Contractors (Fixers)

An approved contractor, often called a fixer, is an individual or company who has signed an agreement with, and is authorised by, the Musicians’ Union to engage musicians for session work. Approved contractors liaise with the Union and oversee all sessions which they contract, ensure that the terms and conditions of the various media agreements are adhered to, as well as making sure that consent forms are provided, properly completed, and then delivered to the appropriate organisations.

They also undertake the responsibility of paying the musicians. You should always check with the MU if you are offered a session by someone you do not know.

For each engagement an MU Approved Contractor undertakes to:

• Ensure the terms and conditions of all MU media agreements are adhered to
• Ensure MU approved consent forms are provided and properly completed, and that copies are delivered to the appropriate organisations
• Retain complete and accurate records of all engagements and associated contracts
• Co-operate in any collection and distribution system for secondary fees established by the MU
• Ensure musicians receive all session fees due within agreed timescales
• Ensure timely and accurate payment of any secondary income is made to musicians, and that adequate and sufficient remittance advice information is provided
• Treat all musicians fairly and with respect and not discriminate on grounds of age, race, religion, gender or sexual orientation

Working with an Approved Contractor

A list of Contractors currently approved by the MU is available for download. If, as a musician, you are offered work by a Contractor who is not on this list, you should contact the Recording and Broadcasting department before agreeing to proceed.

If you have any concerns or complaints about a Contractor who is currently MU Approved, please bring this to the attention of the Recording and Broadcasting department.

How to become an MU Approved Contractor

If you wish you become an MU Approved Contractor, please complete the MU Contractor Agreement and sign a copy, and email rb@themu.org.

Or use the old method and post to:

Approved Contractors

MU HQ, 30 Snowsfields, London SE1 3SU

If you are accepted as an MU Approved Contractor, your agreement will be countersigned by a member of the Recording and Broadcasting department and a copy returned to you. Your name will then be added to the published MU Approved Contractors list.

All contractors will receive regular Contractors Bulletins containing updated rates and agreements and other relevant industry information.