MVPA, WDMV and Ian Pons Jewell Reinforce Rights for Directors and Production Companies

The Music Video Producers Association (MVPA: a subsidiary of the APA) has partnered with We Direct Music Videos (WDMV) and director Ian Pons Jewell to create a new template for music video production contracts.

Production companies and directors often invest in videos, and it is vital to have a contract that acknowledges these investments. The new contract addresses that and provides further clarity on the responsibilities of record labels and production companies. In addition, it will enable production companies and directors to use films to promote their expertise and participate in any additional income the videos generate. 

Steve Davies, CEO of the MVPA, states, "Production companies enjoy the creativity of music videos. It is critical to ensure that they have a sustainable business model that when they choose to invest in a video, they also share the benefits. Working with Ian and WDMV on this has been rewarding. I see a determination and commitment to music videos born from their passion and desire to make them".

Ian Pons Jewell remarks that these new terms are essential to having a healthy music video industry and ensure companies have the right expertise available to make videos. "Since the significant change in budgets, music videos have been an incredibly tough world to navigate, with pretty horrendous terms for the directors and crews working on them. Despite this, it's a great art form, so we hope that these contract changes can be embraced as a step toward making music videos a better space. WDMV kicked off this conversation, shining a light on the realities of the music video world and improving pitching terms, so I'm hoping this will be another big positive step for us. The APA/MVPA have been an incredible partner in this, working with us on the language and realities of this improvement in contract terms''.

''These term changes aim to improve the base level of negotiations. There can't ever be a one-size-fits-all method, so directors and their production companies must negotiate each project on its merits. We hope this will create a healthier space for absolutely everyone".

We Direct Music Videos (WDMV) asserts the need for transparency within the music industry. Miranda Tiano, Global Lead at WDMV, states; "We are honoured to work with the APA/MVPA on constructing a music video contract that covers a variety of requests that have not been taken into consideration such as stills usage, profit share for artist merchandise, and directors' cuts. When Ian Pons Jewell approached us with his idea to update contracts, we knew it would be a huge undertaking''.

‘’To ensure the updates reflect current issues, we interviewed directors and producers globally to share their experiences. Once we identified obstacles and possibilities, we brought our findings to the APA/MVPA, who donated months of their time to build the new contract. Although these efforts are being made for the UK market, we are empowering directors and producers at all levels to negotiate fair terms by making the contract available to everyone. This is a significant step forward for the music video industry".

Follow the conversation on all social media platforms (@ApaLondon and @WeDirectMV) with the hashtag #MVPA2 and #MVPAXWDMVXIJP. Join Ian's LIVE broadcast on Instagram (@ianponsjewell) at 4pm on Monday, 21st February.

Visit the Music Video Producers Association website to download the latest Music Video Agreement- here.