Definition: Cue Sheet
A cue sheet is basically a list of all the music “cues” in a film along with their timings, their usage as in background, on-camera performance, etc and who are the creators and publishers and their affiliations with performing right organizations(PRO’s). See here for more on PRO’s.
Why is this so important?
This little piece of paper (or Excel document) basically ensures that the composer and publisher will get their share of royalties if the film is broadcast on television. In the US, it’s mainly television. In other countries, composers and publishers do get paid for showings in cinemas as well.
Where does the money come from?
This money has been collected from all the broadcasters usually in the form of a blanket license.
It can be a very crucial income stream for your composer, so please do file these properly and timely if your project ever gets on air. Or ask your composer to do it for you – he or she will be happy to help.