For productions
Keep usage metadata connected to the licensing brief so final picture edits, territories and delivery dates do not drift from the approved scope.
PRODUCTION RESOURCE · FREE CSV
A music cue sheet starts with an accurate cue log.
Use this practical worksheet to record picture timings, track versions and rights metadata. Then move the verified information into the cue-sheet format required by your broadcaster or production partner.
What is a music cue sheet?
A cue sheet is a structured record of music used in a screen production. A broadcaster, platform, production company, collection society or music administrator may need specific identifiers and timings to identify uses and support royalty reporting. Their official template and submission requirements always take precedence over this working resource.
Free production cue-log starter
Download a blank CSV for producers and music teams. It helps capture details while you're spotting, clearing and delivering music. It is not an officially issued broadcaster or society cue sheet.
What fields should the team capture?
| Field | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Production, season, episode and cut | Identifies the exact programme or version being delivered |
| Cue title and recording artist | Connects a specific recording to a scene or event |
| In / out timecode and duration | Documents when and how long the music is used |
| Use type | Distinguishes background, visual performance, theme or another category |
| Writers, publishers and ownership splits | Helps route performance and publishing information to the right parties |
| ISWC, ISRC and alternative identifiers | Can support matching when known; blanks are better than guessed IDs |
| Master and composition clearance status | Tracks commercial licensing evidence separately from cue-sheet metadata |
Six checks before delivery
- Match each cue to the exact picture cut and final mix, not the spotting version.
- Identify the actual recording, including the correct mix or edit.
- Resolve writer and publisher fields against authorised records; flag unknowns.
- Confirm timecodes and usage duration against the delivered programme.
- Keep signed master and composition permissions in a separate secure evidence trail.
- Reconcile the production log with the format requested by the recipient.
Cue sheets and music clearances do different jobs
A completed cue sheet can help identify and report uses, but it is not permission to synchronise a recording with picture, reproduce a master or use a sample. A clearance case should only be signed off when each required rights line has the relevant approval and supporting signed agreement.
For composers and publishers
Compare delivered music identifiers against registrations and eventual royalty statements. This can help surface mismatches without assuming a missing record proves unpaid royalties.
Continue with Audio Motion
Have a project with a deadline?
Tell us which music, version and media you are considering. We can discuss a suitable creative or clearance route. An enquiry is not a licence or confirmation of availability.