I am extremely pleased to inform you that this has once again been a banner year for the Film Musicians Secondary Markets Fund (FMSMF) with collections reaching an all-time high in excess of $64 million (including interest). This represents an increase of more than $5.4 million over the prior year’s collections. While for past years I have reported massive changes and enhancements to the Fund’s operation, this year has been one of further developing and refining those items. Certainly, there have been some significant changes. The name change from Theatrical and Television Motion Picture Special Payments Fund to the Film Musicians Secondary Markets Fund which more accurately reflects the true nature of the Fund has been one such change, and has done a great deal to help belie misconceptions about the Fund to both current and potential employers. The Fund also lobbied heavily at the 2002 Motion Picture Negotiation to modify the collective bargaining agreement to allow the inclusion of musicians whose performances on phonograph records were utilized in motion pictures but who never received an AFM new-use payment for such use. By making this change, numerous phonograph musicians who have been unfairly denied their rightful participation in the FMSMF are now receiving payments from the Fund. The Fund staff has worked extremely hard over the past year to enhance the efficiency of the Fund’s operations with the long-term goals of both maximizing the dollars coming in and minimizing administrative costs. One of the most significant factors adding to this increase was last year’s decision to bring the computer system completely “in-house.” I am very happy to report that as a result, we have completely revamped our computer department. The results have not only met our needs, but have actually significantly surpassed our expectations. The further development of this system has become one of the major objectives of the Fund and no doubt will become the cornerstone of the Fund’s operation for many years to come. Included among the other accomplishments since last year’s disbursal are:
I must also add that none of this would be possible without the superlative effort of a dedicated and dynamic staff, for which I am extremely grateful. |
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Fiscal
Year Ended 3/31/2003 |
Fiscal
Year Ended
3/31/2002 |
|
| Contribution available for distribution | $ 63,674,338 |
$ 57,651,577 |
| Interest earned |
759,534 |
1,495,639 |
| Prior year's unclaimed distributions |
1,009,009 |
821,621 |
| Subtotal | $ 65,442,881 |
$ 59,968,837 |
| Cash expenditures | (4,560,759) |
(4,175,378) |
| Employer's share of payroll taxes |
(3,950,000) |
(4,000,000) |
| Reserve for omissions | *(1,907,488) |
(123,951) |
| Subtotal | (10,418,247)
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(8,299,329)
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Distribution amount |
$ 55,024,634 |
$ 51,669,508 |
*Note: In addition to this amount, a balance of $92,512 is carried over from amounts not distributed from the prior omission reserve: $750,000. This leaves a total of $2,000,000 for omissions this year. |
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The Fund is here to serve you. Please feel free to contact us directly at (818) 755-7777 and ask for the Research Dept. Better yet, continue to utilize the Fund’s Web site at www.fmsmf.org or www.mpspf.org to search for a particular film title (in order to determine whether contributions have been paid or are required to be paid for that title), download the “Motion Picture Master List,” or submit an “Inquiry Form” to report a film omission online. If you already haven’t signed up for access to the “Participant’s Private Area,” we strongly urge you to do so. The Private Area (which is secured) allows you to view and download your personal statements from this or prior year(s), modify your address, beneficiary designation, direct deposit, or tax withholding information. Watch this section for new enhancements as the Fund continues to increase its services to the participants. Wishing you continued success. Sincerely, |
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| ©2003 Film Musicians Secondary Markets Fund. All Rights Reserved. |
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