Collection and distribution of royalties

Royalties are collected from users of audiovisual works: broadcasters, streaming platforms, and cable providers.

Audiovisual works include feature films, documentaries and documentary series, animated films and series, and TV series.

Calculation of royalties for TV channels

Television channels submit a repertoire report on the audiovisual works shown in their programmes, which is used to identify the works represented and their authors who shall be paid.

In the case of TV channels, the distribution of royalties is based on a points system. In awarding points, the type of work, its duration, and the number of times it has been broadcast are taken into account. The detailed distribution list is available on the EAAL website HERE.

Calculation of royalties for streaming platforms

Streaming platforms submit a repertoire report on the audiovisual works subscribed to by its users, which is used to identify the works represented and their authors who shall be paid.

Royalties collected from streaming platforms are also distributed according to a points system, which is based on the number of times a work is viewed and subscribed to. The monetary value of each point is calculated by dividing the royalty amount by the total number of points. More details on the distribution can be found HERE.

Calculation of royalties for cable distribution

Cable operators are not required to submit repertoire reports. All the royalties collected from them will be divided between Estonian and foreign societies on a pro rata basis, taking into account the number of channels broadcast in Estonia and in the countries with which contracts of reciprocal representation have been concluded.

Private copying levy

Private copying levy is a payment made to authors, performers, producers of phonograms, and producers of the first recording of a film to compensate them for the loss of revenue they incur due to the provision of the Estonian Copyright Act which states that natural persons may make copies of audiovisual works or sound recordings of a work for personal use.

The levy is paid by manufacturers and importers of recording equipment and storage media, who add the levy to the selling price of the product.

The private copying levy collected for authors of audiovisual works in a calendar year is distributed among the authors on the basis of the proportion that the royalties of each specific member of the EAAL or customer made up of the distribution of the TV services and streaming services in the relevant year.

Read more on the EAAL website.