Music plays a crucial role in creating the total cinema experience. Movie soundtracks play their own special role in films and the music played by an exhibitor before and after the film itself helps create the right atmosphere for customers. Because of these many benefits, the creators of the music used by cinema exhibitors are entitled to be fairly paid for the use of their work.

Recorded Music NZ offers a Cinema Exhibitors Licence, which provides the permissions needed to:

  • Communicate sound recordings used within films, movie previews and advertisements
  • Play background music before and after film screenings – in theatres, foyers and any other public cinema spaces

For the period 1 January 2020–30 June 2024:
Annual rate of 0.06% of Gross Box Office Receipts (GST Exclusive)
Subject to a minimum fee of $75.00 +GST per 6-month period

Apply for a Recorded Music NZ Cinema Exhibitors Licence here