BBC Studios (TV and Film) Agreement Updated: 12 September 2025 | 11:50 AM Agreement The agreement between BBC Studios and the MU applies to BBC Studios productions, and sets out the minimum terms and conditions for engaging session musicians for BBC Studios TV and Film content.  This Addendum to the BBC/MU Agreement sets out the minimum terms and conditions for: Musicians engaged by BBC Studios Production Limited (BBCSP) making BBCSPL Content on behalf of a non-BBC subsidiary or third-party commissioner (Third Party Commissioner); and where BBCSPL Content is first broadcast by any Third Party Commissioner. For the avoidance of doubt, and for the purposes of this Addendum, BBC Content commissioned by a Third Party Commissioner will be referred to as BBCSPL Content and shall mean material produced and/or recorded by BBCSPL for broadcast (or otherwise communicated to the public) by a Third Party Commissioner. For sake of clarity, where BBCSPL make programmes for the BBC the terms of the BBC/MU 2025 agreement shall apply. Rates of pay for BBC Studios session musicians for 2025 Limited use recording fees Type Fee Overtime Basic 3 hour session £240.50 £24.08 per 15 mins (max 30 mins) 4 out of 5 hour session £240.32 £24.08 per 6 mins Combined use recording fees Scale Fee per hour Overtime (per 15 mins) 1 £159.81 £47.68 2 £127.34 £39.00 3 £117.13 £35.42 4 £99.80 £30.29 Low budget £83.11 £25.22 Additional fees Doubling Overdubbing Plus 12% of session fee Plus 110% of session fee per overdub Porterage Group A Group B Group C Group D £33.05 £23.36 (cap £33.05) £15.07 By negotiation BBC Studios / MU agreement (0.36 MB)
Royalty Distribution for Recordings The MU Royalties department collects between £1.5 million to £2 million a year for musicians for the secondary and further use of recordings. Read more about Royalty Distribution for Recordings
Collective Bargaining The MU negotiates collective bargaining agreements with broadcasters and umbrella organisations for other regular employers of session musicians. Read more about Collective Bargaining
Maximised Pay for Recording Musicians Our aim is to maximise the pay and employment of UK session musicians, and to collect every secondary use fee they are due. Read more about Maximised Pay for Recording Musicians
Contract Advisory Service If you're a member, the MU can help you make sure the contract you sign is fair and includes all necessary clauses. Read more about Contract Advisory Service
Unpaid Fee Recovery We can help when you haven't been paid properly for your work. Read more about Unpaid Fee Recovery
Personal Injury Claims Legal benefits package for you and your family via Morrish Solicitors. Read more about Personal Injury Claims
Reduced membership rate for disabled musicians Read more about Reduced membership rate for disabled musicians
Partner rates for EIS, Ivors Academy, NEU, RCO, UCU members Read more about Partner rates for EIS, Ivors Academy, NEU, RCO, UCU members