Created by artists, for artists: PlayRight’s mission is to collect, manage and distribute neighbouring rights to performers- but not only. PlayRight+, one of the departments of PlayRight, was created two years ago to support performers and defend their interests in the sector. Ioan Kaes and Rudy Peereboom tell us more.

Why did you decide to create this department in PlayRight?

Rudy: The goal was to expand the activities of PlayRight in order to defend the interests of performers. More and more affiliates were coming to us to ask about their social, economic and legal situation, among other questions. To respond to such requests, PlayRight+ was created. The legislation allows collective societies to develop activities and projects aimed to improve the legal, social and economic position of the rightholders they represent

The first goal of PlayRight+ is to be the voice of performers to the governments and other organizations in the industry in which they work, thanks to our own initiatives and to the monitoring of policies work at the European level, as well as regional and federal levels. But also by participating in sectoral consultations, as well as supporting organizations representing certain categories of performers.

PlayRight+ also manages a budget that can support projects that put their focus on the performers.

Imagine I am an organization looking for additional financing for a specific project, how can I ask for your support and how is it decided within Playright+ ?

Ioan: The first thing you need to do is contact us. There is a procedure to submit your applications to PlayRight+ in order to ask for a support. We have two deadlines per year for these applications: one on March 31th and the other on 30th of September. Shortly after these dates, the application files are processed by the PlayRight+ Commission. But the road to the submission of an application doesn’t need to be a lonely job. Playright+ is here to help organizations to prepare their case, to highlight its qualities and added value and to explain how it will be treated.

Rudy: PlayRight+ wishes to support projects that highlight the performing aspect of our artists. In addition to supporting independent projects, the department can also engage in partnerships with organizations that have a correct ethics vis-à-vis the performers. PlayRight+ obviously monitors the utmost respect of copyright and neighbouring rights in each collaboration.

What does PlayRight+ do to “defend the interests of artists”?

Ioan: We monitor all political and legal developments and we mobilize to ensure the voices of performers are heard in our sector and by policy makers. This also means that we try to keep performers informed of all the developments that concern them. For example, we often receive questions related to contracts. We will not negotiate contracts for the artists, but when we detect practices that are not acceptable in the interest of performers, we report them if necessary to the responsible actors or specific federations.

Rudy: PlayRight+ also brings support to the sector through the help we provide to initiatives, by organizing forums, maintaining close contacts with artist lobbies, etc. The department also provides general advice on legal and professional work as a performer, organizes debates, conferences and awards prizes. All to raise awareness of the importance of neighbouring rights and copyrights concerns and the needs and problems of performers.

Neighbouring rights are still very poorly understood, even by professionals who work daily with them. The purpose of PlayRight+ is to become the centre of knowledge on neighbouring rights for the entire sector (not only for performers).

Can one be affiliated to PlayRight and also ask for financial support?

Ioan: Of course! However, the demand for financial support may not be submitted by individuals. The support is reserved for organizations. But the fact that the organization is run by people who are or are not affiliated or associated with PlayRight doesn’t make any difference in the analysis of the application by the PlayRight+ Commission. Only the project and its respect for the performance of the performer matter.

Questions about PlayRight +? Contact us by mail via plus@playright.be