What is the difference between grand and small rights?
The expression “grand rights” is used in connection with performances of a dramatic musical work (e.g. an opera, operetta, musical, pantomime or ballet). The performance of originally written dramatico-musical works, or musical works performed on a stage in a dramatic context, are not subject to management by TONO. In principle, TONO does not manage grand rights, and nor do our affiliated societies abroad.
If an individual work not originally written as part of a musical drama (small rights) is used in a dramatic context of some kind, this would constitute a dramatic performance and therefore a grand rights issue. The rights holders must then act in accordance with the applicable regulations, as stated here.
If a dramatico-musical work is taken out of its context and is presented in excerpt form or as a concert performance, this would constitute a small rights issue. Such performances are handled by TONO as normal concerts, and distributions are calculated accordingly.
For each individual work, it is possible to sign a supplementary contract with TONO for the management of grand rights. In that case, all the holders of rights to the musical works concerned must sign the agreement. When signing any such supplementary contract, the rights holders will grant TONO the right to conclude, on their behalf, agreements for their dramatico-musical works. Please note that the supplementary contract applies to the composer(s) and the lyricist(s) behind the musical works, not other holders of rights in the performance, such as choreographers, actors or dancers.
For a full evening performance, TONO charges 14 per cent of the gross box office receipts.
From the amount charged for supplementary contracts, TONO makes the following deductions: 2 per cent to the Norwegian Composers’ Fund, then 10 per cent in administration costs and 10 per cent for national funds.
A supplementary contract has no retrospective force.
CONTACT MEMBER SERVICES if you would like to arrange such a supplementary contract. Please note that this contract only applies in Norway.