well? Yes. Infomercials, commercials and any other audio/visual products that contain multiple pieces of music do require cue sheets.

Do I need to register each cue with the title registration system? You do not need to register a work if the work is: an underscore (music written for an audiovisual production and will only exist within the production); a logo; a theme (theme music written for the audiovisual production that will only exist within the production). A registration is required if the work is: not written for the audiovisual production and will exist outside of the production (even if it is another production); a work that has a life outside of the production (e.g. popular work that airs on radio).

What information is required in order to complete a cue sheet and for a PRO to accept it? The cue sheet should have identifying information for the program it represents (i.e. film, episode of television series, estimated air date, program length, program type, company name/address/phone/contact, network station) and should list the cue title, duration, usage and entitled parties (writers/composers and publishers) for each cue. (Use the link at the beginning of this page to download a blank cue sheet).

Is there an “Industry Standard” cue sheet? Yes. The industry has established standards in regards to terms and what information is required on a cue sheet for it to be valid. In addition, ASCAP and BMI have developed a common understanding of an industry standard. See rapidcue.com for instructions on using their electronic cue sheet delivery and cataloguing system. You will need to contact RapidCue at info@rapidcue.com to inquire about setting up an account.

How should the cue sheet be sent (i.e. fax, e-mail, hard copy)?

• ASCAP would prefer that cue sheets be e-mailed to: cuesheet@ascap.com or tvcuesheet@ascap.com. If the cue sheet cannot be e-mailed to ASCAP, then please mail a legible hard copy to: ASCAP, ATTN: Cue Sheet Dept., One Lincoln Plaza, New York, NY 10023.
• BMI cue sheets can be emailed to: cuesheets@bmi.com, or you can mail a hard copy to: BMI, Cue Sheet Department – 3rd Floor, 10 Music Square East, Nashville, TN 37203.
• When compositions from more than one PRO are being used, send cue sheets to each PRO.

What is the deadline for submitting cue sheets? Ideally no later than three months after the original broadcast for a television program. For a theatrically released feature film, cue sheets should be on file before the first foreign theatrical performance.

When are cue sheets processed? Cue sheets are processed in time for the distribution that reflects performances in the quarter that the program was first broadcast. In other words, 4-6 months after the program has aired.

Do I need to submit cue sheets for re-runs? No. PRO’s typically use airdate schedules to process re-runs of the same program.

How far back will PRO’s pay royalties on late cue sheets? Composers usually have nine months after their last annual statement which is distributed every April to inform a PRO that performances were not processed.

If a production company does not have a publishing company established, what happens to their publisher’s share of performance royalties? If the production company negotiated that it retains the publishing interests of the underscore in the composer’s agreement, it is obviously in their best interest to establish a publishing company to receive performance royalties. If the publishing is established after the cue sheets have been filed, it is imperative to alert ASCAP that those cue sheets need to be updated to reflect this new membership.