A music cue sheet is a record of the music used in an audiovisual production. It usually identifies each cue—the title and writers or composers, publisher, performing-rights organisation where relevant, how the music is used and how long it plays—along with details about the programme or production. Performing-rights organisations use cue-sheet information to identify music in film and television and account for performances under their systems. BMI describes cue sheets as an official log and lists production and music-use details that may be included. See BMI’s cue-sheet guide.

A cue sheet is not a music licence. It documents what appeared in the production; permission to use the music is a separate question. Keep both the cue information and the relevant licence records with the project.

What information goes on a cue sheet?

The exact template depends on the production and the organisation receiving it. A useful working log can include the production and episode title, production company, cue title, writers or composers, publisher, rights society, duration, and type of use. For example, a production may need to distinguish a theme from music used underneath a scene. Record the exact track title and the start and end time while editing, rather than trying to reconstruct the soundtrack after delivery.

If a track changes during an edit, update the log. Include background cues, source music, theme music and any other music the recipient’s instructions ask you to report. Follow the requested form and terminology: cue-sheet fields and submission procedures can vary.

Who prepares or submits it?

In many film and television workflows, the production company or its designated music or post-production contact prepares and submits the sheet. A freelance editor may be asked to supply accurate cue details, but should confirm who owns the final submission. The broadcaster, distributor, production company or performing-rights organisation may specify the process.

There is no single rule that applies to every YouTube upload, social video, game, film festival entry or territory. If a commissioner or distributor requests a cue sheet, ask for its template and deadline. If you are unsure whether one is needed, check with the production contact and the relevant rights organisation rather than assuming either that every upload needs one or that none do.

A cue sheet does not clear the music

Cue-sheet reporting and music clearance serve different purposes. A completed sheet does not give you permission to synchronise a recording with a video, and a licence does not necessarily satisfy a separate reporting requirement. Confirm that the licence covers the intended production and use, and retain the licence or receipt alongside the cue details.

RouteNote Licensing’s current licence agreement refers to cue-sheet submission to the applicable performing-rights society in a specific circumstance: where a jurisdiction does not allow certain royalties to be waived under a statutory or compulsory scheme. Check the current agreement and ask RouteNote Licensing or the relevant production contact if that condition may apply to your project. Requirements differ by territory and distribution route; this article is general information, not legal advice.

A simple workflow for creators

Start a cue log when music is added to the timeline. For each cue, note the track title, writers or composers if supplied, publisher or rights information, source, licence details, intended use and exact duration. Update the entry when you trim, replace or move the music. Before delivery, compare the log with the final export and ask the client or production contact whether they need a particular template or submission format.

Keeping the record as you edit makes it easier to answer a later cue-sheet request and to show what music permission was obtained. It also keeps the reporting task separate from the clearance check, so neither is mistaken for the other.

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