UNIVERSAL MUSIC PUBLISHING’s production music arm, UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING PRODUCTION MUSIC (UPPM), has reached a new agreement with SESAC to enhance UPPM songwriters’ compensation.

The agreement, which is effective TODAY, covers those production music songs controlled by UPPM that were previously registered with ASCAP for U.S. exploitation. It does not affect royalties collected outside of the U.S.

UPPM Worldwide Pres. GARY GROSS commented on the deal: “We’re proud that this agreement provides greater value to our songwriters and pleased to expand our relationship with SESAC. Today’s announcement reflects our commitment to maximize writers’ revenues and bring them as many creative opportunities as we can. We will continue to work on our writers’ behalf, and note that our relationship with ASCAP remains close.”

The agreement removes a specific universe of works from the ASCAP repertory, but does not affect a songwriter’s decision to continue overall membership in ASCAP. For the covered production music songs, ASCAP will continue to pay songwriters royalties through MARCH 31st, as well as for “licenses in effect” through the expiration of those licenses.

UPPM, whose U.S. companies include FIRSTCOM MUSIC and KILLER TRACKS, is the world’s leading music production company. Dedicated to helping clients create emotional and memorable audiovisual experiences, UPPM offers full music supervision service, including: free music searches, bespoke music edits, re-versioning and commissioned music. Visit www.unippm.com for more information.