THE INDEPENDENT
MUSIC GROUP (IMG) IMG is one of
the most respected and highly efficient independent music publishers and administrators
in the World. IMG controls thousands of copyrights and is probably in the
charts more often than any other true independent.
The strength of its position
in the marketplace enables IMG to compete on a far more equal footing whenever
important music industry issues need to be addressed.
IMG considers it important
that the voice of the independent music publisher is always heard at least as
loudly as the major players. Additionally, the synergy that evolves from IMG’s
varied and extensive experience can only enhance its ability to give copyright
owners the services they need and are entitled to demand. It is IMG’s intention
to continue with its policy of providing a personal service to clients who do
not want to be just one in a million.
HISTORY The International Music
Network was founded by Ellis Rich after a decade in the international division
of EMI Music Publishing. EMI had acquired Feldman’s Music in 1972 where Ellis
had begun as a copyist and arranger in 1963.
In the early 70's he
transcribed all the Queen hits including "Killer Queen" and "Bohemian
Rhapsody" and also created several music folios pioneering classical
"busker" folios with Focus On Classics; other folios followed. He
enjoyed a U.K. and U.S.A. top 30 hit in 1972 as Sovereign Collection with
Mozart 40 on Capitol Records and in 1975 was appointed International Professional
Manager looking after EMI Publishing International product in the U.K. and
EMI U.K. product overseas. Ellis left EMI in 1981 to become independent and
has continued to enjoy chart hits as a publisher in the U.K. and the rest
of the world ever since. In 1987, Ellis became General Manager of Supreme
Songs and soon enjoyed a worldwide hit when OFRA HAZA had a U.K. top 20 single
with "Im Nin'Alu" which also reached No. 1 in Germany, Spain &
Portugal, France and elsewhere. Hits with HITHOUSE, STEFAN DENNIS and others
followed.
The Independent Music Group (IMG)
IMG History
IMG Present Day
IMG Administration Services
Industry Association Directorships
IMG U.S.A. Business
IMG Industry References
In 1989 Ellis formed The International Music Network and since then there has been continuing acquisition and innumerable hits. After the acquisition or formation of further publishing catalogues, JSE Music Publishing Limited, R & E Music Limited, Music One Limited, Beat That Music Limited and Chriswood Music, the umbrella group name of Independent Music Group was created.
The members of the IMG team share a common vision and a wealth of experience in all aspects of the music industry and provide a valuable backbone to one of the most respected and able independent music publishing companies in the world.
PRESENT DAY
In recent years, Independent Music Group has had a chart record nearly every week! The IMG Consortium has rapidly become a worldwide force comprising a group of fiercely independent publishers now responsible for many thousands of copyrights and is growing apace.
Representing many catalogues from the U.S.A. and Europe, IMG has an enviable reputation for accurate and detailed accounting. The Consortium relishes representation of neglected catalogues where uncollected income is invariably discovered to the surprise and delight of the owners.
Prospective clients are welcome to contact principals of catalogues currently represented for recommendation. Music Publishing in the Twenty First Century is big business but in a sector dominated by multinationals with eyes firmly focused on market share and share price, IMG is an independent company whose gaze never strays from the music.
IMG has long recognised that the key to success lies in the good fortunes of its customers. IMG’s avowed intent is to enhance and maximise the returns from clients' copyrights both in the United Kingdom and overseas and in fulfilling that aim has set standards that its competitors find hard to beat. By providing an effective infrastructure for the worldwide tracking, monitoring and collection of royalty entitlements, coupled with operational support and legal back-up, IMG has carved a niche as a global force in an ever more complex music rights marketplace.
IMG now administrates thousands of titles including many number one hits, pop classics and standards. The commitment to talent development is as complete as the knowledge of the industry at all levels and in all areas. This knowledge is invaluable when advising IMG’s clients about record deals, remixes, promotion, neighbouring rights, and much more.
ADMINISTRATION SERVICES
Since the company started IMG has taken pride in its administration services, suited to the needs of individual composers and small publishers alike. One of the attractions of IMG's standard agreement is that IMG accounts clients' income directly from the source. IMG insures against multiple commission deductions by accounting on the gross amount, rather than the net receipt, saving clients from having as much as 60% of their income plundered by local affiliates. For fifteen years IMG has operated with the sole aim of maximising clients' earnings and securing just rewards for their artistic endeavours. IMG also plays an active role in developing its composers' talents by exploitation.
INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION DIRECTORSHIPS
Ellis Rich also finds time to meet the demands incumbent on the role of Chairman and Director of the Performing Right Society (PRS), The Mechanical Copyright Protection Society (MCPS) and the Music Publishers' Association (MPA).
U.S.A. BUSINESS
IMG’s respected worldwide international consortium of top independent music publishers now has hundreds of U.S. companies choosing IMG to represent their foreign rights. These companies enjoy the benefits of a worldwide one-stop service as well as efficiency and accuracy. IMG is always happy to refer prospective clients to them for their recommendation. IMG can be very flexible when structuring a deal. IMG pays advances and/or pipeline income where appropriate. IMG offers "at source" collection deals as well as subpublishing, and actively works copyrights. IMG can clean up the registrations of neglected catalogues and can often reclaim monies previously thought to have been lost.
INDUSTRY REFERENCES
"We've just begun
our tenth year with Ellis Rich and IMG in what started as a single song representation
and has grown into a very warm, gratifying and rewarding relationship. IMG
represent us in the U.K. and, in many instances, the rest of the world. They
are terrific subpublishers and allies for us."
Reid Whitelaw of Brookside Music and Nickel Shoe Music in Florida.
"Every subpublisher
should be as thorough."
Stanley Mills, owner of September Music in New York